JOE COLE rolled back the years by turning up for non-league side Belstone FC at the weekend.
The former Chelsea and West Ham ace, 39, called it a day three years ago following a final swansong with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
So he can be excused for forgetting his boots after staying humble and rocking up to play at the Radlett-based side.
Cole, who earned 56 caps for England, left his opponents quaking in their boots when he was asked by his friend and manager Aaron Lincoln to play in a cup clash.
According to the Watford Observer, Cole played the first half and helped inspire the side to a 2-1 win.
The report adds how Cole’s arrival has unsurprisingly created a ‘real buzz’ around the place.
Cole took to Instagram after the contest to reveal how delighted he was to dust off the cobwebs while hinting at a second appearance.
He said: “I’ve always loved playing and a big thank you to Aaron and @belstonefc for letting me play again on Saturday.
“Good to dust the cobwebs off and my Sunday league team stood me in good fashion for this one.
“Can’t wait to play again, if you’ll have me and I’ll even remember my own boots next time.”
Cole didn’t score but he did show a glimpse of the glory days when he curled an effort off the post.
The ex-playmaker also played for Liverpool, Lille on loan, Aston Villa and Coventry.
He won three league titles with Chelsea, two FA Cups and the League Cup.
