Ex-Premier League Players Join Low-Cost Football League for £15

Normally, fans of Wythenshawe FC's veterans' team would be stunned to see an £11 million footballer gracing the Hollyhedge Park pitch. This season, however, the small club has paraded an incredible lineup of former Premier League stars.

On Sunday, former Newcastle United striker and Senegal captain, 40-year-old Papiss Cissé, scored all six of the team's goals in the season opener.

England international defender Joleon Lescott, 43, bagged a hat-trick, while former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland, 39, has netted eight goals in two matches.

Further notable names to feature for "The Ammies" include former Everton's £13.5 million signing Oumar Niasse, 35, Scottish international George Boyd, 40, ex-Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, 38, and Maynor Figueroa, 42, who played in the top flight for Wigan Athletic.

Premier League winner Danny Drinkwater, 35, is also on the squad list but has yet to make an appearance. While once accustomed to weekly salaries in the tens of thousands, Wythenshawe FC pays them not a penny. In fact, the club president's wife even inadvertently requested a £15 monthly membership fee from them.

Club President Carl Barratt spoke to The Sun:

Wythenshawe FC's semi-professional first team, which plays in the eighth tier of English football, has never paid a transfer fee for any player. They currently sit in the relegation zone of the Northern Premier League West Division, but the veterans – thanks to Cissé and Ireland – are faring much better. They currently lead the Cheshire Veterans Football League table in North West England.

The only condition for joining is that players must be over 35. Before the arrival of these pros, the club's most famous connection was likely to Noel Gallagher, who performed with his band High Flying Birds in 2023 at the nearby Wythenshawe Park, a stone's throw from his childhood home.

The sudden influx of star players is thanks to Stephen Ireland.

"One of our players is Stephen's best friend, and he mentioned to him that we wanted to win one of the national cups this year," explains Carl, who has been president for seven years.

"First, Stephen and Nedum Onuoha came down to play, and then their other acquaintances joined. Even more want to play for us, but I can't reveal who they are yet."

Many former Premier League players had previously enjoyed casual kickabouts with friends, but they felt it would be better to return to an organized, 11-a-side league. Moreover, they can play with more freedom.

Lescott, who moved from Everton to Manchester City for £22 million in 2009, was delighted to play as a striker instead of a defender. He recently scored a hat-trick and commented on a podcast: "I can press quite intensely for this level. I just enjoy running around."

Nine-time Senegal international Niasse feels similarly. "If you still love football and know you can play anywhere, what would you do? The spectators are happy, and we make their day by seeing us play and asking questions. For us, it's a joy to have a place where we can play organized football."

The club ensures that the older veterans also get playing time; it's not an eleven composed exclusively of stars.

"Last year, we had a very successful team, winning 30 out of 32 matches. Those players are still part of the squad. We field a maximum of five or six former pros per match," says Carl.

It's undoubtedly a significant challenge for amateur over-35s to face former international players on a Sunday morning, but they are excited for the challenge. Paul Barrow, 38, was a winger for Collegiate Old Boys (Liverpool) on Sunday when his team lost 6-2 to Wythenshawe.

"We expect over 170 spectators for the next home game"

"To be honest, I was a bit star-struck playing against Figueroa," one player said. "Even Emile, who was capped over 60 times for England, played. We haven't stopped talking about it since. I called my mum and brother on the way home. We can't wait for the return leg."

The star-studded Wythenshawe veterans' team has won all three of their league matches this season. They defeated Radcliffe Old Boys 10-1 and AFC Monton 7-1.

Opponents hoping that players like Ireland or Cissé will take matches lightly will be disappointed. Carl, a club representative, noted: "They are former professional footballers, and the competitive spirit is still very much alive in them."

This was underscored by some tough tackles against Collegiate Old Boys. There was even a minor skirmish between the two teams near the penalty area.

In two weeks, they will face Parklands in Widnes, but the real derby awaits them on November 9th, when Wythenshawe hosts league rivals South Liverpool at home.

Carl believes the stars enjoy playing at Hollyhedge Park because of the excellent pitch quality, on which the club spent £1.4 million. The 1,500-capacity stadium, complete with a clubhouse and a small covered stand, is sure to attract increasingly larger crowds.

"We expect over 170 spectators for the next home game. There's a lot of excitement," Carl added.

This provides a much-needed boost for the club, which was left homeless ten years ago after their 32-year ground-sharing agreement with the local cricket club ended. This meant Wythenshawe FC had to find their own permanent home, which they achieved with the completion of the Hollyhedge Park stadium in September 2017.

Two years ago, they dropped the word "Amateur" from the club's name, becoming Wythenshawe FC instead of AFC. However, they retained the nickname "Ammies" in homage to their history.

Heskey and his peers continue to play without pay, finding their reward in victory rather than bulging bank accounts. While the millions earned by players in modern football often draw criticism, the enthusiasm with which these aging stars play for free demonstrates that the "beautiful game" is far from dead.