HE has played at some of the world's great stadiums during a glittering career in which he turned out for Newcastle, Spurs, Marseilles and Sunderland.

But soccer superstar and former sausage seasoner Chris Waddle is being invited to end his career back where it began - the hillside Ironworks Ground at Tow Law, County Durham.

The Albany Northern League club confirmed yesterday that they have made a formal approach for the 39-year-old who won 62 England caps, including one in which he infamously missed a penalty in the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup against Germany.

When told of his former club's interest, Waddle asked The Northern Echo: "Is this a wind-up?"

But the club are deadly serious about trying to bring their prodigal son home. Waddle - from Wardley, Gateshead - played for Tow Law in 1979-80, scored 23 league and cup goals, was rejected after a week's trial at Sunderland but signed for Newcastle United in 1980.

Long-serving Lawyers' secretary Bernard Fairbairn said the club had received £1,500 from the Magpies for the player.

"On the day Chris signed for Spurs for £590,000, Newcastle director Stan Seymour said on the radio that the first thing they would do was look after Tow Law," he said. "We never heard another word."

Waddle also played for Marseilles and Sheffield Wednesday and still lives in Sheffield. He has been playing without a contract for Worksop Town, who have received written notice of Tow Law's interest.

"He'd love it back here," said club manager Dr Graeme Forster. "The weather's as cold, the pies as nice and the people as friendly.

"I'm sure we can fit him into the side. We've a lad called Andy Sinclair who could still teach him a few things about football."

The club hope that Waddle will play midweek games in the Northern League, even if he continues to turn out for Worksop on Saturdays.

Mr Fairbairn said: "The interest would be phenomenal. Tow Law people have always followed his career with huge interest."

Waddle said last night that he "didn't quite see the logic" of playing in the North-East while living in Sheffield.

What if they made it worth his while? "I'll have to give that some thought," he said