As a player or pundit, Robbie Savage has never been far from the headlines.

And now, at the age of 45, Savage is coming out of retirement to get his boots back on having signed for 10th tier side Stockport Town.

Savage made over 600 professional appearances, including 100 for Rovers between January 2005 and January 2008, and was capped 39 times for Wales.

While his 15-year playing career may have ended in 2011, Savage revealed on the BBC that he will taking to the field once again.

His all-action style made him a favourite at Ewood Park, but he candidly admitted he will need the help of those around him to drag him through, with a possible debut against Oswestry Town in the North West Counties Football League First Division South on the horizon.

Savage will also undertake his B licence during his time with the club, with the move coming about because of his work with the club’s owners’ Pro Football Academy initiative.

"It's not a PR stunt, it's me trying to help youngsters progress in the game," Savage said, revealing the news on BBC Radio 5Live.

"I want to try and give a bit of what I went through in my career with rejection, rehabilitation and the mental side of football.

"I am not going to run games, I will need legs around me because I can't run anymore.

"My son had to go out and buy me some boots today - it's a great opportunity for me.

"It was a no-brainer. I want to help youngsters progress and give something back to grassroots."

 

 

Manager Adam Jones says the possibility of Savage dusting off his boots once again had previously been discussed, and feels it is a great move for all concerned.

“Sav is well involved with Pro Football Academy and we've spoken a couple of times about the prospect of turning out for Stockport Town,” Jones said.

“I am trying to create a blend within the dressing room of young hungry lads and experience, and who can be better placed to guide and support the young lads than Sav.

“So when he said he'd be interested in putting his boots on it was a no brainer for me.”

Stockport Town find themselves 11th in the table, with five wins from 14 games.