Forgotten Premier League wonderkid signs for Dagenham and Redbridge aged 33 as fans say ‘wow, this makes me feel old’
EX-WEST HAM wonderkid Freddie Sears has left fans “feeling old” after he joined National League neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge aged 33.
The former England Under-21 striker has finally found a new club after League Two Colchester released him at the end of last season.
Sears netted twice in 36 Premier League appearances, also enjoying loan spells with Crystal Palace and Coventry, before drifted down the divisions once he permanently departed the Hammers in 2012.
But his arrival at Dagenham, seven miles down the road from his first stomping ground, has sent East London fans down memory lane.
One said of the former Ipswich Town star: “Was at Upton Park when he scored on his debut, seeing this makes me feel old.”
Another wrote: “Wow. Remember him.”
And a third admitted: “Blimey I remember his first goal for West Ham.”
It’s no real surprise that moment from March 2008 sticks in supporters’ mind.
Just four days earlier Sears had signed a new contract.
And he couldn’t have celebrated better – with a dream Prem debut.
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Replacing ex-Newcastle winger Nolberto Solano at 1-1 with a quarter of an hour remaining, he took five minutes and 16 seconds to score the winner.
Sears nodded home a rebound from his own attempt at goal.
That’s just one reason Hammers’ fans are now wishing one of their own a fine swansong with the Daggers.
Labelling him a “class player,” many also urged the fifth-side to “keep the ball on the deck” to see the best of the 5ft 7ins hitman.
Sears started on the bench for the Daggers’ league clash at Halifax on Tuesday night.