Copyright dailystar
Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell came out of retirement to play for a Sunday league team in a brilliant Sky Sports takeover . Sidwell, 42, retired in 2018 after making 200 Premier League appearances and starring for the likes of Aston Villa , Brighton, Fulham, Stoke City and Reading. But the pundit made his comeback to the pitch with Sunday morning team Mercia United. The centre-midfielder lined up for the Tamworth-based team as they took on Sitters FC in the Tamworth & District Sunday Football League. His move came after Mercia won a nationwide competition. Over 3,000 teams entered the draw for the chance to receive a full Sky Sports EFL matchday experience, with Sidwell the prize draw for the lucky winners Mercia. Alongside Sidwell, Sky duo Jobi McAnuff and David Prutton covered the match, with commentator David Stowell calling the action. The players were also refereed by a professional official and received access to match analysts, a trained physio, Jameson match branding and a post-match interview with McAnuff. Mercia were also given a £2,500 voucher to spend on a Puma kit from Pro Direct. However, Mercia weren’t able to make it work to their advantage as they were beaten 1-0 by the visitors. Speaking after the run around, Sidwell said: “What a fantastic initiative this is, and I’m proud to have been part of it. “The non-league teams in this country truly represent the passion of local communities and it’s great to see Jameson and the EFL celebrating and rewarding them with this experience. “I remember my early days playing in these conditions and dreaming of making it pro. The memories from today will stay with these boys forever and hopefully have a lasting impact on the local community.” Prutton added: “One of my favourite things about my job is getting closer to football communities, and today was a brilliant way to do so. “Jobi and I had so much fun covering the ultimate matchday experience for Mercia United – and what a treat to see the great Steve Sidwell back on the pitch! “Initiatives like this highlight the importance of ensuring fans and teams, across the country and leagues, are at the heart of everything we do. “Campaigns like this from the EFL and Jameson do wonders in promoting a positive, inclusive and fun football environment, and I can’t wait to see what else they do.” Mercia club secretary, assistant manager and centre-back Vinny Ibrams said on the club-changing day: “We are delighted to have won this amazing competition and I’m very grateful for the work from Jameson, the EFL and everyone else involved to make this day happen. “The prizes have enabled us to purchase some new training wear, new equipment and become a bit more financially stable as a Club for the season. “We’re also thankful to our opponents Sitters FC for being great sports with the day and accommodating the experience.”
