Ex-Prem striker Hayles in top shape at 50 as he prepares for 35th season
Former Premier League striker Barry Hayles looks in tip-top condition after turning out for Combined Counties outfit Windsor in a pre-season friendly.
After making his semi-professional debut in the Isthmian League Premier Division way back in 1994, Hayles, now aged 50, is gearing up for his 35th consecutive campaign, but still looks in incredible shape.
A player-assistant manager at Merstham last season, the Veteran forward departed following relegation from the same league in which he started his career, joining former side Windsor as part of their backroom staff – though negotiations are still ongoing as to whether Hayles combine his off-field duties with a squad role.
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However, if Friday night's pre-season contest is anything to go by, Hayles' playing days might not be at an end yet. Donning the number five shirt for a friendly match against Cymru South side Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC, the journeyman footballer was instantly involved in the action.
In the sixth minute of the game, Hayles was adjudged to have brought down his opponent in the area and the Welsh second division outfit made no mistake from the spot. Unfortunately, it was a sign of things to come as Windsor fell to a 6-0 defeat – at least he still looks the part!
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Earning a £2million move to Fulham in 1998, Hayles' 18 goals in 35 matches fired the Whites to the Premier League in 2001 before claiming the Intertoto Cup the following campaign. He was released on a free transfer to join Sheffield United in 2004 but only lasted two months at Bramall Lane due to a poor spell, before Championship rivals Millwall swooped to seal the 32-year-old's signature.
Spells at Plymouth, Leicester and Cheltenham then ensued to end his career in professional football, turning part-time with Truro City. 12 years later, the former Jamaican international is set to embark on his 35th season in English football.
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