Ex-Watford star Daniel Pudil signs for ninth-tier Hallam FC in shock transfer after career playing in Champions League
NINTH-TIER outfit Hallam FC have confirmed the signing of former Watford and Sheffield Wednesday star Daniel Pudil.
The 36-year-old will now run out in the Northern Counties East Football League next season after spending the early part of his career playing in the Champions League.
The Sheffield-based side will also boast a man who has been capped 35 times at international level by Czech Republic.
He even represented his country at Euro 2016.
Pudil turned out for Czech side Slavia Prague in the Champions League and has 11 appearances in the competition.
The versatile left-back, who can also play left-wing, has played in Europe for FOUR different clubs.
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And now he is set to make his Hallam FC debut in the FA Cup against AFC Bury on August 7.
Pudil already plays for Sheffield & District Fair Play League side Hammer & Pincers FC on a Sunday.
His commitments mean he may not be able to play every Saturday for Hallam FC, with Pudil also now working for a sport agency company.
The company that he works for – Chovanecsport – currently represent Burnley star Matej Vydra, plus a number of other Czech stars.
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But Hallam FC boss Craig Denton has revealed his excitement at the signing, despite being unsure of how often Pudil will play.
The Hallam gaffer told The Star: “He lives locally to Hallam FC and he’s got a family here, he’s settled.
“The chairman came across him and I managed him in a charity a couple of weeks ago. He just wants somewhere that will allow him to fit into his schedule.
“He’s a busy guy and he doesn’t want to commit too hard in terms of professional football or anything like that. With him being local he wants to get involved, keep in shape and enjoy himself.”
He added: “Daniel just wants to play football, enjoy himself and add something to a local football club. In the dressing room, that spreads.
“How nice is it to share a space with a Czech international who has played for Sheffield Wednesday and Watford and all these clubs?”
Pudil spent much of his professional career playing in the UK – running out 107 times for Watford and 117 times for Sheffield Wednesday.