He is a something of a national treasure - making millions laugh with his good-humoured jokes.

But it appears comedian Russell Howard first got his taste for the lime light in a totally different arena.

While he is used to packing out venues, he once performed in another field - quite literally.

The funny man in his younger years played for Basingstoke Town Football Club, as this incredible throwback picture shows. 

Reminiscing about those days in an interview back in 2011, he said: "I played for Basingstoke Town when I was younger and got to play in the 1st round of the FA Youth Cup, although we did get destroyed 18-0. I'm getting old now so slowing down, it's depressing."

The Bristolian, who is now 40, is vocal about his love for football and said he is "deadly serious" about the sport. 

Andover Advertiser: Comedian Russell Howard once played for Basingstoke Town Football Club Comedian Russell Howard once played for Basingstoke Town Football Club

Despite his connection to Basingstoke, he has supported Liverpool since he was ten. The Mock the Week regular previously spoke of his joy of "playing five-a-side" with friends and watching matches "down the pub". 

Football isn't the only sport the TV star is familiar with. For Sport Relief 2010, he took part in the Million Pound Bike Ride with David Walliams, Jimmy Carr, Fearne Cotton, Miranda Hart, Patrick Kielty and Davina McCall.

They cycled from John o'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in England in 4 days trying to raise £1 million.

But the question all Basingstoke residents will want to know if Russell Howard park in South Ham is named after him.

Andover Advertiser:

He may be a famous comedian but his time in Basingstoke did not bestow him this honour.

The Basingstoke park is actually named after Russell Henry Howard, the town's former mayor between 1933 and 1934. 

Basingstoke Town FC tweeted Russell in 2018 to ask if he fancied "dusting off" his boots for one last game. He didn't reply. 

Andover Advertiser: Russell Howard Russell Howard