'The next station is Wayne Rooney. Please mind the gap.' The FA and London Underground release a tribute Tube map to celebrate 150th Anniversary

Footballing greats replace each of the 367 station names, but the real names unfortunately won't be changing anytime soon

The altered Tube map to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Football Association and the London Underground (The Football Association/Mischief PR)

The Football Association has released a unique London Underground map to celebrate its 150th Anniversary since its formation, coinciding with the same landmark being reached by the opening of the Metropolitan Line. However, the map will be for commemorative use only, so don’t expect to be minding the gap at Wayne Rooney anytime soon.

The map features all 367 Tube, Docklands Light Railway and Overground stations with their name changed to a famous football icon, with players such as David Beckham, Bobby Moore and Pele joined by managing greats like Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Alex Ferguson.

TO ENLARGE THE TUBE MAP, CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE

Each of the 14 lines is given a significant theme, with the Central Line dedicated to goalscorers of the footballing world, while the Circle Line is occupied by ‘Giant of the World Cup’.

Michael Owen, an ambassador for the FA150 programme, admitted he was delighted to have been included on the map.

 “I think the football-themed Tube map is a great way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of both the London Underground and the Football Association,” said Owen.

“I am absolutely delighted to be included at Oxford Circus.”

With both the Metropolitan Line and the FA launching in 1863, the network has been dedicated to managerial figures of the sport, with a fitting tribute to Sir Alf Ramsey as he is allocated the Wembley Park station.

Certain players have been given special local or station name associations, with Jack Wilshere occupying the Arsenal station on the Victoria Line while Jimmy Greaves takes the Central and Northern Lines Tottenham Court Road.

FA general secretary Alex Horne claimed the map was a fitting tribute to mark the anniversaries, and he hopes it generates a popular debate among fans over who should be allocated each station.

"Over the last 150 years, millions of football fans will have made journeys to and from matches using the London Underground.

"Creating this special version of such an iconic map is a fitting way for The FA and London Underground to mark its shared 150th anniversaries. With the map featuring so many greats from the history of the game, it is sure to generate huge debate amongst fans as well."

TO ENLARGE THE TUBE MAP, CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE

Jack Wilshere poses next to the altered map at Arsenal Tube station - renamed after the Gunners' midfielder