ENGLAND'S friendly in Turin this week brought back some fond memories for one of the first Englishmen to play club football in Italy.

Vic Barney, from Witney, turned out for Napoli in 1945 as an inside forward while serving in the British Army.

On his return, he played for a string of English clubs, including Grimsby, Reading and Headington United, before retiring at the age of 35.

But Vic isn't too impressed with English football nowadays. "I think we are still behind the continental game," Vic told the Mail.

"For too long, our game was based on the big centre forward and the ball kicked hopefully forward, and we're still catching up."

Vic, now 78, has fond memories of his time in the Mediterranean country, even though it was then recovering from the ravages of the Second World War.

He returned to Naples five years ago and was given the red carpet treatment by the Serie A club.

"The president invited me and my wife to dinner and we were wined and dined before a top game against Milan. It was nice that they remembered back all those years," he said.

Vic, born in London, served in the British Army infantry during the Italian campaign. He now lives at Farmers Close, Witney.

Among the treasured mementoes of his time in the game are a ball signed by all the Italian players, and a complete outift of shirt, shorts and socks.

"It was an adventure. I still have the photo of me, a lone Englishman, among a team of Italians. I shall never forget it," he said.