HE struck fear into the heart of opponents, but the footballer known as Psycho is sure to receive a warm welcome in Freethorpe today.Former England international Stuart Pearce is the star guest at the official opening of the village's new Community Pavilion.

HE struck fear into the heart of opponents, but the footballer known as Psycho is sure to receive a warm welcome in Freethorpe today.

Former England international Stuart Pearce is the star guest at the official opening of the village's new Community Pavilion.

The completion of the �328,000 pavilion this month was the culmination of years of fund raising by Freethorpe Football Club and the Village Hall Committee. Funding was provided by a number of awards including �211,822 from the Football Foundation.

Villagers also raised cash organising bingo sessions, casino nights, fetes and sponsored walks.

The new facility includes six changing rooms, including two for match officials, a club room and kitchen.

Saturday's event gets underway at 11.15am with football coaching showcasing the talents of the club's young players.

The pavilion, at the playing field in School Road, will be opened at 11.45am after which Pearce will cast his eye over further training sessoins.

A tenacious defender who wore his heart on his sleeve, Pearce was one of the greatest players of his generation, winning 78 international caps in the 1980s and 90s.

He is perhaps most famous for two penalties - the one he missed in the World Cup semi-final against Germany in 1990 and the other he scored in a shoot out with Spain at Euro 96.

The left-back was given the nickname “Psycho”, also the title of his autobiography, for his full bloodied tackles and uncompromising attitude.

After beginning his career at Coventry City, Pearce was signed by legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough in 1985. He made 522 appearances for the East Midlands club before joining West Ham and later Manchester City. Pearce was appointed to the England coaching team in February last year.

Freethorpe Football club secretary Stephen Smith said: "It is absolutely fantastic for everyone here as Stuart Pearce is an ex England captain and still a legend.

“I think he will be amazed by the facilities we have got. I would like to think the pavilion will become the focal point of the community.”