Ex-Premier League players have ‘secret’ WhatsApp group with important rule to follow

On Feb 10, 2023

Former Manchester City star Stephen Ireland is in charge of a ‘secret’ WhatsApp group where ex-Premier League footballers organise kickabouts to keep fit.

Ireland, who played for City between 2005 and 2010, has been clubless since 2018 following stints at Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers.

The Irish midfielder, 36, has since turned down multiple opportunities at the professional level in favour of coaching and mentoring. But he still has a passion for playing casually alongside several of his fellow former stars, according to former Leicester City right-back Danny Simpson.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Premier League winner Simpson revealed how the likes of Ireland, Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha, Danny Drinkwater, John O’Shea and Ravel Morrison have all been part of a WhatsApp group, which organises regular kickabouts at an undisclosed Cheshire location.

But there is just one crucial rule – the ex-pros must pay a losers’ fee or face being kicked out of the group.

Which former Premier League footballer would you most like to play alongside? Let us know in the comments section.

Former Bristol defender Danny Simpson is among those involved
(Image: Getty Images)

Simpson, who has been a free agent since leaving Bristol City last season, explained: “People realised I wasn’t playing, and I think if you’re out of contract, someone will end up trying to recruit you. You get kicked out if you haven’t paid your loser’s fee, though!”

“I miss being around the lads every day. I’ve not been quiet about that. I do miss walking out on a Saturday but mainly… well, if you’re around 20 lads every day for 20 years, that’s hard to replace. It’s one thing being fit in terms of treadmill runs, box-to-box-sprints, but then there’s being football fit.”

Stephen Ireland will swiftly remove anyone who doesn’t pay their loser’s fee
(Image: PA)

Yet while some attendees are merely trying to keep fit, 36-year-old Simpson hopes it will earn him one last crack at the top level of the game.

“I’m not retired. If someone needs a right-back, I have to be ready,” he said. “Maybe that is my last hurrah.”