HIS legendary status on the pitch could soon shift to his cycling skills as former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson makes the final preparations for his mammoth charity cycle ride.

After months of training, Bob, who has a home in Christchurch, is aiming to cycle more than 500 miles to every Premier League ground in 11 days, starting in London and eventually finishing at Hampden Park to raise £250,000 for the Willow Foundation.

He and his wife Megs set-up the charity, which provides special days for seriously ill people aged 16-40, after their daughter Anna died of a rare form of cancer, aged just 32.

Joining the much-loved footballer will be close friends, Steve Cliffen, co-founder of the Cicely Foundation, and former GB International cyclist David Tweddell.

Over the past six months the trio have undertaken intensive training rides, cycling between 25-40 miles a day under the watchful eye of super fit pro cyclist David.

And despite their age – Bob, 70, David, 78, and Steve -the baby of the group at 57 – there is no sign of any nerves.

“Turning 70 I wanted to do something special in my 71st year with this 500mile cycle”, said Bob.

“70/71 is already a significant number for me as it was my greatest year in football – winning the European Fairs cup in 1970 and one year later the coveted League Championship and FA Cup “double”.

“Combining another big achievement some 40 years later with a chance to support so many young people living with serious illness means so much to me.”

He added: “All three of us have got different strengths. For me the hills will be the biggest challenge. But I’m so looking forward to visiting the clubs – some of them hold some very special memories.”

The trio and their support team will kick off the ride on April 18 at Fulham’s Craven Cottage and expect to finish on April 29 at Hampden Park, in a tribute to Bob’s Scottish roots.

• For more information and to make a donation, visit the Bob Wilson Soccer Cycle website