Stars to play in Roberts benefit

Ex-Swindon striker Christian Roberts has lined up a host of big names for his benefit match, which will be held at the County Ground on 11 February.

He has arranged a game between Swindon and Chelsea All-Star squads including the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo, Paul Bodin and Sam Parkin.

Roberts told BBC Radio Swindon he owes a lot to Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet.

"I don't know how I can thank them. It's amazing two people have gone out of their way to help," said Roberts.

"It's remarkable," he added.

Wise and Poyet will both play alongside current West Ham boss Zola and fellow Chelsea legends Roberto di Matteo, Graham Le Saux and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

They will be playing a Swindon team which will contain some of the current squad alongside the likes of Bodin, Shaun Taylor and Parkin.

Cardiff-born Roberts, 29, retired in September because of a knee injury.

Some of the money raised on the night will go to the Cancer Research charity, after Roberts' father died from the disease in October, 2008.

"Losing my dad was probably the worst day of my life," he said.

"Losing my dad was probably the worst day of my life"
Christian Roberts

"While going through treatment (for alcohol addiction) my dad was my right hand man.

"We've got a pink kit for the evening, and I'm just trying to put on a special night for everyone."

Roberts, who also played for Exeter and Cardiff, was signed for Swindon by Andy King from Bristol City in October 2004.

He scored 27 goals for Swindon under several different managers in a total of 145 appearances for the club.

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