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  • 4 weeks ago
Former Premier League forward Connor Wickham showcased his ability by scoring from the halfway line in a match against Manchester United's Under-21 side.

Wickham is among a squad of free agents who have been part of a pre-season camp held by the Professional Footballers' Association to help them win contracts with new clubs.

The 32-year-old has been out of the game for over a year, since a short-term contract with Charlton expired in May 2024.

Wickham was named in the starting line-up for the PFA team as they faced Man United's Under-21 side at Carrington on Wednesday, with the forward catching the eye with a stunning strike.

He was quick to react when Man United's Jim Thwaites was dispossessed just inside the PFA half.

Wickham took one touch as he turned, before aiming with a shot from the halfway line.

His spectacular attempt deceived Man United goalkeeper Will Murdock, who was unable to prevent the effort from finding the back of the net.

Wickham had earlier this week told the Telegraph that the match being streamed offered a 'great platform' to be spotted by managers and scouts, with the fixtures letting them know he is available.

'That fire has never left me,' said Wickham, who has also trained with League Two side Bromley in pre-season.

'My gut says 'just don't stop. I don't think the game has left me; it hasn't left my heart.

'I'm still itching to get going and play again, not to prove anybody wrong, not to shut anybody up, just for myself.

'I feel like I've still got a lot to give, so that's why I'm here. Hopefully, this exposure through these last couple of weeks will pay off.'

It gets your face out there in the games they put on that are streamed. It's a great platform to get in front of managers and scouts.'

Wickham had initially risen to fame as a teenager at Ipswich, with his performances securing him a £12million move to Sunderland as an 18-year-old.

He made 120 appearances in the Premier League at Sunderland and Crystal Palace, where he joined for £9million in 2015.

Wickham has also had spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds, Preston, MK Dons, Forest Green, Cardiff City, and Charlton during his career.

The forward will hope to be one of around 50 players who have secured contracts at clubs this summer following their involvement in the PFA's pre-season project.

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Transcript
00:00Former Premier League forward Conor Wickham showcased his ability by scoring from the halfway
00:09line in a match against Manchester United's under-21 side. Wickham is among a squad of free
00:15agents who have been part of a pre-season camp held by the Professional Footballers Association
00:19to help them win contracts with new clubs. The 32-year-old has been out of the game for over a
00:25year since a short-term contract with Charlton expired in May 2024. Wickham was named in the
00:31starting lineup for the PFA team as they faced Man United's under-21 side at Carrington on Wednesday,
00:37with the forward catching the eye with a stunning strike. He was quick to react when Man United's
00:42Jim Thwaites was dispossessed just inside the PFA half. Wickham took one touch as he turned,
00:48before aiming with a shot from the halfway line. His spectacular attempt deceived Man United
00:53goalkeeper Will Murdoch, who was unable to prevent the effort from finding the back of the net.
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