Four brothers and two nephews of the Ross family play for the same team with the father barking orders from the touchline.
MARK THOMPSON reports.

THE beautiful game takes priority every day of the year for the Ross family.

Father-of-four Phil, 52, manages a team called Goldmine, named after their base at the Goldmine Pub on Catcote Road, Hartlepool.

He describes it as a "family team," which seems accurate as half of the players share his genes.

Phil, who lives in Bathgate Terrace, said there is not a better feeling than standing on the touchline on a Sunday morning as his four sons take to the field along with his two nephews.

He said: "I've been football mad since I was a kid. I can't play now because the years have taken their toll on my knees but I still love being involved.

"Managing the team is brilliant. It makes me so proud to stand on the sideline and see my sons and nephews out there playing together.

"Football has always been a big part of my life and it always will be especially as my sons love the game as much as I do.

"In fact they are football daft and when they're not playing they watch any game that is on the telly."

One son, Shaun, 20, supports Manchester United and idolises David Beckham.

He has high hopes of turning professional after just coming back from playing with Luton and Bury.

He had a trial period with Luton and has trained with Hartlepool United where he became friends with Pool's striker Joel Porter.

For now, Shaun is waiting for a call and turning out on Sunday mornings with his brothers.

His dad says he should not be too downhearted as money is not the only thing you can get out of the game.

Phil, who works for Clydesdale Forge on Brenda Road as a hammer driver, said: "I never played for money even though I turned down offers to turn pro. It never crossed my mind to play for money.

"Playing for one team all your life and enjoying the good and bad times is what makes a team.

"I played for 23 years for Reid's Corrugated and loved every minute of it.

His ethos has had an effect on his sons who turn out regularly for their old man's squad which is already making waves in the Hartlepool Crest Teamware Sunday League.

The eldest son, Philip, 30, is an Everton fan who has his own bricklaying business and is joint top scorer with seven so far this season.

Steven, 25, is in the army and plays when he can. Andrew, 18, is the youngest son and a Newcastle fan who has followed his brother into the bricklaying trade.

The brothers are all midfielders and play alongside cousins Anthony Ross at left back and midfielder Brian Ross – who once had a contract for Hartlepool United until he was badly injured.

So what is it like in the hustle and bustle of Sunday league when tempers rise among brothers and cousins?

"Amazingly when it comes to football they all seem to agree and have an understanding," said Phil.

"Arguements happen and there's a bit of banter but that's football. They enjoy it and I enjoy it.

"It's a good bunch of lads that are all doing well and there's a real buzz about the team."

It is still early in the season but so far the team has won four games out of four, scored 42 goals and conceded only four in the second division.

Phil said: "I don't want to get over confident too soon but we are starting from the bottom and hoping to work our way up as fast as we can.

"I told the lads that if they stick together then anything is possible and in a few years time people will be talking about the team across the town."