Veterans team with opportunity of lifetime against ex-Premier League elites 

Clitheroe FC’s Over 35 ‘Vets’ team were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they were drawn against Wythenshawe Vets in the semi-final of the Lancashire FA Veterans’ Cup. 

Wythenshawe’s veterans team came to fame last year when it was revealed that their squad featured a number of ex-Premier League pros. 

Papiss Cisse, George Boyd, Stephen Ireland, Oumar Niasse, and Maynor Figueroa all turned out for the Sunday League outfit in Thursday night’s semi-final against Clitheroe. 

The East Lancashire outfit were bolstered by former Bournemouth midfielder Marc Pugh, who joined his brother at The Loom Loft Stadium in 2023.  

There was therefore no shame when Clitheroe Vets bowed out of the cup in a competitive 8-3 loss after hat-tricks from Cisse and Boyd, despite Pugh grabbing a brace. 

“The performance from Clitheroe was something that we all need to be very proud of,” said manager Jason Jones.  

“I really feel that regardless of the result, each man has stepped up and given a good account of themselves.

“To get the opportunity to play against the ex-professionals, we’re all very, very proud that we’ve been able to put up a good fight and put in a good performance.”

Wythenshawe Vets have on their books a combined total of over 2,000 Premier League appearances, and recently signed league winners Marc Albrighton and Antonio Valencia.  

Clitheroe, by contrast, boast few famous names, with the exception most notably of Pugh and former Preston North End midfielder Joel Byrom. 

“We’ve got a mixture of some ex-pros, ex-semi-pros, and local lads. 

“Sometimes we’re struggling to actually get a consistent team together because the games are every four weeks. 

“With people working full-time and things, it is very difficult.

“The lads are a bit disappointed with the scoreline, but we all feel as though we can walk away with our heads held high.” 

Clitheroe Vets FC was officially set up in 2024 by club legends Simon Garner and Jason Jones, who played a combined 540 games for the first team.  

The pair founded the team as a way to get the many former players who attended Clitheroe FC games back involved in football and representing the club again.  

And the Blues’ board fully backed the creation of their Vets team by Garner and Jones to support their ex-players.  

“Whenever we have the opportunity to play and represent Clitheroe Football Club, and get the backing from them, it can be quite overwhelming,” said joint manager Jones. 

“Ultimately, they’ve given us a lot of support, and for local lads to get that from a semi-professional club we feel very proud and want to do them a good turn.” 

Going forward, the Vets may look to expand on the charitable aspect of their team, as they did in their first-ever game, which raised money for Lee Pugh, Marc’s brother, after the midfielder broke his arm.