FORMER Take That bandmates Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow proved they were friends again when they watched a football match together.

The pair chatted amiably ahead of the Arsenal v Manchester United game at the Emirates Stadium in north London on Saturday.

Stoke-on-Trent born Williams, who left the group to launch a solo career in 1995, even put his arm round Barlow during a TV interview.

The pair gave a lighthearted response when asked by Sky Sports about the fact they seemed to be on friendly terms.

Williams, aged 34, whose mum Jan and sister Sally live in North Staffordshire, joked: "We've not spoken a word to each other yet – we don't know how this is going to go."

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"It could go either way this yet, mate," Barlow added.

Multimillionaire Williams has spent most of his time in Los Angeles while his former bandmates have enjoyed a successful comeback.

When asked why, as a Port Vale fan, he was at the game, Williams said: "Actually I do have to say that I call Man Utd Secret Vale because when you support Port Vale for as long as I have it's nice to have a decent win every now and again... I'm a Vale man but I like to see Man United do well."

Liverpool fan Barlow, 37, said he just wanted to see a draw to ensure his team's position.

Last month Barlow and his fellow band members Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen confirmed plans to hit the road again for a huge British stadium tour next summer.

Take That Present The Circus Live – Summer 2009 promises to be the band's biggest tour yet, with eight stadium dates.

A tour spokeswoman said there were no plans for Williams to make any appearances.