Brothers in arms: Jonathan Greening, Taddy bear and Josh Greening after Tadcaster’s 6-0 win over Maltby Main
Jonathan Greening said he was pleased his younger brother Josh had stolen the headlines after his eagerly-anticipated Tadcaster Albion debut today.
The signing of the former Manchester United midfielder attracted headlines in national newspapers and radio ahead of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division encounter with Maltby Main.
But, it was his sibling who stole the show with a sensational third hat-trick in three games to help Taddy to a comfortable 6-0 win.
Greening, 35, told Non League Yorkshire: “I don’t mind that he has taken the limelight off me, I’ve had my time in the limelight.
“I enjoyed it and it was my first match in a few weeks so it was nice to get on the pitch, especially with my little brother who is on fire at the minute.
“I met the owners and really liked them and liked what they are doing with the club.
“The bonus is that my brother is playing for them.
“I’ve been off playing in the Prem and Champ so when I was 21 or 22, he was nine or ten.
“I think the last time I saw him play was when he was ten.
“He’s very good. I wish I was a bit younger and could play with him at 22.
“He’s strong, both-footed and he’s got a great left-peg and he knows where the net is.
“I came with him in the car and he was fairly confident he was going to get a hat-trick.”
Jonathan Greening in action for Tadcaster Albion against Maltby Main
Jonathan Greening commits a foul during Tadcaster’s 6-0 win
Nowhere to go. Matlby’s Ben Thornton is swarmed by brother Josh (left) and Jonathan Greening
Job done: Jonathan Greening makes way for Tom Chamberlain in the 80th minute
Tadcaster’s capture of Greening was even trending on Twitter at one point.
The experienced player appeared for 80 minutes before making way for young striker Tom Chamberlain.
He almost scored with two attempts, but he “enjoyed” the win – Tadcaster’s seventh consecutive league victory.
He said: “The standard is good. I think we have been on fire in the last few games so I have come into a confident team.
“The lads are nice lads and I enjoyed my 80 minute run-out. I had no nerves.
“When you have played in front of 90,000 people, you don’t get nervous playing in front of a few hundred.
“I thought in the first half that they were going to get everyone behind the ball which they did.
“Once we got the first, I was confident we would go and score more.”
The opportunity to sign the ‘other’ Greening arrived earlier this week.
He announced his decision to retire from professional football ten days ago and a chance conversation on Tuesday night led to talks between the two parties.
Greening added: “I didn’t take much persuading because I wanted to carry on playing so the kids could come and watch.
“I can’t train three days a week because I’m 36, but I can easily play a couple of games a week.
“I’m just playing to enjoy myself and help Taddy get promoted.
“I’m probably here for just this year.
“Help them get promoted and see what happens next summer.”
Make sure you visit Non League Yorkshire at 9am tomorrow morning for the full report, Paul Marshall and Mick Norbury reaction and the full photo album.