Ahead of Friday's Cardiff City XI vs. All Stars XI fixture, we caught up with both David Marshall and Joe Ledley.
Ledley's represented the Bluebirds between 2004 and 2010, while Marshall's time in the Welsh capital was between 2009 and 2016.
Both popular figures at City, they will captain the two sides at Cardiff City Stadium.
"To get back playing, I thought those days were over," Marshall said. "Len [Nokes] has persuaded me to get the gloves back on and I’m excited. The players that are going to be there, it’s always good to catch up. The memories I have there are amazing and I’m looking forward to getting back out there on the pitch.
"The Club means a lot to me. It was the most enjoyable spell of my career by a long way, it was different class and a really special club. I had a great connection with the fans. The passionate support that they have, it was a fantastic atmosphere to play in. They were a huge part of my time at the Club and I’m looking forward to seeing them all."
Ledley added: "I’m very excited. I haven’t played at CCS for a few years, but I had some fantastic memories there, both with Cardiff City and Wales.
"I’ve had a lot of success at the stadium, it’s a brilliant stadium to play in and an absolute honour to be invited by Len to play in this game. I’m looking forward to seeing some former teammates and former Cardiff City players as well."
The game, being played in memory of Claire Nokes, will raise money for the Prop Appeal – a fund managed by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity to support individuals undergoing brain injury rehabilitation and their families.
Claire, daughter of Cardiff City F.C Medical Director, Len Nokes, collapsed at a friend’s home in December 2016 having suffered a cardiac arrest, subsequently confirmed as having been brought on by a condition called myocarditis. She had suffered a hypoxic brain injury and would be in a vegetative state for the next (and last) eight months of her life, passing away on October 3rd, 2017, at just 26 years of age.
The Prop Appeal at Rookwood Hospital provided invaluable support for the Nokes family during the most difficult of times. This week, famous faces are coming together to give a little back.
"With the players that are coming back, it shows how much of a vital part Len has played," Marshall continued. "He has maybe gone under the radar, but you’ll struggle to meet a better person in football. His devotion to the Club, how calm he is in every situation and how helpful he is, not just in training, but he’s been at my house on Christmas Day before to help me. Any issues, he was always there for you and he’s such a vital part of the Club.
"When Len first created the group chat put the invite out for the game, as soon as we knew the reason behind it was his daughter Claire, everyone was keen to support him and the family as much as we can. The answer was always going to be yes.
"To have as many fans as possible in the stadium supporting the Prop Appeal, it’s so important. The hope that the charity brings is massive and I’m sure that the day will have a lot of support, because people know how important Len has been and how crucial the work is that the charity are doing."
Ledley concluded: "It was devastating news when I heard about Claire. I knew her when I came through at Cardiff City and she’d come to the games. This is the reason why a lot of players are getting involved is to do it for Claire and for Len.
"It’s important to try and raise as much money as possible for the charity. There’s no better game to do it with former players coming back. It’s a credit to the fans that they’ll be there to support.
"Walking out onto the field again is going to be an amazing feeling. I have a lot of friends and family coming to watch, so there’s a bit of pressure, but I love that stadium and it brings back a lot of memories.
"Doing it with a bunch of former Cardiff City players will be an honour. This is where I’m from, I’m a Cardiff boy and to have the opportunity to play at your home stadium is a privilege."
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