Forgotten Premier League wonderkid makes fans feel old as he wins promotion into National League in epic play-off clash
FREDDIE SEARS has won promotion to the National League after an epic play-off final on Monday.
The former Premier League wonderkid, 34, was part of Braintree’s 4-3 extra-time victory over Worthing.
Braintree will now play in the fifth tier for the first time since 2019 next season.
Sears started for the Iron before being replaced by eventual match winner Reggie Lambe during extra-time.
Fans were left feeling old after spotting the West Ham academy graduate was involved in the National League South play-off final.
One supporter wrote on social media: “Freddie Sears at Braintree is mad.”
Another added: “Freddie Sears still going strong I see.”
A third fan also commented: “How the hell is he only 34?!”
Sears scored on his Premier League debut aged 18 back in March 2008.
The forward came off the bench to score the winner for West Ham in a 2-1 win over Blackburn at Upton Park.
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He went on to score twice in 36 top-flight appearances for the Hammers before leaving in 2012 after 12 years at the club.
Sears has since had spells with Colchester and Ipswich, but dropped into non-league last summer.
The former England under-21 international joined Braintree from Dagenham & Redbridge in March to boost their promotion hopes.
He has since scored twice in 13 appearances across the league and play-offs.