Ex Billericay Town keeper signs for Bees

[Basil-Don]

When Basildon United travelled to Barking on Tuesday January 4th for their Essex Senior League match their side included not just a Youth player but a Veteran as well, While 16 year old Sammy Cross, son of Asssistant Manager Tony, filled in at Left Back, in goal for the Bees was 45 year old Wayne Franklin who plays for the same veterans team Tag United as former Southend United boss Steve Tilson. Wayne who was formerly a keeper at Billericay Town and Canvey Island is now Goalkeeping Coach with Basildon United but was registered with the Bees as 'emergency cover' a couple of weeks ago pulled off some great saves but was unable to save his team from a 4-0 defeat,with 29 years separating young Sammy and veteran Wayne the 'generation gap' was certainly apparent on the night.

[coach et 64]

I'm sorry to disappoint you Wayne but Reg Curtis of Eton Manor played the whole game v East Ham United in 1996-97 at the age of 51-a League record.Reg is currently their Chairman as well.Sorry mate buy it's the truth.

[Hookey]

I'm sorry to disappoint you Wayne but Reg Curtis of Eton Manor played the whole game v East Ham United in 1996-97 at the age of 51-a League record.Reg is currently their Chairman as well.Sorry mate buy it's the truth.

 

 

I might offer BIGBADBUDDHA £100 to play me in the last game of the season, just to break the record!!!!!

[Basil-Don]

i see this story made page 51 of the Echo today,it now turns out that Wayne was in fact 46 as it was his birthday on January 3rd, the day before the match, i wanted to make out that Sammy was Waynes grandson just to generate more media coverage but they wouldnt agree to this, the fact is theres a 30 year age difference between the players and that IS a record coachie!! im now in negotiations with a Hollywood film studio who are looking to buy the film rights of Waynes remarkable comeback.