Ex Crystal Palace, Watford and Leeds United striker returns to football action at 47-years-old

Ex Crystal Palace, Watford and Leeds United striker returns to football action at 47-years-old

The Wealdstone coach put on his playing boots once more as his team faced Brighton under-21s.
Wayne Andrews, a former Crystal Palace and Watford striker, made an unexpected comeback to football as a player on Tuesday night.

Since May 2024, the 47-year-old has served as the head of strength and conditioning for National League club Wealdstone. Hillingdon took on Brighton’s under-21 side in National League Cup play last night.

To his astonishment, Andrews was named one of the substitutes for that game, taking his spot in the dugout not just as a coach but also as a player. In the 76th minute, the former Eagles attacker replaced Micah Obiero, a 23-year-old former Huddersfield Town and FC Halifax Town player.

Former Watford man makes unexpected return to football

Wealdstone were trailing 1-0 at the moment, thanks to a goal from the Seagulls’ Australian teenager Peupion. Andrews was charged with sparking a comeback but was unable to do so against the sprightly Premier League club’s academy team, with the game ending 1-0.

Andrews told Watford Legends: “I was from London and played for a club called North Paddington.” I attended a rugby-oriented school, and despite my ability to play football, they refused to allow me practice at Watford because they wanted me to focus on rugby. My North Paddington team made it to the Cup Final. Steve Perryman’s kid was playing against me in the final, and after the game, Steve asked if I wanted to join him there. After that, the school permitted me to leave.

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