Former Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has briefly come out of retirement to play for a Non League club in Essex.

The 40-year-old, who hung up his boots this May following the conclusion of the Chairboys’ 2021/22 season, was seen spotted donning the black and white of Hashtag United, who play in the Isthmian League North Division.

Founded by YouTuber and online personality in Spencer Owen, the ‘Beast’ made an appearance for the Tags in their pre-season friendly against Walthamstow on Monday, July 11.

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The club, who played the fixture at their ground in Pitsea, donned their away colours as ‘they did not have a big enough shirt’ for the striker.

This comes after the striker confirmed in 2020 during a Sky Sports podcast that he would play for the club once he retired.

In a conversation with the team’s management, he said: “I said to Spence that once I retire, I would love to do something with Hashtag as I love story.

“If my body can hold up, I’m there!”

Bucks Free Press: Akinfenwa played the first-half for the Non League club (screengrab from Hashtag United's YouTube channel)Akinfenwa played the first-half for the Non League club (screengrab from Hashtag United's YouTube channel)

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“It was alright, it’s got my lungs going but playing on a 4G pitch is weird but the boys look good.”

Prior to the match against Hashtag’s opponents, Akinfenwa gave tips to several of the players who were on trial, and also gave an impassioned speech during half-time with the Tags 2-0 up.

The former fan favourite played the first-half of the match before being substituted in which he turned down a penalty.

Speaking on his appearance, he said: “I enjoyed the 45 minutes.

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Bucks Free Press: The striker also led the half-time team talk (Screengrab from Hashtag United's YouTube channel)The striker also led the half-time team talk (Screengrab from Hashtag United's YouTube channel)

“It doesn’t matter what level you are, Championship, League One, League Two or the Non League, it’s passionate and it doesn’t matter where you play as wherever you play, is your Wembley.

“The boys wanted to win and it was good.”

“I wasn’t surprised at the level of intensity or the passion as that is what football brings out of you.”

The friendly finished 3-0 to Hashtag.