A STUNNING new artwork of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen has been unveiled ahead of a charity football match next month. 

The piece, which features the former Gers captain in the club’s 2005/06 kit, is being auctioned off to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice. 

Ricksen spent his final days at the Airdrie centre in 2019 before he passed away following a long battle with motor neurone disease (MND). 

Former teammate Marvin Andrews was on hand at Shotts Bon Accord today to reveal the bespoke work and said it was a fitting tribute to a "wonderful human being". 

Glasgow Times: Fernando Ricksen spent six years in Govan with Rangers Fernando Ricksen spent six years in Govan with Rangers

“It means a lot to be here," Andrews, who spent two years in Govan, said. "Fernando is no longer here with us, which is a sad thing.

“What can you say about Fernando Ricksen? There has been much about him both negatively and positively but based on my time with him he was a fantastic human being, a number one prankster – always looking to do something mischievous – but deep inside he was a wonderful human being.

“At the same time he was a great captain for us and was a great support to us during Helicopter Sunday. 

“I always say this when I talk about Fernando. Fernando contracted an illness which was completely opposite to who he was as a human being." 

Andrews will return to Shotts next month to play in a rescheduled charity match alongside a host of Rangers Legends. Co-managed by Ian Durrant and Stan Gordon, the team will also feature the likes of Colin Hendry and Andy Little as they take on a Shotts Select. 

Glasgow Times: Podcaster James English is sponsoring the event and will feature for the Shotts Select Podcaster James English is sponsoring the event and will feature for the Shotts Select

Podcaster James English, who has sponsored the event, will cameo for the hosts, who will be made up of members of Shotts Bon Accord's Scottish Junior Cup winning team of 2012. 

As well as St Andrew's Hospice, all proceeds from the event will go towards Wishaw-based charity Chris's House. 

Andrews added: “There are a lot of people in the United Kingdom and in Scotland who are suffering from MND and that’s why we know it’s important to help as much as we can to fund research into the illness, so they may find a cure which will help people to live longer.

"We are dealing with very difficult situations here and they [the charities] are trying their best to give somebody their best life in the remaining of the life they may have.

Glasgow Times: Marvin Andrews won the 2004/5 SPL title alongside Fernando Ricksen Marvin Andrews won the 2004/5 SPL title alongside Fernando Ricksen

“They can’t do that without finances. When we are talking about £88,000 a week, you are talking serious money here.

“We can only do a little to help as best as we can. That’s why I am so happy to be part of this.

“I thank God everyday for my life and for everything I have and will always try my best to help those less fortunate than me." 

Event organiser Stuart Thomson, who was behind a 2019 match in Shotts in memory of his brother Gordon, said: "The last 18 months have been hell for most of us but now we are beginning to come out of it and we cannot wait to have our game here.

“St Andrew’s provided phenomenal end of life care to Fernando during his time there. I know what tremendous passion and care everyone gets there.

Glasgow Times: Stuart Thomson and Marvin Andrews with the artwork Stuart Thomson and Marvin Andrews with the artwork

“I know Chris’s House is doing some great stuff. We wanted to do it for two local charities." 

Founded by Anne Rowan in memory of her son Chris, who took his own life in 2011, Chris's House offers a safe space for people suffering from mental health issues to seek help. 

Anne said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been chosen as one of the charities for this game because Shotts is actually my old stomping ground and my family’s home.

“I am proud that this game is taking place and that us and St Andrew’s Hospice will be one of the beneficiaries." 

Bruce MacKenzie, fundraiser at St Andrew's Hospice, said: "Thank you very much for choosing ourselves. It means a lot to us. As everyone knows, Covid has been an absolute nightmare.

“We don’t like to say the figure but we need to raise £88,000 a week. That has been a struggle with Covid and events like this have been so missed.

“It will be a fantastic night.”

Stewart McLuckie, Shotts Bon Accord treasurer, said: "The club jumped at the chance to be involved in this." 

To enter the auction for the artwork, by Geo Thomson, and for more information, email tattietamson@hotmail.co.uk. 

Tickets for the match, which takes palce on Friday, September 17 at 7pm, can be purchased at Shotts Bon Accord Social Club Chris's House, St Andrew's Hospice, and John Murphy Shotts RSC.