Former Kingstonian star Jon Coke is relishing the chance to play alongside brother Giles Coke in Ks colours – seven years after the pair joined the club.
The 29-year-old and his younger sibling, who now plays for Sheffield Wednesday, will play in Coke’s Select XI for his testimonial clash with Ks boss Alan Dowson’s All Star XI at Kingsmeadow athletics stadium next Wednesday.
Coke senior, who spent five seasons with the club, and his 25-year-old brother joined Ks in 2004, but were unfortunately part of the team that was ultimately relegated to Ryman Division One South.
While midfielder Giles’ form saw him snapped up by Mansfield Town for a life in the Football League, Jon was left to suffer the ignominy of the drop.
It meant the school teacher, who is taking a year out of the game having finished last season with Hendon, played through one of the most difficult periods in the club’s history.
But he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“When I used to play Championship Manager as a kid, Kingstonian were the easiest team to get into the Football League, so it seemed right to join them,” he said.
“Obviously, Giles moved on before we were relegated, but I stuck around through the mess.
“I didn’t want to finish my Ks career with a relegation on my CV without having put it right. It meant I probably played under the highest number of chairmen, highest number of managers and the highest number of players.
“But the fans stay the same and I’m pleased to have played a part in getting the team back up for them.”
Dowson promised Coke the testimonial match when he was released from Kings-meadow in 2009.
Ex-Premier League stars like Phil Babb, Clinton Morrison, Dean Holdsworth and David Howells are expected to play, as are Ks legends David Leworthy and Geoff Pitcher.
But it is the chance to team up with his brother that Coke is most looking forward to.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the same side as my brother, but differences in age has meant we haven’t always been able to,” he added.
“I have great memories of the club and it is going to be great to see some old faces.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here