TOP names in British soccer management attended a fundraising dinner in memory of a former Hereford United coach.

England soccer manager Gareth Southgate sent a personally recorded message to start off proceedings at the gala dinner in memory of Dick Bate, from Ross on Wye, who died last year from a brain tumour.

Just how much impact Dick had on the world of soccer was evident from the stars who attended the dinner at the Chase Hotel in Ross on Wye.

They included Burnley manager Sean Dyche, England Under 21 manager Aidy Boothroyd, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Keith Burkenshaw, and Malky Mackay, Performance Director of the Scottish Football Association.

Also there was Ashley Giles, Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket.

The event was organised by Dick's wife Maggie to raise money for the Giles Trust, which is based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The dinner raised a whopping £47,5000.

The Trust was founded when Ashley's wife Stine was successfully treated for two brain tumours at the QEHB and aims to ensure further research is funded.

Dick was an FA elite coaching manger and, apart from The Bulls, held positions at clubs including Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County, Leeds United, Cardiff City as well as working with the England Youth team.

The sports legends who attended helped to raise funds by signing team shirts and hospitality packages that were being auctioned.

QEHB Consultant Neurosurgeon Ismail Ughratdar told how they hope to raise £113,000 to fund ground breaking research into Artifical Intelligence for brain tumours.

DJ Nigel Gaudion acted as Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer; Julie Bethell, of Dress to Impress, transformed the venue for the evening; and Caz Holbrook photographed the event.

Maggie thanked the staff at the Chase for their hard work and support.

To find out more about the Giles Trust and hear Gareth Southgate talk about Dick Bate search @qehbcharity on social media