46-year-old keeper makes surprise comeback
The UK's Wycombe Wanderers' 46-year-old goalkeeping coach took everyone by surprise on Saturday when he came off the bench for the first time in 13 years - and kept a clean sheet.
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Pundits were in awe on Sunday after a Football League match between Wycombe Wanderers and Plymouth unexpectedly made the headlines.
Barry Richardson, Wycombe's 46-year-old goalkeeping coach, was forced to put on the gloves for the first time in over a decade when his team's regular keeper suffered an injury soon after kick-off.
The veteran had only stepped in as back-up keeper eight days earlier, to fill in a temporary void left by Matt Ingram after his departure to Queens Park Rangers. Little did he know, he would come off the bench to save the day, 27 years after his debut for Scarborough in 1987.
Better still, Richardson managed to keep a clean sheet, allowing play-off chasing Wycombe to overcome Plymouth, who have never failed to score at home this season, 1-0.
As the opposition's press team was keen to point out, most of Plymouth's players were not even born when Richardson began his career.
"The game is all about opportunity and what an opportunity Barry Richardson has had this afternoon," Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth said after the match.
"He is now the oldest player to play for Wycombe and not only did he keep a clean sheet but I think he is the first to do so at Plymouth this season."
But unless the bizarre circumstances arise again, Richardson is not expected to appear again this season.
"I won't be looking to start him next week, though", said Ainsworth, who is four years younger than his star substitute.
Richardson was as surprised as anyone when he came on the pitch: hardly expecting to take part in his first League game in 13 years, the goalkeeper was seen watching his team warm up before the game, whilst casually sipping a cup of tea.
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