FOOTBALL for the over-40s is becoming increasingly popular, and it has led to a boost for Metaltec SIL Senior Division side Melton St Audry's.Saints player manager Simon Fryatt, 41 today, is still banging in the goals for Woodbridge Vets in the Sunday Norfolk and Suffolk Veterans League.

By Elvin King

FOOTBALL for the over-40s is becoming increasingly popular, and it has led to a boost for Metaltec SIL Senior Division side Melton St Audry's.

Saints player manager Simon Fryatt, 41 today, is still banging in the goals for Woodbridge Vets in the Sunday Norfolk and Suffolk Veterans League.

And his association with the Vets has led to former St Albans and Romford midfielder Kurt Hedgley joining Melton as assistant manager.

“Kurt plays with me on Sundays and has been in the area for a while,” explained Fryatt.

“His input with St Audry's should be considerable and it is definitely a push in the right direction for us.

“He brings bags of experience, and has signed a form so could play a part on the pitch as well.”

Fryatt, a consistent and regular scorer for Woodbridge Town in the Ridgeons League for many years, is considering playing more regularly for St Audry's rather than starting on the bench.

“I have been adopting a Teddy Sheringham role,” added Fryatt. “But we have been struggling to score and I am looking to get back into it more.

“We have what is basically a young side, and it lacks governors, people who can dictate on the field.”

Fryatt still feels St Audry's can make an impact this season.

He said: “We have undergone a lot of changes, but I still feel a high finish can be achieved.

“We play Cockfield, Capel Plough and then Achilles before Christmas, three games that are not easy.

“But if we can go into the new year in a top-six position we will have a foundation from which to launch a challenge.

“The Omnico Cup is something we are targeting although we have a tricky tie at Thurston on December 30.

“We showed that we are up for cup football when losing only 1-0 to Haverhill Rovers in the Suffolk Senior Cup just before they played Aldershot for a place in the first round of the FA Cup.”

Melton, who are indebted to the significant support of Roy Holmes from Atlas Cars, are Fryatt's main footballing concern.

But he says he loves the banter and the atmosphere of the Veterans' league, with Woodbridge unbeaten in Division Town having won the Third Division title last season.