FORMER England international Chris Waddle has agreed to return to Tow Law.

Waddle left the Northern League club two decades ago on the road to national and international stardom with Newcastle, Spurs and England.

But now he has agreed to go back to Ironworks Road and play for the County Durham side when his commitments allow.

Tow Law boss Graeme Forster said: "It is tremendous news for the club.

"I spoke with Chris yesterday, and he has told me he has agreed in principle to play for us again.

"He still wants to play for Worksop in the UniBond League, but he has told me he is willing to play a few games for us - which obviously we're delighted about.

"He's enjoying his football where he is at the moment, and he doesn't see any reason why, subject to the two clubs' fixtures, why he can't come back and play at least one game.

"We're bringing him back to his spiritual home to pull on a Tow Law shirt again."

Waddle, who has played in two World Cups on his way to 62 England caps, is likely to play for Lawyers next month.

His last club in English professional football was Sheffield Wednesday, where he was youth team coach, but left in the summer when new manager Paul Jewell was appointed.

Mike Amos, chairman of the Northern League, said it would be a great boost if Waddle returned to his native North-East to play for Tow Law.

"He is a legend, and young and old both remember and revere him," he said. "He learned his trade at Tow Law and went on to become a successful player. It would be a great fillip for Tow Law and the league if he came back to play.

"Even if it was for just one game, it would pack the fans in and everyone would be delighted to see him back.

"People don't forget what he did, and what he went on to achieve, and have fond memories of his time up here.

"Hopefully, he will be able to do it again, and I'm sure thousands will pack the ground to see him.