David Nugent notched up 635 appearances and found the net 162 times during his professional career with clubs including Leicester City, Preston North End and Portsmouth. Almost four years since his final competitive outing for Tranmere Rovers, the 40-year-old has emerged from retirement.
The forward’s comeback was confirmed last week when he signed for Leicestershire non-league outfit Anstey Nomads in a player-coach role. The side competes in the eighth tier of English football within the Northern Premier League’s Midlands Division.
Following just five victories from their initial 11 fixtures, Nomads announced Nugent’s arrival on Friday evening. Fewer than 24 hours later, he featured in the matchday squad against Loughborough Students.
Liam Murphy broke the deadlock midway through the opening period, with Anstey clinging on for three crucial points thanks to several impressive stops from Anthony Nunez. In stoppage time, Nugent’s moment arrived.
In the 90th minute, both Nugent and Oscar Tonge replaced Danny Gordon and Courey Grantham. A thunderous ovation from supporters inside the stadium followed, accompanied by the familiar “der, der, der, der, David Nugent” chorus that once echoed around the King Power Stadium.
“Very odd! I didn’t expect to come on, to be honest,” he remarked following his Anstey debut. “Conrad’s asked me to come along and help coach because one of the managers has gone on holiday.
“I said I’d come in and help; hopefully, the lads can learn from my experience. It feels a lot harder! I didn’t even warm up! I stood on the sideline for 85 minutes and then came on for five.
“It’s nice to be out there. That was my first competitive game since 2021, so it is tough.
“Conrad was asking me for 10; I said I’d do five. It was nice to be out there and help the lads. I didn’t really contribute much, but hopefully, with more training and getting fitter, I can contribute more.”
Nugent remained on his feet for virtually the entire match alongside Logan in the technical area, shouting directions to players and chatting with the former keeper. Despite his years working in punditry and broadcasting, the ex-England striker has his sights set on management.
“I’m doing my coaching B licence now, so that’s one route I need to go down to get into the game,” he added. “I know Conrad from when I was at Leicester.
“I only live down the road, so it’s not hard to get to, and my daughter plays in the academy, so I’m Anstey through and through now!”.
“Commentating and doing analysis on the game is different. But when you’re involved, it’s better to be on the pitch. After five years out, I’d rather be on the sidelines, let’s put it that way. My legs don’t work like they used to.”
