Former Reading, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal, and Fulham players plus a Brazilian legend feature.
With all the moving and shaking of the transfer market one interesting little bit of business might have passed everyone by this weekend. The transfer in question is that of former Arsenal trainee and Reading stalwart James Harper signing on a free transfer for … Hungerford Town.
An integral part of Reading’s record breaking promotion side of 2005/06 will be facing off against teams such as Didcot Town, Winchester City and Swindon Supermarine. It is a big coup for the Southern League Division One South & West side and maybe not the instrumental player he once was, at that level class is permanent, trust me I speak from experience. Getting lobbed in a 5 a side goal as a teenager by Wimbledon legend Dean Holdsworth backs up my theory.
But who else has made such a step down in class?
Lee Trundle – Neath
The Swansea City legend was a cult fascination after his regular slot on Soccer AM’s Showboat reel. After his time at Bristol City came to an end in 2010 he rejoined the Welsh Premier League with Neath scoring 26 goals in 59 league games before the club dissolved after financial difficulties this summer; but he managed to secure a move to League 1 promotion hopefuls Preston North End.
Matt Jansen – Leigh Genesis & Chorley FC
Currently playing for one of Trundles former sides Chorley FC Matt Jansen signed for Leigh Genesis in 2009 after a brief stint at Wrexham. After suffering a serious head injury in 2002 the one time England cap certainty moved down the league system to join former teammate Garry Flitcroft at both Genesis and Chorley. A Cinderella moment came with his first goal for Chorley, an acrobatic overhead kick against former team Bolton Wanderers. Class is permanent, after all.
Ray Parlour, Martin Keown, Graeme Le Saux, Claudio Caniggia and Brian McBride – Wembley FC
Before Budweiser’s investment as Wembley’s sponsors there most famous player was probably Giuliano Grazioli. Now Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and Argentina legends will be playing under Terry Venables and David Seaman exclusively in this year’s FA Cup. Is it a massive PR stunt? Yes! But still with a combined total of 235 and 49 international caps and goals they might cause an upset or two, despite an obviously elevated average age.
Socrates –Garforth Town
For me Socrates is as much a genius as his Greek philosopher namesake. Captain of possibly the best team to not win a World Cup circa Brazil 1982; the style icon signed a one month deal with Northern Counties East Football League side Garforth Town in 2004, aged 50.
He played 12 minutes against Tadcaster Albion in his sole appearance. Socrates of course sadly passed away in December last year ‘The Doctor’ though will be remembered as one of the most charismatic and talented men to ever play the beautiful game. Garforth also had Lee Sharpe on their books for a more substantial period of time, playing 21 times scoring 6 goals.
Can you think of any examples, maybe one in your local league? And if your local non-league side could sign one veteran, who would it be?
images: © oyosan
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