Having back-to-back campaigns such as the famous ‘Great Escape’ season and the ‘Incredibles’ era shows that Leicester City Football Club has produced plenty of iconic figures over the years. Former heroes whom even supporters of rival clubs still hold in admiration.
The focus of this piece today is certainly one of those beloved players — a footballer who always played with joy and had a larger-than-life personality.
Sadly, none of the key or fringe players from the 2014/15 Premier League campaign — when the Foxes somehow managed to avoid relegation under former manager Nigel Pearson — are still at the King Power Stadium. Nor, unfortunately, are any members of Claudio Ranieri’s unbelievable 2016 title-winning squad still active on Filbert Way.
There’s no need to remind you what that latter group achieved. Suffice it to say, winning the Premier League with a club of Leicester’s size remains one of football’s most astonishing tales. But this story isn’t about Ranieri and his champions. Not this time.
We turn our attention to the Pearson period — though it’s worth noting that much of Ranieri’s title-winning lineup was originally built and nurtured by him. So, who is this well-liked footballer, once of Leicester City and England? And why is he making a comeback to play for an English side at such a seasoned age?
Much-loved ex-Leicester City and England forward David Nugent returns to play for Leicestershire outfit Anstey Nomads
Nugent, fondly known as Nuge, remains a cult hero among Foxes fans. At the age of 40, he’s stepping back onto the pitch once again.
The striker had been retired for around four years, having last appeared for Tranmere Rovers while on loan from Preston North End. Now, Anstey will be his new football home.
“Ex-England striker David Nugent comes out of retirement aged 40 to sign for eighth-tier club.”
The side competes in the Northern Premier League – Midlands Division. The Huyton-born veteran will take up a dual player/coach position with the Nomads, joining them just 24 hours before their clash against Loughborough Students.