STEVE Claridge made a playing comeback against his old club Portsmouth on Saturday – at the age of 51!

With three of his strikers on holiday, the Salisbury boss rolled back the years by leading the Whites’ frontline for 81 minutes in front of a 1,766 Ray Mac crowd.

It was his first taste of action since scoring for Gosport Borough in their Southern One South & West play-off final win over Poole Town in May, 2012.

Claridge, who was born in Portsmouth and played over 100 times for his hometown club, said afterwards: “I did what I had to do and I didn’t get embarrassed.”

Playing their first game under new boss Kenny Jackett, Pompey emerged 3-0 friendly winners thanks to Milan Lalkovic, Tom Davies and midfielder Ben Close, who spent a chunk of last season on loan at Eastleigh.

Jackett’s League One new boys make the short trip to Havant & Waterlooville this Saturday before rolling up at Eastleigh on Saturday, July 15.

FORTHCOMING FRIENDLIES.

Tuesday, July 4.

Alton v Basingstoke Town.

Moneyfields v Lymington Town.

Newport IW v Havant & Waterlooville.

QK Southampton v Fawley AFC XI.

Thursday, July 6.

Chichester City v Salisbury.

Friday, July 7.

Fawley AFC v AFC Totton.

Team Solent v Basingstoke Town (7.30).

Winchester City v Gosport Borough.

Saturday, July 8.

Andover Town v Highworth Town.

Bush Hill v Brockenhurst.

Eastleigh v AFC Wimbledon.

Hamble Club v Pagham.

Havant & Waterlooville v Portsmouth.

*Friendlies subject to change.