Wythenshawe Vets, a Sunday League team from Greater Manchester, have made headlines thanks to their star-studded squad that includes 10 former Premier League players
They say you never lose it – and that’s what Wythenshawe Vets are counting on with their star-studded over-35s squad, packed with Premier League cult heroes.
You may’ve seen clips on social media showing ex-Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse score EIGHT goals in their 13-0 win against South Liverpool on Sunday. The match was played in their humble surroundings of Hollyhedge Park in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester.
It’s a far cry from the arenas that the 10 former Premier League players on their books once played in front of, but they love it all the same. The Vets boast combined 1,867 Premier League appearances, 389 international caps and 15 major honours in their ranks – as well as plenty of flash cars seen on a matchday.
Stephen Ireland, Emile Heskey, Maynor Figueroa, Joleon Lescott, Oumar Niasse, Nedum Onuoha, George Boyd, Danny Drinkwater and Jefferson Montero have turned out in the Cheshire Vets League Premier Division alongside Cisse. The players pay £15 per month in subs and ex-Leicester and Chelsea midfielder Drinkwater believes that it’s ‘just as enjoyable as playing in the Premier League’.
“You do a token 10-minute warmup, you’re having a laugh and you have a pint afterwards – it’s as good as it’s going to get,” he added. “The values are obviously different in professional football, but you can enjoy it just as much.
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“It’s like estate football, which is what you enjoyed as a kid. There’s loads of banter. I was chuckling away on the pitch today.”
The team came together after ex-Manchester City midfielder Ireland, who’s close friends Wythenshawe player Blake Norton, fancied a game on a Sunday. Ireland had been playing ‘low-key’ seven-a-side matches alongside some fellow former pros on Tuesday nights.
“I came down in pre-season just because I love playing football,” he explained. “I love the fitness side of things. I invited some of the others and slowly but surely everyone wants to play. It’s competitive and it’s going from strength to strength.
“I didn’t want it to be something where 15 of us ex-pros came in and took over, I want a good mix with the old vets lads. It’s a nice humbling experience to interact with fans as well. It’s great to give back and the club have been so nice to me. We’re all local as well.”
And now a bigger superstar could be about to join them.
According to the Mail, none other than Wayne Rooney is keen to get involved. The ex-England captain and Manchester United legend is currently filling his diary with media appearances, but he’s frequently played in charity matches such as Soccer Aid.
“Imagine that, that would be unreal. Rooney in the No.10 slot, wouldn’t be bad that,” Drinkwater quipped.
Ireland says that they’ve had feverish interest, revealing: “My phone hasn’t stopped! I’ve got people going, ‘how do I get involved, how do I sign up?’
“I just want to be wary of not bringing too many people, because I want it to be a mix of the proper old vets with maybe four or five pros each time. But it is great fun, even as an incentive during the week to prepare for it. That’s what it’s like now.”
Should Wayne Rooney join the team? Have your say in the comments section.
The club also have a history with Man United – and there’s a smidge of bad blood. In 1956, Wythenshawe AFC drew 1-1 with United in the Whitaker Cup Final against a side that included Sir Bobby Charlton.
The match ended after extra-time and the cup was shared, with both clubs ‘agreeing’ to hold it for six months each. According to a Wythenshawe official, though, United didn’t upheld their end of the bargain and kept hold of it for the full year.
It’s also been reported the UFC icon Conor McGregor is attempting to sort out a match involving Wythenshawe in Dublin next month. Could the crowds of hundreds one-day be thousands?
“Ultimately, we’re a community‑owned club and this is highlighting what we do in the area,” chairman Carl Barratt. “For what Stevie Ireland has done, because he’s been the catalyst to get people involved along with Kieran (Megran, manager), it’s been superb.
“Wythenshawe is not the most affluent area but hopefully this can contribute to us getting more players, generating more money and the feel-good factor around the place … you can just sense it.”
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