11:37AM, Thu Jul 5, 2012

Playboy Footballer Facing Driving Ban

By James Marley Location: Sunderland

Former footballer Frank McAvennie could be banned from driving after being clocked speeding in his Jaguar.

The 52-year-old was captured by a speed camera, doing 36mph in his Jaguar at Tunstall Bank, Ryhope, Sunderland.

The West Ham United legend could now lose his licence, following the offence on January 21.

Solicitor Gerry Armstrong told Sunderland magistrates that his client pleaded guilty by post.

Glasgow-born McAvennie, of Low Fell, Gateshead, already has nine points on his licence and faces a driving ban.

Magistrates will decide whether to disqualify him at an exceptional hardship hearing next month.

In his heyday McAvennie was a striker with a top goalscoring record.

A celebrity of the mid-1980s, off the pitch he was a regular at London nightclubs and on the front pages of the tabloids.

He became labelled a playboy after a string of glamourous girlfriends and partying with pop stars.

Reputed to be earning £5,000 a week – a massive wage at the time – the one-time idol’s life was later dogged with scandal.

He also played for Celtic and Aston Villa, and won five caps for Scotland.