A host of former Premier League stars have been turning out for Wythenshawe FC in the Cheshire Veterans Football League in recent weeks and have been in fine form
Premier League legends Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha, George Boyd and Stephen Ireland are dominating the Cheshire Veterans Football League after hanging up their professional boots. Wythenshawe FC are proving to be a force as they demolish the opposition.
This weekend saw former Peterborough United and Burnley forward, Boyd, bag five goals in a stunning 10-1 thrashing of Radcliffe FC Old Boys. Ex-England centre-back Lescott also found the net during his 45-minute appearance – the defender now operating as a prolific striker.
Ireland contributed four strikes to boost his seasonal tally in the league. This follows hot on the heels of last week’s 7-1 demolition of AFC Monton, where the 40-year-old netted four times whilst his ex-Manchester City colleague Lescott grabbed a treble.
Speaking on All Out Football’s In The Mixer podcast, he said: “Over 35s, I’m a striker, 10k I did yesterday (running stats in the game).
“Two poachers goals to be fair, I recognised when the danger was and the other one, I forced the error. For the level, I can press quite intensely, the defender went to pass back, hit it short and I went around the goalie.
“I just enjoy being able to run around.”
Iconic sports commentator Martin Tyler added: “This is an exclusive, this is something that should be making headline news: ‘Joleon Lescott hat-trick’.”
News and images have started to emerge on social media about the influx of top-tier experience in the Cheshire Vets League, which includes teams like Collegiate Old Boys, South Liverpool, Broadheath Central, Parklands, Old Stretfordians Gregorians and AFC Monton.
One tweet that gained traction read: “A few familiar faces playing for Wythenshawe Vets this morning.”
A screenshot accompanied the post, stating: “The vets team had signed the following players, so definitely worth popping down: Steven Ireland, Joelon Lescott, George Boyd, Danny Drinkerwater.”
Another user tweeted: “Wythenshawe FC Vets. Wow. What a team and well worth a watch Sunday morning.”
Between them, Onuoha, Boyd, Lescott and Ireland have a combined 822 Premier League appearances. Ireland, Boyd and Lescott boast goal returns so far and the trio all sit in the top-scorers charts in the division, with a whopping 17 goals between them in three outings.
They top the division after two games and will be looking to continue their impressive start against Collegiate Old Boys with both sides putting their unbeaten run on the line.
This isn’t the only instance of Premier League legends dropping down the levels to play for their local teams. In July 2024, Lescott’s former team-mate Gareth Barry made headlines after signing for Mid Sussess Football League side Hurstpierpoint in the 12th tier of the English football pyramid.
Darron Gibson has also made an appearance for Wythenshawe FC’s senior squad in the ninth tier, North West Counties Premier Division. He played in a 3-1 victory over AFC Liverpool in September, marking his only appearance to date.
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