A former Liverpool midfielder has 'come out of retirement' to play for a Sunday League team who lost 18 games last season, immediately helping secure an improvement
15:48, 28 Apr 2026
Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott interview West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen.
Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott interview West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen.(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool midfielder and ex-England international Joe Cole came out of retirement for a one‑off grassroots appearance recently, where he inspired a struggling Sunday League team to victory.
The ex-Chelsea ace was back on the grass eight years after hanging up his boots, representing Brentwood’s Warley FC. Captured for the latest episode of Specsavers’ Best Worst Team, Cole scored and helped to secure a 3-1 win for a team that suffered 18 defeats last season.
"It’s been a while since I last laced up my boots in a competitive game, but being back out there reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the game in the first place," Cole said.
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"The lads at Warley FC have got great spirit, and that’s what football is all about. To come in, be asked to support the team deliver goals, score and help the team to a win — I loved every second of it and it was not a bad result.”
Luke Armstrong, Warley FC Manager, added: "Having a football legend like Joe come in and play alongside the lads is massive. You could see the lift it gave everyone — not just in terms of quality on the pitch, but belief as well.
"He led by example, and the early goal just settled everything. It’s awesome to see a fan-favorite footballer who once shared the pitch with some of the game’s biggest names returning to where it all begins — Sunday League."
Joe Cole on air with TNT Sports at the London Stadium.
Joe Cole on air with TNT Sports at the London Stadium.(Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Now working as a pundit, mainly for TNT Sports, Cole recently outlined his belief that Xabi Alonso will end up at Liverpool one day.
The Spaniard is on the market now after leaving Real Madrid earlier in the year.
"Liverpool will have to stick to type with what they usually do — back their managers and give them time — or make the call now," Cole explained.
"If they don’t, somebody will take Alonso. So that’s the only reason that Slot's future is in the balance. I think it might be the only time you can get him, and I think he’s an absolute nailed-on Liverpool manager."
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Liverpool looks set to qualify for the Champions League and to stick with Arne Slot despite a difficult campaign. As things stand, the Reds are fourth in the standings.
Chelsea will be on the hunt for a new manager this summer after firing Liam Rosenior, while Manchester United has a decision to make with Michael Carrick. Neither seems like a particularly obvious next club for Alonso.
The Spaniard's next move, though, will be fascinating. He has already managed in Germany and Spain, so the Premier League could be a logical step.