Trio trace unsung heroes

Photo: Darren Robinson

DAVE Ball (left), Tony Seel and Dave Giblin.

FOOTBALL: A TRIO of football enthusiasts is celebrating the careers of 100 former players from Oldham who have featured in various leagues over the years.

David Ball, David Giblin and Tony Seel have collected fascinating facts and stats about a number of stars, but are still keen to hear from and about others.

The three are almost halfway towards completion, after talking to 50 stalwarts.

For The Love of the Game, Oldham’s Unsung Heroes (Or as Good as the Pros But Paid a Bit Less), could be finished by April next year.

Ball said: “I was reminiscing with David about six months ago and we thought it would be nice to give some unsung heroes a bit of recognition. We have made a good start, it is gathering momentum now.

“But I would still like to hear from the ones who are proving harder to track down.

“Peter Lomax played for Oldham High School Old Boys in the mid-to-late 1960s. Geoff Ogden featured for them in the late 60s and early 70s and Dave Kershaw was at Chadderton and Oldham Town in the 90s.

“I also want a chat with Terry Broadbent, who was with Bulls Head in the 80s and 90s.

“I have no idea if they still live nearby, but it would be great to speak to them.

“Many of these people played for donkeys’ years without any real acknowledgement of their contribution.

“It was a different world back then, especially when you consider some of the artificial surfaces on which they played.”

Ex-players and their families have contributed their own photographs, giving the project a personal touch. The likes of Jack Abbott, Jack Bamford, and duo Billy Elwell and John Regan — who played more than 1,300 games between them for Chadderton — are featured in the book.

Anyone interested in contributing to the process can get in touch with David ball on (0161) 345 0753, or Tony (624 6967 or 652 2499).