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.
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