EAST Lothian’s footballing ‘legends’ are aiming to hit the back of the net with a special tournament.

Plans are being drawn up for the first-ever East Lothian Legends Cup, which would see junior and senior players from yesteryear pull on their boots one more time.

The competition is being organised by Dunbar United and it is hoped the remaining five senior teams in the county – Haddington Athletic, Musselburgh Athletic, Ormiston, Preston Athletic and Tranent Juniors – will sign up.

It is anticipated the competition could take place later this summer, if coronavirus restrictions are relaxed.

Geoff Jones, manager at Dunbar, is among those aiming to play in the tournament.

He said: “I’m 43 and there is an over-30 or over-35 league, which I tried to play in once.

“It confirmed that I was completely finished but the reality is that the competitive juices don’t go – it’s the body that goes!

“The idea would be to run 30-minute games, with subbing on and off, and to have a round-robin tournament.

“The competitive juices will be back.

“I could round up a number of guys for Dunbar and every single one of them will be wanting to come and win.

“It will just be a little bit slower than people are used to watching at Dunbar.”

Jones spent 14 years with the Hallhill side but also featured for Preston Athletic and Haddington Athletic during his playing career.

He was confident each of the teams would be able to attract former players and coaching staff to the event, which would be played at New Countess Park.

Jones said the tournament would also act as a fundraiser for Dunbar, who finished the season in 11th place in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division.

Previously, the club had thought about organising a legends game, which would have seen Dunbar up against a team of legends from either Hearts or Hibs.

Instead, the plan has changed to see all six of East Lothian’s senior teams taking part, with only Ormiston and Preston Athletic yet to confirm participation.

Jones said: “Ryan Kelly [the club’s video analyst and chief scout] came up with the idea that rather than a game we play a tournament and get the other teams down.

“It would be more of a family day at Dunbar, tying in with the games. The legends are not going to play 90 minutes but the idea would be short games and a cup competition format, which is to be decided.

“It would have a family day at the same time and I have spoken to Hallhill Sports Centre and they are up for that.”