I’m a former Premier League striker… now I’m playing in front of 400 fans after seventh tier transfer aged 39

EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Leroy Lita has signed for his 22nd club in 22 years.

Lita, 39, starred for Swansea and Reading in the top flight.

PA:Press Association

Leroy Lita starred for Reading in the Premier League[/caption]

PA:Empics Sport

Lita has now signed for his 22nd club in Coalville[/caption]

He scored ten top flight goals in 65 games, with his last appearance in the division coming as a sub in 2014.

However, Lita has continued to forge a career in the lower leagues, having bounced around a plethora of clubs including Notts County, Margate, Stratford Town and Nuneaton Borough.

And he now finds himself at seventh tier side Coalville Town.

The Ravens announced the signing of Lita and Scott McManus from Borough following a change in management at their former club.

A statement announcing the moves said on Lita: “Leroy Lita needs no introduction being one of the most famous names playing non-league football at the moment. 

“After a professional career playing for the likes of Bristol City, Reading, Middlesbrough & Swansea he came into non-league five years ago where we have come up against him playing for Hednesford, Ilkeston & Nuneaton.

“A natural number 9 Leroy is now known for his hold up play and aerial prowess despite not being the tallest and has always been a handful whenever playing us, underlined by the fact he scored three goals against the Ravens last year.

“Leroy has six league goals to his name so far this season.”

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On the transfer, Lita said: “Unfortunately, my time at NBFC has come to an end. It’s been a pleasure working with the gaffer, Andy, Jamie, Acca, Hannah and the boys.”

“The gaffer was the main reason for me re-signing and I have so much respect for the work I’ve seen him do over the years for the club. Best of luck to the fans and everyone at the club.”

Coalville play at the Owen Street Sports Ground near Leicester.

The ground can hold up to 2000 fans, though crowds in the Southern Premier League Central division the Ravens play in averaged 414 last season.

Excited fans were shocked to learn Lita was still playing, with one joking: “Blokes got more clubs than Tiger Woods .”

A second said: “Great to see Leroy get another club under his belt in his southern league tour .”

A third said: “Another tracksuit to Leroy’s collection.”

Lita, who scored six goals in nine games at England Under-21 level, is not the only former Premier League star to be gracing non-league football.

Ex-Liverpool and Bournemouth winger Jordan Ibe signed for Ebbsfleet in October, while former Reds, West Brom and Norwich star Andre Wisdom plays for Warrington.

PA:Press Association

Lita has enjoyed a thrilling journeyman career that has seen him net more than 100 goals[/caption]

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