Ex-Aston Villa and Newcastle United star set to be managed by Luis Figo in intriguing new career move

The Baller League is a new six-a-side football tournament that begins in 24th March. It will take place at London’s Cooper Box Arena and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

There are 144 players taking part and the draft to select the teams was taken place this week. Those taking part are a mixture of ex-professional footballers and social media people.

One former Aston Villa player will be featuring. Unai Emery’s side are currently sat in 8th in the Premier League table four points off the top four as they look to get into the Champions League again.

Former Aston Villa player selected

Former Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark has been selected for Trebol FC. He will be managed by former Real Madrid and Barcelona star Luis Figo.

Clark, 35, rose up through the academy ranks at Aston Villa and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He made his first-team debut in 2009 and went on to make 159 appearances in all competitions for the Midlands outfit, chipping in with 10 goals.

The centre-back cut ties with Villa in 2016 when Newcastle United came calling and he dropped into the Championship to join the North East outfit. He helped the Toon Army win promotion from the Football League in his first year under Rafa Benitez.

He played 129 matches during his days at St James’ Park and found the net on 11 occasions from the back. He also had a temporary stint away at Sheffield United to get some game time under his belt.

Baller League CEO Felix Starck has said: "Baller League is a brand new way to consume football. We're redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations."Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We're about creating a version of the game that's impossible to ignore - thrilling, bold and packed with excitement."

Trebol FC team in full: Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan Bowen. Manager: Luis Figo

Ciaran Clark latest

Clark last played for Stoke City and played three times for the Potters during the 2023/24 campaign. They snapped him up a free agent to boost their ranks and inject some experience into their squad. His deal wasn’t renewed last June though and he became availabel again.

After they landed him in October 2023, he said: “I’ve missed the feeling of being in the dressing room and preparing week-to-week for Saturdays. I worked hard throughout pre-season and have kept myself in good shape since, so I am keen to get out there with the lads over the next couple of weeks, as the feeling of those sessions is something you can’t replicate alone. With the quality of players we have, if we find some consistency, I believe we can go on and have a good season.”