Five legends enter AFC Telford Hall of Fame

Five new legends have been inducted into AFC Telford United's Hall Of Fame on a night which honoured the club's rich history.

The third annual Legends Night at the Whitehouse Hotel proved a big hit with supporters, almost 200 people coming to pay tribute to some of the stars of yesteryear.

Alan Harris, Antone Joseph, Sean Parrish and the late Frank Childs became the latest players to be added to the roll of honour.

And there was also a special award for fan Derrick Moore, who has supported the club for more than 60 years and currently serves as secretary of the supporters' trust board.

Childs made his name for 20 years of service which started in 1937 and he was reprsented at the event by former team-mates.

Windsor Davies and Alf Crook played alongside him in the Cheshire League title-winning side of 1951-52 while Don Haycox played with him in the years immediately after the second world war.

And Davies insisted the centre-half was well deserving of the recognition.

"Frank was a real toff," he said. "He was a very nice man and he was exceptional as far as his ability for football was concerned.

"He had two wonderful feet and he could head a ball, which most people can't.

"I'm thrilled that he's being given this credit because I think he really earned it."

Each of the three living legends were given warm receptions, starting with Alan Harris - who played over 700 games between 1967 and 1980.

Harris is now managing director of the Midland News Association and retains real affection for the club.

"I'm very proud to think they've recognised the service a lot of players have given over the years," he said. "To single me out, I'm honoured.

"At the same time as joining Wellington Town I joined the Star as well," he added.

"Most semi-professionals did that at the time - not only were they playing soccer but they also had the opportunity to get a career as well.

"I joined the Star in the administration of advertising and worked my way through from there."

Antone Joseph was always a popular figure at the Bucks Head throughout the 1980s and his arrival centre stage last night drew loud cheers.

But the tough-tackling midfielder was typically modest as he accepted his award.

"In no way do I think I'm a legend," he said. "I'm very shocked and happily surprised. I had many great moments playing for Telford. The first one that stands out was winning at Harrow Borough and the realisation that we were going to play at Wembley, which was every child's dream."

Sean Parrish played for the old Telford United for two years at the start of his career and returned to captain the newly-formed AFC Telford United.

It was in that first season back that he really made his mark, scoring the winner in the play-off final against Kendal to seal promotion.

"That season overall stands out," he said. "It was a great time and it was a team effort, it wasn't just about that goal. "I'm honoured to be recognised," he added.

What they said on a night of nostalgia

Windsor Davies on Frank Childs:"If you wanted to liken him to someone who was playing the game today, I think Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United would be the type of player he was at that time.

"The only difference was that Frank was much cleaner. He wouldn't do what Vidic does, he wouldn't block anybody off.

"Frank was a wonderful captain and he was respected by all the players."

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Alan Harris on winning the FA Trophy in 1971: "The year before we lost against Macclesfield Town but to rebound a year later against Hillingdon was terrific. We were two down at half-time so to win 3-2 was quite an occasion.

"The whole of Telford just emptied out.

"All the fans went down to Wembley and we had a tremendous reception when we came back. It was certainly a highlight of my time here."

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Antone Joseph on his career highlights: "I played at Wembley four times, I played for England (non-League team) 15 or 16 times.There were countless cup runs, it was just brilliant.

"I didn't think we were ever going to lose in the FA Cup you'd be playing Rochdale, Port Vale, Northampton, Darlington, Bradford and we'd say bring them on.

"Everton was a different kettle of fish but it was a fabulous experience to play at Goodison Park."

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Sean Parrish on AFC Telford:"It's a family club and it will always be close to my heart.

"I'm always made to feel welcome when I come here, the fans always give me a good reception.

"I just hope one day I see them playing league football. That's something the town, the club and the board deserve."

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Derrick Moore on his surprise award:" I'm elated. If there is a heaven for football then St Peter has just opened the pearly gates to let me in.

"I'm honoured, embarrassed even. This club is in my DNA and I have no control over it.

"I'm just one volunteer, there are so many volunteers who make this club so special."

By CHRIS HUDSON