And it was an entertaining afternoon on the pitch, with the famous faces split into two teams to play out a 3-2 goalfest.
It was Team Hitman, fittingly captained by Ricky’s son Campbell, who came out on top over Team Hatton, led by the world champion boxer Dalton Smith.
The game was played in the spirit that embodied Ricky throughout his life – with humour, enthusiasm, pride and a connection with the fans in the stands.
But most importantly, thousands of pounds were raised for Manchester City’s official charity, City in the Community, with funds helping to support mental health and suicide prevention initiatives across Greater Manchester and the UK.
You can still donate before 30 November by sending the keyword TEN to 70172 to donate £10, TWENTY to 70172 to donate £20, THIRTY to 70172 to donate £30, or FORTY to 70172 to donate £40. Please note, donations after 30 November will not contribute to the total but you may still be charged.
On the pitch, there was only one goal to separate the sides but plenty of goalmouth action at both ends.
All of that came after a special performance from globally renowned classical singer Russell Watson before kick-off, who wowed those in attendance with a spectacular rendition of the timeless Nessun Dorma.
Shaun Goater had the first shot in anger after 13 minutes, forcing former Millwall and Cardiff City goalkeeper Tony Warner into a diving stop.
Find out more about City in the Community
The opener almost came almost 10 minutes later, with David James rolling back the years to tip Robert Earnshaw’s curling effort around the post.
Instead, it was Team Hitman who took the lead in the 32nd minute when Abbie McManus found Love Island star Harry Cooksley on the penalty spot. Fresh off the bench, he cushioned the ball beyond Warner and into the net.
Jermaine Beckford should have made it two a few minutes later, but his effort beat the diving Warner and the post too.
Jermaine Beckford should have made it two a few minutes later, but his effort beat the diving Warner and the post too.
No matter though, as Cooksley hit a sweet effort from 25 yards into the corner following a cushioned header from former world champion boxer Liam Smith.
Team Hatton responded well at the start of the second half, with Earnshaw teeing up content creator Ryan Hall (known as Still Ryan) to beat half-time substitute SCOUSEGK.
The two-goal advantage in favour of Team Hitman was restored almost immediately, with Beckford getting his name on the scoresheet with a deft lob over Warner.
Goals were flowing now and Earnshaw finally got the goal that his play deserved, tucking into an empty net after a shot was blocked. He even followed it up with the acrobatics he made famous during his professional career.
Ben Mee thought he had the equaliser a few minutes later, reacting quickest to a SCOUSE GK save before seeing the offside flag raised.
Team Hatton kept coming, with actor Kola Bokinni going closest to the leveller but it didn’t come.
There was an opportunity for one more trip down memory lane though, with David James coming on up front for the final few minutes in a move reminiscent of a substitution made on the last day of 2004/05 Premier League season!
After the final whistle, it was down to City in the Community CEO Michael Geary to hand over the trophy to Campbell Hatton to lift the trophy.
Goals
Team Hitman: Harry Cooksley (32, 38), Jermaine Beckford (57)
Team Hatton: Still Ryan (53), Robert Earnshaw (59)
Lineups
Team Hitman: Campbell Hatton (c), David James, Pablo Zabaleta, Big Zuu, Abbie McManus, Ralf Little, Jeff Brazier, Harry Cooksley, Jermaine Beckford, Adam Catterall, Kristen Harby, Mikael Silvestre, Wes Morgan, Matthew Miller, Paul Dickov, FG, Liam Smith, Fraizer Campbell, Shaun Goater, Dylan Thomas Smith, Moe Hashim, Big John
Team Hatton: Dalton Smith (c), SCOUSEGK, Tony Warner, Still Ryan, Troy Hawke, Ben Mee, Archie Renaux, Kola Bokinni, Toni Duggan, Tamer Hassan, Jimmy Bullard, Joel Beya, Jason Manford, Rob Earnshaw, Harry Pinero, Charlie Wrenshall, Nedum Onuoha, Luca Toolan, Eric Djemba Djemba, Dan Gardner, William Gallas, Gerryn Hussain, Cel Spellman, Colin Hendry
