Former Premier League star comes out of retirement to feature for Sunday League side

Martin Macdonald

• 4 Nov 2025 09:31 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Former Premier League star Steve Sidwell came out of retirement to feature in a Sunday League game this past weekend.

The 42-year-old enjoyed a solid professional career at the top level, featuring for clubs like Reading, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham and Brighton.

He made over 200 Premier League appearances before eventually retiring in 2018 while at Brighton, where he became club ambassador thereafter.

On Sunday, he played for Sunday morning team Mercia United as part of an initiative by Sky Sports and Jameson Whiskey.

The broadcaster held a prize draw that would see a local team receive the Sky Sports English Football League treatment for a day, including cameras, physios, analysts and even commentators.

Mercia United beat 3000 other entrants to win the competition.

In addition to receiving the aforementioned perks, they got to field Sidwell in a match against Sitters FC.

Speaking after the game, which Mercia lost 1-0, he said:

“What a fantastic initiative this is, and I’m proud to have been part of it.

“The non-league teams in this country truly represent the passion of local communities and it’s great to see Jameson and the EFL celebrating and rewarding them with this experience.

“I remember my early days playing in these conditions and dreaming of making it pro. The memories from today will stay with these boys forever and hopefully have a lasting impact on the local community.”

#AD Sunday League side Mercia United enjoyed a match day with a professional twist yesterday as part of the #EFL and @jameson_uk's Ultimate Matchday Competition! 🙌

Read more below ⬇️https://t.co/avh8yZf7WI#EFL pic.twitter.com/FkifQpWKml

— EFL (@EFL) November 3, 2025

The EFL Match treatment

Sky Sports presenter David Prutton and analyst Jobi McAnuff were also in attendance, while David Stowell acted as a commentator.

Prutton said after proceedings:

“One of my favourite things about my job is getting closer to football communities, and today was a brilliant way to do so.

“Jobi and I had so much fun covering the ultimate matchday experience for Mercia United – and what a treat to see the great Steve Sidwell back on the pitch!

“Initiatives like this highlight the importance of ensuring fans and teams, across the country and leagues, are at the heart of everything we do.

“Campaigns like this from the EFL and Jameson do wonders in promoting a positive, inclusive and fun football environment, and I can’t wait to see what else they do.”

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