• Joe Brophy, Senior Features Writer

• Published: 13:00, 18 Oct 2025
• Updated: 13:00, 18 Oct 2025

Former England international David Nugent has ended his four-year retirement by becoming player-coach in the eighth-tier of English football.

The 40-year-old one-cap Three Lions star hung up his boots in 2021 following his loan stint at Tranmere Rovers from Preston North End.

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David Nugent infamously scored an England goal on his only senior appearanceCredit: Getty

David Nugent joins Anstey Nomads! 👏🏻

The former Leicester City and England international joins as a player-coach and is available for Saturdays fixture vs Loughborough Students!

Joins us tomorrow of a 3:00PM KO at Cropston Road!

Welcome Nugent 🤝#UpTheNomads #LCFC pic.twitter.com/ahJG0WbxyF

However, the striker has made a surprise return to play in non-league football for Anstey Nomads.

The Nomads currently sit in 11th place in the Northern Premier League – Midlands Division on 17 points.

On Friday, less than 24 hours before Saturday’s fixture, Tony Blanchard's side announced Nugent as their new player-coach.

The latter is instantly available for the Nomads for their home game against Loughborough Students at Davidsons...