Former England-defender and Escape to Victory star Russell Osman fought off the challenge of a strong field of ex-pros to win the fourth annual Footballers’ Golf Classic Dubai.

Osman, who plays off four, scored 97 Stableford points over the three competition rounds and edged out former Southampton-teammate Matt Le Tissier only on countback.

Both Osman and five-handicapper Le Tissier have previously won the event and its sister tournament at La Manga but were pushed all the way by the strong field which included Aston Villa, Celtic and Bayern Munich striker Alan McInally – who finished third with 95 points – and Paul Jewell who put managerial job offers aside to play in the competition.

Osman said: “It’s great to get my hands on the trophy again and steal the bragging rights away from Matt, but I’d have had a great time out here even if I hadn’t won.

“We’ve played three great courses and the hospitality and company has been first-class.”

The Manchester trio of Ian Thomson, Graham Jolley and Tim Barnes, dubbed Sheik Rattle and Roll, won the team title with 258 points, 13 clear of the second-placed team, Abba, which included, ex-Arsenal and Republic of Ireland defender and event organiser, Terry Mancini, playing with Joe Hayes and Terry Sellick.

Mancini said: “I’m pushing my luck a bit coming second in my own event, people will start calling it a fix!

“As always, everyone’s had a great time out here, some good – and not so good – golf has been played on some of the best courses you can find.

“The Footballers’ Golf Classics are highlights of the year for everyone involved and I’m already looking forward to the next one in Cape Town.”

The Footballers’ Golf Classic brand is now in its 12th year at La Manga Club, Spain, and fourth year in Dubai. A further event, in Mauritius, was launched earlier this year and the competition will debut in Cape Town, South Africa, in March 2008.