Former Newcastle United favourite John Beresford will arrive in Hong Kong in a few days with a spring in his step as he looks forward to the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens. He admits he will probably depart with a limp and a few aches and pains.
'The last time Rob Lee [his ex-Magpies teammate] and I played in the Sevens we went home and needed several weeks to recover because we put so much into it!' he laughs. 'The trouble is, we love to play, but the body doesn't always agree. We can't do what we used to do, we know that, but it's about going out and enjoying yourself and having some fun.'
Beresford and Lee - key members of the swashbuckling Newcastle team who came close to winning the Premier League under Kevin Keegan in 1996 - will be turning out for the IP Global All-Stars in the Sevens, at Hong Kong Football Club from Friday to Sunday. Their teammates will include former England internationals Des Walker, Dave Beasant, Chris Powell and Mark Walters, ex-Scotland striker Gordon Durie and former Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.
But anyone thinking these not-so-old pros are simply turning up for a couple of friendly games and to reminisce about the past should heed Beresford's warning. 'Always, the aim is to win. Don't get me wrong, we'll play with a smile on our face and go out and socialise, but we're not coming halfway around the world simply to have a kickabout and get beaten. Your pride is still there and you want to do well.'
The IP Global All-Stars will be the top attraction in the Masters competition, while leading youth teams, including holders Aston Villa, West Ham, Celtic and Rangers, will contest the Main competition. Beresford, who has played in the tournament three times, is looking forward to it.
'The ex-pros turn into kids again when they get to the Sevens. Even though I'm 42, I'm starting to get excited. I've been talking to Rob Lee and Des Walker and we're all saying we can't wait to play. It gives you that buzz again.'
