Steve Sidwell is returning to grassroots football with unfinished business, Mick McCarthy has agreed to manage for one more match, and Jameson is offering an amateur team the chance to experience professional football treatment without leaving its home pitch.
Mick McCarthy has managed Wolves, Ipswich Town and the Republic of Ireland. Now the former EFL boss is preparing for a rather different assignment: taking charge of an amateur football team for a single match, with Steve Sidwell among his players.
The unlikely reunion is part of the Jameson x EFL Ultimate Matchday 2026, a competition giving one grassroots club the chance to experience the trappings of professional football, from official matchday coverage to new kits and access to an EFL training ground.
And there is a little unfinished business involved.
Sidwell, the former EFL midfielder, took part in the competition’s inaugural event in November 2025, playing alongside winners Mercia United. Things did not quite go to plan on the scoreboard, so he is returning for another attempt.
This time, he will have McCarthy on the touchline. There is some history between them, too. McCarthy tried to sign Sidwell during his playing career without success.
It appears they are finally getting their opportunity to work together, albeit considerably later than either might have expected.
Steve Sidwell and Mick McCarthy have a score to settle
Sidwell’s return gives the event something more interesting than the usual former-professional appearance.
Having experienced the inaugural match, he already knows what playing alongside a grassroots team involves. He also knows what losing feels like.
Speaking about his return, Sidwell said: “I absolutely loved playing alongside the Mercia United lads last year, but I’ve always hated losing – so of course, I had to come back again to make amends, and right those wrongs!
“Bringing Mick on board too, I’m hoping that he can work his magic to make sure we get the win this time around – and I can’t wait to get the opportunity to finally play for him, only 15 years later!”
McCarthy’s involvement adds another dimension. He has spent much of his managerial career working in environments where results, expectations and pressure come with the territory.
For one match, his attention will be directed towards players whose footballing lives are usually rather different.
The boots may be muddy and the surroundings familiar, but receiving instructions from a former international manager should make for an unusual weekend.
A professional matchday on a grassroots pitch
The winning team will receive substantially more than a visit from two recognisable football names.
Its players will be supplied with new PUMA kits, while their home ground will receive a temporary Jameson-branded makeover, including corner flags, ball plinths and interview boards.
EFL match officials will oversee proceedings, adding another layer of authenticity to an occasion designed to resemble a professional fixture.
There will also be a familiar television presence.
Sky Sports presenter David Prutton will cover the match alongside former players Jobi McAnuff and Luke Chambers, providing reaction to key moments and speaking to standout performers.
For footballers accustomed to a quick discussion of missed chances in the changing room, the prospect of being interviewed after the final whistle is quite a departure.
The prize also includes access to the winning team’s local EFL club training ground, offering players a closer look at the routines and facilities associated with the professional game.
A year’s supply of Jameson Ginger & Lime cans for the squad completes the package.
Why grassroots football deserves the attention
There is a wider point behind the celebrity names and television-style presentation.
Amateur football depends on people who give up their time to organise fixtures, coach players, maintain clubs and keep teams operating from one season to the next.
Most receive little recognition beyond the people who turn up each weekend.
Jameson’s partnership with the EFL is intended to celebrate those local football communities, using the Ultimate Matchday competition to give one club an experience normally reserved for professionals.
Alison Perrottet, Brand Director for Jameson UK, highlighted the contribution of grassroots teams, coaches, volunteers and supporters in explaining the company’s involvement.
The format also places the amateur players at the centre of proceedings. McCarthy, Sidwell and the Sky Sports personalities provide the familiar faces, but the successful club will supply the team, the pitch and much of the occasion’s character.
That distinction matters. Professional football has no shortage of attention. The people keeping grassroots football going rarely receive quite the same treatment.
How to enter the Jameson x EFL Ultimate Matchday 2026
Entries opened on Monday 19 October 2026, with clubs invited to submit their details through the official Jameson competition website.
The winner is scheduled to be announced on Monday 9 November 2026, and the successful team must be available across Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026.
There is no limit on entries per club, allowing several members of the same team to submit applications.
Two runner-up teams will receive new PUMA strips, replica EFL match balls and Jameson Ginger & Lime cans. The first ten teams to enter are also set to receive two cases of Jameson cans.
Clubs can find the entry information on the official Jameson Ultimate Matchday competition page.
For one amateur team, December could bring a very different kind of matchday: professional officials, television pundits, a former EFL midfielder in the side and Mick McCarthy issuing instructions from the dugout.
The opportunity to experience all that on your own pitch is unusual enough.
Getting McCarthy to agree with your tactical suggestions might be another matter entirely.
