FOOTBALLERS who played in the Champions League for the first time this season have picked Northwich to prepare for their next European adventure.

Romania’s best team Unirea Urziceni, who face Liverpool at Anfield next week, have agreed to train at the homes of both Vics and Witton Albion in the run-up to the game.

They will also take on Andy Preece’s men in a friendly on Monday.

“My mum always told me that if you can’t be clever then be lucky,” said Vics’ owner Jim Rushe.

“A friend of a friend put them in touch with us and we’re more than happy to help out. Having the match against them is an extra bonus too.”

Unirea will practice at Albion’s Wincham Park tomorrow, Saturday, because their neighbours are at home to Alfreton Town in the Blue Square North.

For the rest of the week they will move across the canal to use the Victoria Stadium.

Monday’s warm up game kicks off at 7.30pm.

Rushe added: “As a gesture of goodwill to our supporters we do not intend to charge for them to come and watch the game.

“They can make a donation if they wish, paying what they think is a reasonable amount.”

Unirea, who were managed by former Chelsea star and World Cup player Dan Petrescu in the Champions League group stage before Christmas, are the reigning champions in the Romanian Liga I.

They, like Premier League giants Liverpool, dropped into the Europa League after finishing third but defeated Glasgow Rangers and Sevilla as they amassed eight points.

German club Stuttgart went through with only one more.

Unirea, second in their domestic league at the halfway point of the current campaign, have not played a competitive match since mid-December as the Romanian competition stops for a winter break.

They do not resume their league programme until after the first leg against Rafa Benitez’s men.

Monday February 15
Friendly
Northwich Victoria v Unirea Urziceni
Victoria Stadium
Kick off 7.30m
Admission Free (*Fans can make a donation at the gate should they wish)