Meet one of Warwickshire's oldest football players - still going at 60

Most professional footballers hang up their boots before they hit 40 but a Nuneaton player is still proudly pulling them on at 60.

James Allison is proof that age really is just a number as the Stockingford resident turned 60 on Thursday (March 14) and his four decade long footballing career shows no signs of stopping.

He first started out playing for Kingsbury Working Mens FC and now, as he prepares to mark his 60th, he continues to play left back for his current team is Whittington FC Vets in the Central Warwickshire Over 35's Football League - Division Two

His footballing career has spanned an incredible 19 different teams and it is the Newcastle United fan’s passion for football that has kept on the pitch, week in, week out.

The grandfather’s family said: “We are all really proud that he is still doing something he loves - especially football - at the age of 60. “

He is not just a legend to his family, also to his teammates, past and present.

One, known as Twinny, said: “I've only played football with Jimmy for the last 18 months but the guy is a class act on and off the pitch. He has the respect of the whole team, who look up to him and respect him greatly.

“He never lets anyone down on the pitch, a player that you can always rely on to give his all. The way he's playing at the moment can play for many years to come. It’s a pleasure to be in the same team as him.”

Teammate Jamo added: “ A true legend, upmost respect on and off field, when he speaks we all listen, knows when you can have a laugh and when to be serious, when I am 60 I hope I am still be able to play, a great bloke and an absolute joy to be able to play football with him.”

They will be joining him when Whittington FC Vets take on Boldmere St Michaels in the Divisional 2 Cup Final on Tuesday, April 16.

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