Meet 79-Year Old Colin Lee, Britain's Oldest Goalkeeper

They say age is just a number and 79-year old Colin Lee is living proof.

Having started out in 1949, turning out for six different teams in a 73-year career, he has no intentions of hanging up his boots anytime soon and wants to keep playing into his 80s.

He started as a centre-back but soon found excitement in between the sticks and now has the title of 'Britain's oldest goalkeeper' after six decades wearing the gloves.

Mr Lee, a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, has arthritis in his hands but that doesn't stop him diving across the goal-line like a madman.

Image: SWNS

"I've been told you have to be mad to be a goalie, so I guess I must be bordering on that as I've done it for so long. I love chucking myself around the goal like a lunatic," he said, as per Yahoo Sports.

"I've got arthritis in my hands and my joints and knees are stiffer than they used to be but I still love it when I make a good save.

"I've had lots of bruises but amazingly I've never had any serious football injuries in more than 70 years.

"I turn 80 in June and I've got no plans to stop playing. I will play for as long as my body lets me and of course, if I'm still picked for the team."

The RAF veteran was the recipient of a Barclays Community Sports Award for his community football work, which sees him serve as secretary for a total of eight teams in his local area.

Image: PA

He formed Sunday league side Thorplands Club 81 in 1974 after leaving the Royal Air Force and later set up a further seven teams.

Mr Lee is still going strong today and plays most Saturdays with his 50 year-old son Colin Jr and 21-year old grandson Tom, who is one of eight grandchildren he has.

"It is wonderful to play with my son and grandson," he added.

"Unfortunately Colin has the same knee problems I've suffered with but it's great when we all turn out for the same team.

"I can still play a full 90 minutes but I also do a lot behind the scenes and we're currently trying to build a new club house and community centre for the future generations."

His footballing idol, Ryan Giggs, mastered longevity in football after playing for Manchester United's first-team for 23 years but we reckon Colin might just have surpassed him.

Topics: Wolverhampton Wanderers, Football News, Sunday League, Football

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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