Forgotten Premier League player now managing ninth tier side comes out of retirement to sign himself

Former Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has decided to put his retirement on hold by becoming a player at the club he manages.

In October, the 44-year-old took over as manager at Skelmersdale United, who play in the ninth tier of English football.

Chimbonda's time in charge has been far from easy as they sit bottom of the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Days after he joined, the former Premier League right-back was given a five-match stadium ban for improper conduct after being sent off.

Skelmersdale announced on Friday that this has now been reduced to three matches and he has been given a £50 fine.

He could be set to return to the dugout towards the end of the month for their trip to Bury, but they also revealed some other very surprising news.

Five years after his retirement, Chimbonda is now a registered player for Skelmersdale, giving him the chance to roll back the years.

The club's statement said: «In other news, Pascal is now registered as a player, and we could indeed see him play against Bury on Saturday 27th January.»

Chimbonda first entered English football in 2005 when he signed for Wigan Athletic, making 44 appearances for the club.

He then completed a move to Spurs in the following year and spent two full seasons in north London, featuring 98 times.

Sunderland came calling ahead of the 2008/09 campaign and he played the first half of it at the Stadium of Light before returning to Spurs for another five matches.

Chimbonda then left White Hart Lane for good in 2009 when he signed for Blackburn, spending a year-and-a-half there.

Spells at QPR, Doncaster Rovers and Carlisle United would follow after a total of 149 appearances in the Premier League.

Chimbonda now fancies his chances down the English