Bury Croquet Club has welcomed three former international footballers turned pundits for a game that was played with a "competitive spirit".

Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane paid a visit to the club's ground at Whitehead Park to film the “The Overlap On Tour Live” in the latest series' final episode.

The famous trio were joined by "Handsome" Bob O’Donovan, an old teammate of Keane who flew from Ireland to take part in the programme.

Bury Times: The visitors with some Bury Club members involved on the day

Bury Croquet Club chairman, Roy Spencer, said: “To welcome these highly talented well known sportsmen to the club was a great thrill.

Gary Neville filming The Overlap on Tour in hometown Bury

“Initially it was a little daunting when I was asked to referee the game but it was played in great and competitive spirit.

“However, I did learn what it’s like to be an international football referee when a disputed decision resulted in all four of them making their feelings known – close up and personal!”

Neville lived across the road from the croquet lawns and played bowls there with his father and grandfather when it was a bowling club.

Bury Times: The Overlap on Tour Trophy that was presented to the winning pair

None of them had played croquet before and were given some basic coaching by Mr Spencer with assistance from other club members.

The foursome then played a competitive game suitable attired in appropriate club colours and croquet attire.

Neville and Carragher played Keane and O'Donovan, with the former pair coming out on top.

Following the game, the pundits then went on to appear in the live show at Manchester Apollo where the filming at Whitehead Park was featured.

The trio also paid a visit to the borough on June 9, stopping in at Stephen St Chippery, and Neville's old home.

The programme was aired on Wednesday, July 5 on Sky Max and Sky Showcase and is also available on Sky on Demand on Now TV.

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