STOKE City stars Kenwyne Jones and Ryan Shotton swapped playing for managing as they headed to the dug-outs for a charity football match.
The duo each took charge of a side at Newcastle Town's Lyme Valley ground to help raise funds for the Donna Louise Trust and the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
Yesterday's event saw a team representing Clayton-based firm Bliss Bathrooms take on workers from Tile Giant.
And it was Ryan who emerged victorious after seeing his Tile Giant side record a 3-2 win.
Both players held a pre-match team talk on the pitch before heading to their respective technical areas for a taste of management.
Fenton-born Ryan said: "I managed a five-a-side team in a tournament once and that's about it.
"I just told them to make sure they beat Kenwyne as he thinks he's a football manager.
"I also told the players to just enjoy themselves as that's what my manager says to me."
But that's where the Tony Pulis influence ended for the 23-year-old right-sided player who decided against donning a baseball cap in honour of the Stoke boss.
"I don't think my hair would fit under a cap at the moment," he said.
"It was a no-brainer for us both to come along today.
"I know the club do a lot with the charities.
"It's nice to help and try and give the children a good Christmas."
Former Sunderland striker Kenwyne, aged 28, said: "I am happy to be involved and to support the event. As players we always try and give to the charities and it's all about coming along and showing some support.
"I didn't have much time before the game to try and implement the style I wanted the team to play. I told my team that I didn't want to lose to Shotton."
The match was put together by one-time Newcastle Town player Stacey Whilock.
The 39-year-old of Scot Hay, who owns Bliss Bathrooms, said: "I have a bit to do with Stoke City in terms of sponsorship and you get to know the players and I asked them both if they would come along and they jumped at the chance.
"We hope to raise at least a couple of thousand." Patricia Scoggins, aged 43, of Etruria had her hair shaved off to support the event, with both Kenwyne and Ryan helping out with the charity trim.
She said: "I wanted to do a headshave for Donna Louise but Stacey said we could do a joint day.
"I have thick hair so it should grow back quickly."
Fund-raiser Glenda Bates, aged 40, of Bucknall, whose mum Cynthia Simpson passed away in 2009 aged 73 following a battle with cancer, added: "I try and raise money for the Douglas Macmillan as I was taken aback by the support they gave us."