Some players have long careers and go on to play hundreds and hundreds of games, but that’s usually when they have broken into a first team whilst still in their teens. That’s what makes Eyresy’s career so remarkable, he was 25 by the time he made his debut in league football but is now heading towards his 800th game.
It was former Burnley boss Jimmy Mullen who plucked him out of non-league football with Rhyl and took him to
His biggest day in football came within a year when he scored our first goal on that fantastic day at Wembley as we secured promotion but just over three years later, and apparently coming the end of his career, we sold him to
Now aged 42 he has played no less than 778 league and cup games and scored 169 goals and ‘Trust Oldham’ are arranging a benefit game for him on Monday 1st May between a Latics Legends XI managed by Joe Royle and a Celebrity XI to be managed by David Moyes.
Eyres said, following the news of the game, “I’ve been very luck to have been able to remain playing football at a decent level for such a long time, and people never seem to stop reminding me of that.
“I’ve enjoyed so many memorable moments, but I reckon this benefit game will be a simply unforgettable day, not just for myself and my family, but for all those people who have shaped my path along the way. It will be fantastic to see so many old friends and colleagues, but I am also equally looking forward to seeing many familiar faces amongst the supporters.
“Fans seem to have taken to me wherever I have been as a player and I’m hoping as many of them as possible will be able to attend a game I am already so excited about.”
Will this be a final curtain for Eyresy? Not if he has anything to do with it. “And before anyone asks,” he added, “I have no intentions of hanging up my boots and am hoping for another contract in the summer.”
It’s a benefit for very different reasons than Tin Man but we wish our two Wembley heroes great success on their big days.