MIGHTY Chelsea are coming to Dorset.
The Premiership champions will be facing Dorchester Town at the Avenue Stadium on Tuesday, July 26.
Jose Mourinho's star-studded Blues are lined up to take on the Magpies in a testimonial for long-serving Dorchester defender Andy Harris.
And Magpies chairman Eddie Belt is relishing the mouth-watering prospect of internationals such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba gracing the Avenue turf.
He said: "Getting Chelsea down to Dorchester is a real coup not only for Andy and Dorchester but Dorset Football in general.
"Knowing the Premiership champions will be appearing at our ground is unbelievable and July 26 should be a cracking night.
"We've hoped for a while that Chelsea would agree to come down but to get confirmation is fantastic.
"We won't be sure of what sort of a team Chelsea plan to bring until nearer the day but, even so, it's still a great prospect all the same.
"Their squad is packed full of
quality and I'm sure people will be in for a great night whoever plays."
Belt said Harris' big night, which comes as the Magpies celebrate
their 125th anniversary, was
arranged after a chance meeting out of the blue.
"One of Chelsea's backroom staff visits Andy's dad's golf course, they got chatting and things progressed from there," he said.
"The fixture has taken a while to finalise but now it is here, we're absolutely delighted.
"Andy really deserves his big night because he has been a great servant over the last few years and, as a club, we try and do all we can for players celebrating their testimonial."
Chelsea's visit has added significance following the recent death of former Magpies chairman Peter Aiken, an avid Blues fan.
The Stamford Bridge season ticket contacted Chelsea before his death asking the Premiership giants, who are celebrating their centenary, to
play at Dorchester to show their support for the grass-roots game.
Belt added: "Peter was a big Chelsea fan and them coming down will be a great tribute to him for all his
fantastic work for the club over the years."
Ticket arrangements and price details will be released later.
n Magpies review of the season - Page 27
n Weymouth Football Club's end of season presentation night takes place this Friday at the Hotel Prince Regent.
A host of awards will be up for grabs from 8pm, with music provided by local band Panic Attack.
Tickets, priced £5, are available from the Wessex Stadium or on the door on Friday.
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