FORMER England football team captain and Wire fan Stuart Pearce will be contributing to Warrington Wolves’ Challenge Cup Final preparations.

The 54-year-old, who spent 12 years as a defender at Nottingham Forest, will be presenting the players with their Wembley playing shirts tomorrow, Friday.

And he will send them into cup final day with a motivational speech ringing in their ears.

Pearce, who has also managed England under 21s, Manchester City and Forest, has a long-standing friendship with Wolves head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith.

“It’s great to see someone like him around the place and to have his support,” said Smith.

“For the sport of rugby league as well, to have a big name in British sport like Stuart on board can only help us.”

Pearce’s appearances at Wolves matches have grown in regularity and he is expected to be among the Wire throngs on Saturday.

He was even receiving score updates in Italy from the recent league clash with Wakefield via text.

Smith said: “He’s always texting to ask how we’ve done and he’s been in the changing rooms a few times to speak to the guys so we’re all thrilled he is following us.

“We’ve been on a few coaching courses together over the years and got talking there. He’s a pretty motivating character so whenever he does come down he does a good job of getting the guys fired up.”

Don't miss our 20-page Warrington Wolves Wembley pullout inside Thursday's Warrington Guardian #Wembley #Hardwired

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