A man accused of the attempted murder of footballer Ronnie Wallwork pleaded guilty to a lesser offence on Thursday.</p> Robert Rimmer stabbed the former Manchester United player in a jealous rage because Wallwork was dating his ex-girlfriend.</p> Rimmer, a 21-year-old gym trainer, went on trial on Thursday after denying a charge of attempted murder and a charge of wounding with intent.</p> But less than five hours into the trial at Manchester Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to the charge of wounding with intent on November 30 last year.</p> Prosecutor Richard Vardon told the jury that November 30 had been a "perfectly ordinary evening" for the 30-year-old Wallwork and his girlfriend Amy Broadbent.</p> The pair had enjoyed a night out in Manchester city centre before making their way to a party at the Sugar Lounge on Deansgate Locks.</p> Rimmer was at the bar with Wallwork's ex-girlfriend and several others.</p> Vardon told the jury of seven women and five men that there was "history" between the two men and that Rimmer had previously made threats to the footballer.</p> He said: "Rimmer, no doubt for reasons connected to Amy Broadbent, went over to Ronnie Wallwork and told him, by whispering into his ear, 'to leave'.</p> "Mr Wallwork refused. As a result of refusal, that was the spark that ignited the confrontation."</p> The prosecutor continued: "This was no ordinary bar room brawling. No ordinary nightclub fracas or melee.</p> "This was a serious attack where Rimmer had armed himself and used a knife. That knife was never recovered."</p> Rimmer used the knife "with real effect", stabbing Wallwork several times and so severely that he required emergency surgery, Vardon said.</p> He added: "That stabbing, that attack, the prosecution say, was motivated in large part by anger, by jealousy and by resentment that Ronnie Wallwork had formed a relationship with a Miss Amy Broadbent, the erstwhile girlfriend of Robert Rimmer."</p> Mr Justice Saunders directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on the attempted murder charge.</p> He also directed the jury to formally return a guilty verdict on the charge of wounding with intent.</p> Rimmer, from Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton, Manchester, was remanded into custody.</p> Charles Ebbrell, 27, of Hopkinson Avenue, Denton, Manchester, pleaded guilty to a charge of affray. He punched Wallwork on November 30.</p> Pre-sentence reports on both men were ordered by the judge and the next hearing is on December 21.</p>