Photo by ISIphotos.com
For those hoping to see Brian McBride return to the playing field, your wishes have come true.
McBride will be suiting up for ninth-tier English side Wembley FC during its quest to make a run at the FA Cup. The team, which is pairing a number of aging, retired, former standouts with its host of amateurs, is being funded by Budweiser, a lead sponsor of the FA Cup, and is also the subject of an England television documentary that will detail its efforts to pull off a shock cup run.
The 40-year-old McBride, who retired after the 2010 MLS season, will team with former Argentina star Claudio Caniggia and Arsenal stars Martin Keown and Ray Parlour, among others. Former England manager Terry Venables will be the team's technical director, while former England goalkeeper David Seaman will be the team's goalkeeping coach. McBride's Wembley FC debut is slated for Aug. 11, in a preliminary round FA Cup match.
"The initiative shines a light on non-league football, reminding people of the importance of amateur football in contributing to the development of the national game," Wembley manager Ian Bates told UK media. "A year ago we were playing in front of an empty grandstand and the clubhouse was falling down. Now the investment means great times are waiting for Wembley FC, and we can't wait to kick off our FA Cup campaign."
What do you think of this development? Think this is just a publicity stunt? Already on the hunt for Wembley FC streams? Excited to see McBride play again?
Share your thoughts below.