FORMER England international goalkeeper David James came out of retirement to score the winning goal for Sunday league side AFC Hutwood.
The 53-year old who made 572 Premier League appearances, scored a 25-yard free kick in his one off appearance for the Sunday league side.
James’s surprise turnout at Eastleigh’s Flemming Park was a gesture of goodwill after the side filled a donation box with boots.
AFC Hutwood’s 2-1 win over Madeinheath United kept their City of Southampton Sunday FL Divison One title hopes alive.
During his 25 year career, James never scored a professional goal.
The former Portsmouth, Liverpool and Manchester City keeper started the game in between the sticks before playing outfield in the second half.
”I am here on an early Sunday morning to play for Hutwood, a grassroots team in the area.”
David James, speaking to Daily Echo
The ex-international is an ambassador for local energy company Utilita, who helped make his surprie appearance happen.
“They have been magnificent with their Utilita Rebooted box – which is now full. The manager gave me a shout on social media asking if I would play for them and here I am.
“There is a chance that Hutwood could still win the league apparently, so there’s a winners medal in it.”
David James, Daily Echo
AFC Hutwood earned the appearance after filling up a box with unwanted football boots as part of Uilita’s Football Rebooted project.
