CONTROVERSIAL ex-Premier League striker Marcus Bent has come out of retirement to join non-league minnows Cornard United.
The 41-year-old former Everton, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace could make his debut for Thurlow Nunn League First Division North side at home to Sheringham today.
Former Prem star Marcus Bent has come out of retirement to join non-league minnows Cornard UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Ex-England Under-21 international Bent, who earned an estimated £10million from football, was declared bankrupt last year after failing to pay HMRC several large tax bills.
A source said the debt ran “into seven figures” and was due to Bent’s involvement in a number of failed tax avoidance schemes.
Official documents show he invested in five film-based schemes.
During Bent’s time at Everton and Ipswich Town his wages were said to be around £20,000 a week — more than £1million a year.
In 2016 he was spared jail after admitting he attacked police officers with a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife while high on cocaine.
Bare-chested Bent had to be Tasered after charging at officers with the two weapons.
He was given a suspended sentence after admitting affray and possessing the Class A drug.
A year later he was fined for possession after getting caught with cocaine at Chessington World of Adventures.
He had to pay a fine of £385 and £85 costs.
Bent ended his professional career playing in Indonesia with Mitra Kukar in April, 2012.
This is not the frontman’s first foray into the non-league circuit.
In September 2017 signed for Southern Combination League Premier Division club Wick. But he soon left the club without making an appearance.
Bent made 574 appearances and scored 113 goals during his two-decade pro career and even won the Premier League Player of the Month award in January 2002 while at Ipswich.
Marcus Bent was declared bankrupt by the High court for not paying his taxes a year agoCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
The 41-year-old avoided jail in 2016 after admitting he attacked police officers with a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife while high on cocaineCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
