He was playing Championship football just two years ago, but over the weekend ex-Stoke and Blackpool striker Ricardo Fuller made his debut for his local Sunday League team.
The 37-year-old, who looks in better nick now than he ever did as a player, turned out for Grange Park Rangers in the Potteries and District Sunday League second division.
In true Sunday League fashion, Fuller missed the first 10 minutes of the clash against promotion-chasing Greenhoffs after turning up late and then left shortly after half-time to go and watch his son play in a youth match elsewhere.
However, the former Jamaica international did manage to notch his first goal on his maiden appearance, winning and successfully converting a penalty – Rangers’ only goal in a heavy 4-1 defeat.
Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel after the match, referee (and league vice-chairman) Mick Mallin assessed Fuller’s performance:
He’s still got it. He was named on the teamsheet but turned up late and had to come on when he arrived. He played about 40 minutes in all, having to leave early doors in the second half, and it was something ticked off my bucket list.
It was a stone wall penalty and he tucked it away.
Imagine how effective he’ll be when he manages his first full 90 minutes.