BAMBER BRIDGE FC

It has been confirmed that former Brig captain Matt Lawlor will bring his Fleetwood Town side to Irongate for a friendly on Saturday 11 July, a game which will  see the return of  'The Kev Walker Cup'.

The cup, named in honour of club stalwart Kev, was introduced in 2024 as part of the 'Save Brig' fundraiser and was contested by a Brig XI and The North West Community Stars Team.  A game which saw current Fleetwood assistant manager Mark Yeates and former player Richie Allen pulling on a Brig shirt once again.

Kev and his grandson present the 'Kev Walker Cup' to the Brig XI guest captain Dom Harvey - October 2024

Following Kev's death in November 2025, the club have taken the decision to dedicate this year's pre-season friendly against Fleetwood Town as 'The Kev Walker Cup' game.  

This year's game will be especially meaningful as current Fleetwood Town manager Matthew Lawlor is a former captain of Bamber Bridge, making over 400 appearances for the club during his time at Irongate.  He will be joined in the away dugout by his two assistants Nathan Pond and Mark Yeates who also had playing spells at Brig in recent years.

Speaking about the match, Director of Football Neil Crowe said:

"It will be great to welcome Matt Lawlor back to Irongate. He played under myself and later under Jamie Milligan (Milly) and his assistants Nathan Pond and Mark Yeates both played under Milly at Brig. They're all great lads and top football people. It will be fantastic to welcome them back to Bamber Bridge, especially for the Kev Walker Cup."

Matt Lawlor lifts the Evo-Stik North Play-Off Final Winners Trophy for Bamber Bridge - May 2018

Manager Jamie Milligan added:

"Playing Fleetwood Town while remembering Kev is brilliant for everyone involved at the club. It means Fleetwood's management team are returning home to Bamber Bridge, where they all played and where they all knew Kev really well. It feels only right that they return to help us celebrate his life and be part of this special game."

Supporters attending the game will be able to watch the action from 'Kev Walker Way'.  Following Kev's death, a group of his friends and fellow Brig supporters came together and arranged with the club for the Irongate close side of the ground to be renamed to honour the memory of man who was 'Brig' through and through.  

Kev's family and the Brig team at the official unveiling of 'Kev Walker Way' - April 2026

This game joins the lineup of home pre-season games already announced: Preston North End (14 July) and Morecambe (18 July).

Kick off in the Kev Walker Cup will be 12 noon.  Admission information will be advertised nearer the time.

*All pre-season games and kick off times are subject to change.