Dave Jones to attend Pele event in Cannock

Just nine days remain until Pele arrives in the West Midlands to spend a traditional Sunday lunch with up to 300 people in Bar Sport's Premier Suite.

The 75-year-old is the most prolific goalscorer and arguably the most recognised name in the game's history, writes Craig Birch.

Among the guests will be Dave Jones, who was Wolves boss when they won promotion to the re-branded top flight in 2003.

Jones was in the dug-out when they beat Sheffield United 3-0 in the Division One play-off final, taking the club to the highest division for the first time in 29 years.

The 60-year-old was in charge at Molineux from January 2001 to November 2004, winning 75 out of 187 games. He lost 52 and drew 60 matches.

He'd previously managed Stockport County and Southampton and went on to boss Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, the latter his last post where he was sacked in December 2013.

He will now return to the area for the Pele show with former England striker Stan Collymore, from Cannock, also confirmed to attend.

Another former Wolves manager and former Manchester United and Scotland chief Tommy Docherty has been invited. Brummie radio presenter Paul Burrell will interview Pele.

He will fly over from his home in his native Brazil for his four-date tour, which starts in Glasgow on the Friday.

He'll appear in Bolton on the Saturday night and Leeds after the Cannock show. He's in better health, after missing the chance to light the Olympic flame at Rio 2016 through hip surgery.

The Brazilian superstar is the only player to win three World Cups for his country in history, having made his debut aged just 16. He won 91 caps, scoring 77 times, from 1957 to 1971.

His club career spanned 21 seasons with just two clubs, Santos in his homeland followed by a stint in the United States with New York Cosmos.

According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), his haul of 541 league goals has never been surpassed.

Taking into account friendlies and tour games, his overall tally was 1,281 goals from 1,363 games. During his playing days, he was the highest-paid athlete in the world.

All standard tickets were snapped up within the first week of the event being announced, with only 'silver' and a handful of 'gold' options remaining.

Sales have now passed the 200 mark, with the option to buy right up to the day before the show. Pricing has remained at the same figures.

Silver is £299, which includes a four-course meal and seating in the middle of the room. A professional photograph with Pele is included in the price.

Gold is £650 with all of the 'silver' privileges plus a signed shirt, priority seating and a drinks reception. There's no added option for a picture with Pele in the standard package.

For more information and to book places for the show, get in touch with Bar Sport directly by calling 01543 572 092.