Pascal Chimbonda, now 39 years of age, has signed for Ashton Town AFC in a move which is a potential game changer for the North West Counties club.
Best known in English football for his time with Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur, the former France international has had a varied career to say the least.
Moving to Wigan in 2005 from Bastia, he was a revelation for the newly promoted side, ending up in the PFA Team of the Year.
The form also saw him called up to France’s squad for the 2006 World Cup, although the fullback failed to make an appearance at the tournament.
On deadline day of the summer 2006 window, Chimbonda moved to Tottenham after a drawn out transfer process and a struggle between Wigan and Spurs on price.
Starting the 2008 League Cup final against Chelsea, Chimbonda is part of the last Tottenham team to win a trophy.
He left for Sunderland in 2008, before returning to the London club for a brief period in 2009.
Short stays at other clubs, including Blackburn Rovers and QPR, then followed.
On Monday, Ashton Town announced they’d signed the player, and he’s set to make his debut against Bacup Borough on Saturday.
Chairman Mark Hayes has told the local media, and Sport Witness: “Pascal came over last May to play in my annual Joseph’s Goal Legends game, and he did not hesitate to sign when asked to help promote this year’s game and to strengthen our team, signing on initially for one month. His signing comes at a perfect time as our squad is just settling after getting used to North West Counties football again following our one season in the Cheshire League, and it is a huge boost for the club, and one that I hope Wigan Athletic fans come and support.”
Anyone who fancies watching Chimbonda make his debut can do so for £5 adults, or £2 for concessions.
