Legend Scholes shows he's still got what it takes

Paul Scholes in action for Royton Town at the weekend. Picture courtesy of Twitter

Saddleworth-based football legend Paul Scholes caused quite a stir again over the weekend as he turned out for Manchester League amateur side Royton Town in their clash at Stockport Georgians.

Former Manchester United and England star Scholes, now 43, regularly turned out in local small-sided games until recently.

However, Town - whose team features Scholes' son Arron - again called Scholes snr out of retirement as they were short of players at the weekend.

Royton manager Mark Howard said: "We had eight or nine of our senior players missing and Paul said he'd be happy to help out if we were ever short as his son Arron plays for us.

"It's great for the league. He raises the level of those around him by 10-15% and opponents don't want to look stupid in front of him."

Athletic supporter Scholes, capped 66 times by England, won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with United.

"Usually these sort of games attract 40 or 50 people, but there were a lot more there when word got out that he was playing," said Royton chairman Gary Leeming.

"I can't imagine Stockport Georgians have ever had so many people on their car park.

"We were down to the bare bones. He's 43 now but he's still got that magic wand and he was absolutely fantastic for us.

"He obviously has a lot of media commitments but he occasionally trains with us when he can and is still a great player."

Despite the presence of their highly decorated interloper, Royton - who are fourth in the Premier League table - lost 1-0.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.