Auction of James McFadden painting at Ayr Utd groundsman tribute

May 7 2008 Ayrshire Post

A SUPERB oil painting of James McFadden will be one of the many auction items up for grabs at a big Ayr bash.

United fan Richard McDonald’s sketch of goal hero Faddy during the France v Scotland game will go under the hammer at the Davie Harkness testimonial dinner.

And stars have rallied to support the event in the Princess Royal suite at Ayr Racecourse on Friday May 16 which will mark Harko’s 30 years as United turf king.

Record Ayr export Gary Teale, whose transfer to Wigan brought in £425,000 has donated a signed Scotland jersey. There are also autographed Old Firm tops while former United star Stevie Nicol has sent a signed shirt from New England Revolution where he is head coach.

Other auction items include a United hospitality box for next season and a piece of Somerset turf signed by Harko himself.

Scotland boss George Burley, who began his managerial career at Ayr, has pledged to return for the big night.

And he will be joined by a host of former Ayr players and staff who have worked with Harko since 1978.

Speakers at the dinner are Irish comic Stewart Coull and former Scotland striker Joe Harper.

The night will be chaired by lawyer Richard Hutchison.

Tickets for the dinner, priced £45, are available from the testimonial committee via Somerset Park.