FIVE former players from one of London's most famous youth football clubs could be named in England's provisional World Cup squad today (Tuesday).
Chelsea captain John Terry, Spurs players Ledley King and Jermain Defoe, and Fulham stars Bobby Zamora and Paul Konchesky are in line to make the 30-man provisional list which is due to be unveiled by manager Fabio Capello this afternoon.
During the early 90s King, Terry, Zamora and Konchesky played together every Saturday on Wanstead Flats for Senrab FC in a team which also boasted Bolton Wanderers defender Jlloyd Samuel and Colchester United player Kemal Izzet.
The side was among the best ever produced by the club and went three-and-a-half years unbeaten.
Long-serving club secretary Tony Carroll, 54, said the mid-90s was a golden era for the club - which also ran an older side featuring Arsenal defender Sol Campbell and former Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet.
He said: "We've had some great players over the years, but the team with Ledley and Bobby in it was pretty special.
"You could tell how talented they were even then. We had lots of scouts coming to watch them.
"We're obviously very proud of our success at producing good players, and to see them selected for England is fantastic.
"Ledley King was very gifted, so was Bobby. They were all good players."
But the father-of-one, of Bradwell Road Buckhurst Hill - who has been involved with Senrab for nearly 20 years - said the club has seen little financial benefit from its outstanding success.
He said: "When you look at that team it is probably worth tens of millions now.
"We haven't even received a pair of socks from any of the clubs who've taken our players on.
"It's difficult for grass roots clubs like ours because the professional clubs don't give you anything for the players they take.
"We are struggling financially as it is. We're all volunteers.
"We do it because we love it, but it would be nice to get some financial support.
"We still have some really good players coming through now."
Senrab was founded in Poplar in 1961 and has played its matches on Wanstead Flats for the past 40 years.
It now provides coaching for nearly 320 kids each week, aged from under-7s up to under-15 level.
Other former players at the club - which is currently looking for a new sponsor - include former England internationals Lee Bowyer and Ugo Ehiogu.
For more information visit: clubwebsite.co.uk/senrab or email Tony Carroll at: tonycarroll1011@hotmail.co.uk
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