Just a day before appearing for the Derbyshire village team, Fuchs stepped down as head coach of Newport County.
Although his inaugural senior managerial stint with the Exiles yielded only nine wins from 31 games, Fuchs began his cricket venture on a winning note.
Opening the bowling, Fuchs claimed 2‑20 from his 3.2 overs and helped effect a run‑out as Grindleford bowled Riverside Notts out for 150.
“His bowling was a bit erratic, but it was fine,” Mahmood chuckled.
“It was his debut, so we took it in stride. We gave him the benefit of the doubt and kept any criticism to ourselves.”
In the run chase, Fuchs batted at number six, making 12 runs off 18 balls – a four and a six – as Grindleford snatched a one‑wicket victory.
“When he was dismissed, he was chatting with everyone. He’s a really pleasant guy,” Mahmood added.
“Seeing him there was a surprise; it’s such a random Sunday match, and suddenly a Premier League winner shows up.”
Fuchs isn’t the only former footballer to have turned to cricket later in his career.
Former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn turns out for Cornwall’s over‑50s side, while ex‑Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann once turned out for Alderley Edge’s second team while still under contract at City.
Current Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff is likewise spending his summer break with Tynemouth in Division 1 of the North East Premier League.
During his football career, Fuchs amassed over 650 appearances for club and country, including six seasons at the King Power Stadium.
Besides capturing the Premier League and FA Cup, Fuchs earned 78 caps for Austria and captained the side at Euro 2016.
