I subsequently had a brief spell at Stanley United and then joined South Bank (both Northern League clubs). The travelling to Stanley was a burden whereas South Bank was close to my home. My Brother (Stan) worked with the Secretary of South Bank FC and he was my initial contact there. I was working at the time but always managed to fit it in around football, rather than the other way round!

I found it difficult at South Bank as the pitch was moderate and the style of play didn’t suit me. I tried my best, but it didn’t work out. I did play with some decent players with Jimmy Lawton being the pick. He went on to have a successful playing career as a professional for Darlington, Swindon and Watford.

My passion for playing football never waned but due to increasing work and family commitments I stopped playing on Saturdays and went on to play in the top-flight of the Langbaurgh League on a Sunday for many years. It was a decent standard with a lot of good Northern League and Teesside League players who also played on Saturdays. I was 57 years old when I played my last match!

I consider myself fortunate to have played with some outstanding players during my Whitby career and it is very difficult to pick out just a handful!

Benny Edwards was the best. He had recently won three consecutive FA Amateur Cup Finals with Bishop Auckland (1954/55, 1955/56 and 1956/57), playing in front of 100,000 spectators at Wembley, which tells you all you need to know about his ability. Not only was Benny a great player, he was also a lovely man who I greatly respected.

Eddie Barker was a big, strong lad and a good leader as Captain. John Kelly was a wing-half who played behind me. He was sometimes frustrating to play with but there was no doubting his ability. Barry Geldart was an outside left who had a quality left-foot. Jimmy Ashworth was a top-class, solid all-round goalkeeper. There were only two Whitby based players at the time, Ken Deighton (goalkeeper) and Dickie Chambers, who was a regular. Dickie was getting to the veteran stage when I played with him, but he was still a top-class player who was a gentleman and it was a privilege to have played in the same team and have known him.

Not surprisingly, the Turnbull Ground was my favourite venue but in terms of away grounds, Bishop Auckland’s Kingsway was the one I enjoyed playing at most. The ground had character, history, an excellent playing surface and huge crowds who always generated a hostile atmosphere. With Bishops having such strong teams and the big home support you always knew you would be in for a challenging game but that was something I always relished as a player.

After finishing playing at Whitby I still kept in touch with friends at the club and was fortunate enough to see them play in the 1965 FA Amateur Cup semi-final at Roker Park against Enfield and the subsequent final at Wembley against Hendon which were both memorable days. I was invited with my wife Ruth to the subsequent Celebration Dinner at The Royal Hotel followed by a dance at The Spa that was put on by the Urban District Council. In fact, I’ve still got the invitation and menu amongst my Whitby Town memorabilia!

I still love watching the football. I am a longstanding season-ticket holder at Middlesbrough and have also been to many of their away matches over the years including several times in Europe when I was in my 70’s!

I always look out for Whitby Town results and I still occasionally get to see them play. Understandably my visits to the Turnbull Ground bring back lots of happy memories.

To this day, one of the most remarkable matches I have ever witnessed was the Halifax Town vs Whitby Town FA Cup 1st Round tie at The Shay back in November 1983. I went to the game with my son Gary and trailing 2-0 at half-time to the Football League side, the talk in the social club during the break amongst Whitby supporters was whether or not the score could be kept down to a respectable level. The rest as they say is history as The Seasiders pulled off a remarkable comeback to win 3-2. It reminded me of my best Whitby days when there was ability, great team-spirit and a never-say-die attitude at the club.

For my 60th birthday back in 1994 Gary set up a surprise event for me which he based on the old TV programme called ‘This is Your Life’. It was at Great Ayton and the snow was deep on the ground and falling heavily that night. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the room and saw it packed with family and friends from different times of my life. One of the highlights was the presence of a number of former Whitby Town colleagues from my playing days. Despite the weather they had travelled from far and wide to be there. The camaraderie and recollections between us came flooding back and I was even presented with a large plaque with the club name and crest on it as well as my name and club appearances. That night was a very special occasion.

My second spell at Whitby Town roughly coincided with meeting my subsequent wife Ruth back in the late 1950’s. She was always my biggest supporter and regularly watched me throughout my playing career. We are still together after over 60 years and both have very fond memories of Whitby Town.

I am 86 now and football has always played a big part in my life … it is in my DNA. However, there is no question that my happiest days were playing for Whitby Town. I was lucky enough to play over 100 matches for the club and loved playing at the Turnbull Ground with its quality pitch and great atmosphere. The players, officials and supporters were always first class with me. I always did my best and I’m sure people recognised that.

I have some very special memories and Whitby Town Football Club always has and always will, mean a lot to me.