The gaffer of a new football team in Claygate believes he will make history on Sunday, March 7, as the first blind football manager.

Tony Shearman, who lives in Elm Road, Claygate, formed the Claygate Royals “Foleys” U7 team with his friend Andrew Brown, after their sons, Harry and Daragh respectively, were unable to join the over-subscribed Claygate Royals “Hares” U7 team.

Mr Brown, who will be the team’s assistant manager, has already started to call his colleague Arsene Wenger, because of the infamous reputation the Arsenal coach has for failing to see fouls his players allegedly perpetrate.

Mr Shearman, 49, who used to be a sports producer for the BBC, said: “I know a blind person being a football manager is hard to believe but I couldn’t let my blindness get in the way of Harry’s dream of playing for Claygate Royals, Charlton Athletic and England.

“I can get a picture in my mind of where the ball is and the position of my players as they call to each other, and from the reaction of the parents watching on the touchline.”

However, in the true spirit of Arsene Wenger, Mr Shearman joked: “I can always turn a blind eye when it comes to controversial decisions.”

The new team, named after Mr Shearman’s local pub the Foley Arms, will play the Worplesdon Rangers Trojans at the Recreation Ground in Church Road, Claygate, at about 11am.