Former Pros Shine in Wythenshawe’s Dominant Victory

omidbasir- Cisse arrived late for the match, resulting in a spot on the bench, but he quickly showcased his talent by scoring an impressive double hat-trick. The former Senegal international accepted an invitation from ex-Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland to participate in a ninth-tier match in South Manchester.

According to reports from The Sun, Ireland has transformed the Cheshire Over-35 league by recruiting a number of former professional players into Kieran Megran’s squad. He joined the team during the pre-season at the request of his close friend Blake Norton, who believed that Wythenshawe needed a significant boost after losing two cup finals last season.

Ireland has since invited additional ex-professionals to join, creating a star-studded nine-a-side midweek team. “I’m turning people away. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with players asking, ‘How do I sign up?’” Ireland noted. “I want to ensure a balance between seasoned veterans and a few pros each time. It’s great fun and provides an incentive during the week to prepare.”

In Wythenshawe’s latest fixture, alongside Cisse and Ireland, Premier League title winner Danny Drinkwater and EFL legend George Boyd also made appearances. Additionally, Swansea cult hero Jefferson Montero and Honduras’ all-time leading appearance maker Maynor Figueroa added further star power to the event.

Wythenshawe achieved a staggering 13-0 victory over South Liverpool Vets, with Cisse managing to miss a penalty yet still contributing seven goals, in addition to humorously scuffing a short corner that resulted in a goal kick, much to the amusement of spectators.

Reflecting on the experience of playing in lower divisions, Drinkwater remarked, “It’s obviously a massive contrast. But, without sounding silly, there’s still plenty of enjoyment in it. You show up in casual attire, have a laugh, do a brief warm-up, then play and enjoy a pint afterward. It’s reminiscent of grassroots football, reminiscent of the joy of just playing with friends.”

Wythenshawe’s current roster also boasts former England internationals Emile Heskey and Joleon Lescott, alongside Oumar Niasse and Nedum Onouha. Lescott humorously mentioned a desire to give a “good hiding” to those who had previously jeered at them from the stands: “They’re the same people who gave us stick as professionals! We’re not there to show off; the Vets are a great bunch, and we must treat them with respect.”

Wythenshawe’s squad represents a combined transfer fee of approximately £132 million ($173 million), along with 15 major trophies, over 1,800 Premier League appearances, 223 goals in the top flight, and 400 international caps. The future looks bright, with aspirations set on attracting Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

Drinkwater excitedly mentioned, “Imagine Rooney joining us; that would be unreal. Getting him in the No. 10 role would be fantastic! I’d be more than happy to watch from the sidelines.”

Rooney, the former England captain, may be open to such an invitation, as he has participated in various exhibition matches since retiring from professional play. He has chosen not to return to management after previous roles at Birmingham and Plymouth and resides in Cheshire with his wife Coleen and their four sons. They are currently preparing for a Disney+ documentary series, which might see Rooney bring cameras along to a game, trading the iconic Old Trafford for Hollyhedge Park.