Two unsung heroes of Staffordshire football were presented with long service awards at Newcastle Town last weekend.
Len Matthews and Brenda Bowden were both presented with FA 50 year merit awards by Staffordshire FA Chief Executive Brian Adshead and Town legend John Cotton before the game against Padiham at the Lyme Valley Stadium.
Len's award was presented for his 50 years service to Newcastle Town. He was the first ever club secretary when the club was established as Newcastle Town FC, and has served the club in numerous other roles, including player, administrator, programme editor and groundsman. He was also the club's first licencee when they got a bar, and more recently was reserve team secretary last season.
Brenda's award was in recognition of her 50 years of service to football in Staffordshire. She has been at Town for five years, and looks after the hospitality for the Vice-Presidents and sponsors. She has also helped out at Port Vale in the directors' lounge in a similar role, but her main involvement over the years has been with local and Sunday league football, where she has a long track record of service as an administrator and fixtures secretary.
John Cotton said: "Both awards are thoroughly deserved. Len is in his 70's now, but is still actively involved in the club, and lends a hand whenever and wherever it is needed. As well as her match day duties in the hospitality area, Brenda attends club functions, helps with the raffle, and nothing is too much trouble for her.
"Both of them are real genuine unsung heroes, and it's fantastic that the time and effort they have put into football in Staffordshire has been recognised. All the directors, management, players and supporters would like to congratulate Len and Brenda on their well deserved awards".
Both Len and Brenda are pictured below receiving their awards from Brian Adshead and John Cotton.
