Hardman
footballer-cum-Hollywood movie star Vinnie Jones
is to return to his first passion, when makes
a surprise comeback with lowly Carlisle United
next week.
The star of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking
Barrels hung up his boots when his film
career took off, but the intimidating midfielder
- who once made history when he was booked after
just three seconds of a match - has been unable
to resist the chance to pit his wits against the
best that Division 3 has to offer. Jones is a
friend of Steve Collins - brother of Carlisle
manager Roddy Collins - who played a bouncer in
Guy Ritchie’s comic gangster movie.
After being introduced to Jones, Roddy Collins
persuaded the former Wales captain to make a guest
appearance for the Cumbrian side with a view to
a permanent move.
"Vinnie has agreed to play next week and we will
assess his fitness and see how he feels about
signing for us for the rest of the season," confirmed
the Carlisle manager, who will put the player
through his paces in a friendly against Shelbourne
in Dublin. "I spoke to him this morning and he
is certainly up for next week’s game, then
we’ll take it from there."
Collins added: "When I asked him to play in Dublin
he said he was over the moon and excited about
it. When I first put the proposal to him all he
said was ‘give me one minute’. He then
asked his agent and said ‘yes’.
"We can’t look beyond Tuesday, but he could
be a great signing for us. He has to fit this
in-between his Hollywood work and other ventures
so it is fantastic news.
"Vinnie is a great actor, but he is a football
player at heart and he can’t wait to get
back on the field.
"I hope there will be some champagne flowing here
in the next few months so Carlisle won’t
be that different to Tinseltown."
A spokesman for Carlisle United said: "The fact
that he is playing in a friendly for us is a major
boost because it has been a tough few seasons
for us.
"It will certainly help put the club on the map
and if he signs for the season will boost attendances."
The club, who have struggled to make ends meet,
will not have to break the bank to hire Jones’
services.
"It will cause no problems for the club financially
because he will play for next to nothing," said
the spokesman. "He has plenty of money."
Jones, who is renowned for his aggressive manner
and tough tackling - as well as infamously grabbing
Paul Gascoigne by the private parts when playing
for Wimbledon against Newcastle - appeared to
have ended his career at Queens Park Rangers,
after two spells at Wimbledon and stints at Leeds
United, Sheffield United and Chelsea.
Although he was born in Watford and raised in
England, he qualified to play for Wales through
a grandparent and won nine caps for his adopted
country. His other honours included an FA Cup
winners’ medal, from Wimbledon’s famous
1988 victory over Liverpool, but he remains best
known for his aggressive style.
In an FA Cup match against Sheffield United in
1992, he received the quickest booking in English
football history when he was yellow-carded just
three seconds after kick-off for a wild tackle
in the centre circle. He also holds the record
for the second-quickest booking - five seconds
against Manchester City in 1991.
His approach to football was perfect for his transition
to acting, playing a brutal debt-collector in
Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Carlisle hope that Jones’ colourful reputation
will spark some life into the club, sitting fourth
from the foot of the league, and just a point
above rock bottom.
The Carlisle spokesman added: "We know he could
be badly out of shape, but though he’s 35
we are sure he still has something to offer.
"Everyone at the club hopes Vinnie can put in
a good performance in Dublin and then sign on
the dotted line. It is a very exciting time at
Carlisle."
Season ticket-holder Phil Pattinson, 23, a life-long
Carlisle fan, said: "I am utterly stunned. But
if he is up for it I can’t think of any better
player in the country to motivate the team.
"I just hope his heart is in it because he’s
poncing about in all them movies now."
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>>> archive >>>
Hardman
footballer-cum-Hollywood movie star Vinnie Jones
is to return to his first passion, when makes
a surprise comeback with lowly Carlisle United
next week. 