One to XI: Tony Lange
When The Athletic approached us to speak to part-time postman John McClelland about his life after football, we decided to find out how many other colleagues played the beautiful game professionally. While our squad may not make the Champions League, we’re confident we still have a formidable line-up!
Over the next week or two, we’ll introduce you to our first eleven and in January's Courier there will be a special feature.
Let's start between the sticks with a former goalkeeper, who had a striking resemblance to a rock superstar…
1. Tony Lange
Before becoming a postman in Orpington, Tony Lange made more than 250 appearances as a goalkeeper during a professional career spanning 14 seasons. He played for Charlton, Aldershot, Wolves, West Brom and Fulham. Tony earned the nickname 'Freddie', due to his uncanny likeness to the late, great frontman for British rockers Queen.
Aldershot paid £150,000 to Wolves for Tony in 1988, which remains the club’s record transfer fee. He repaid them by being named the club’s player of the year twice in succession. Other career highlights included an appearance at Wembley in the play-off finals for West Brom.
