MACCA: I OWE IT ALL TO MY WIFE

THERE is only one face Macauley Bonne will be trying to pick out among the thousands at Wembley - that of the loving wife who pulled him back from the abyss.

- Andy Mitchell

Southend United's 29-year-old striker has featured from the Championship right through to the National League in a rollercoaster career that has tested him physically and mentally.

Departing League Two Gillingham last summer left the Zimbabwe international at a crossroads - hang up the boots or go again.

It was a tough call having spent more time with doting wife Chloe who, despite living through the down sides that the beautiful game had put her hubby through, backed him to answer the call of Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher in September.

Bonne told The NLP: "I didn't have a club and wanted to retire from football. I just didn't want to play anymore but when I got the call from the gaffer and came to training there was only one place for me.

Homely

"I had fallen out of love with the game. I had a few moves that didn't really work out and I wasn't playing.