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The former England, Liverpool and Aston Villa striker was a guest at the Moat Ground on Saturday for to see Gresley get the double over Solihull Borough with a 1 nil victory.

Chairman Mark Evans commented that there has been a long standing invitation to Stan Collymore to visit Gresley Rovers through their coach Steve Hinks, who is a personal friend.

"I was delighted when on Friday evening Stan expressed an interest in coming and even more so when he confirmed Saturday morning."

"He arrived during the first half and watched the whole of the second half, asking questions about the club and the players and making the usual observations about a game that most supporters would. He was more than happy to sign autographs and talk to supporters. Moreover, he went into the social club after the game and took time out to meet the supporters and players."

The 33-year-old retired striker, made his name in the Premiership during the 1990s with Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa, during which time he also earned three England caps.

Rovers' boss Gary Norton revealed the club had already held talks with Collymore and were planning further discussions later this week.

Norton said the club had been alerted to the possibility of signing Collymore after it was reported he was considering resuming his playing career.

"He knows one of our coaches and we had a chat on Thursday and invited him to the game on Saturday and he came," said Norton

"This isn't a publicity stunt. It's audacious but we are serious about trying to get Stan to play for us.

"We're in the middle of putting a package together and we will be talking to him again later this week.

"It would obviously be great for the club if we could land him and we know there are other clubs who are trying to sign him."

Norton added that Collymore, who has a number of media commitments, may only play a handful of games even if he did sign.

Mark Evans added "what ever happens, I am very appreciative of the fact that he took time out on Saturday to come to Gresley, watch the game and meet the supporters, in the final analysis he was prepared to listen".

Gaz Norton on the Stan Collymore discussions