THREE stalwarts of Westbury United Football Club have been recognised after racking up 95 years’ service to the club between them.
David Tucker, Phillip Alford and Viv Gardiner have all performed numerous roles for the club and were awarded Long Service Awards by the Toolstation Western League chairman, John Pool, at a recent ceremony in Devizes.
Phillip Alford was awarded for his 45 years’ service to the club and in that time has gone from a junior team player, youth player, reserve player and then on to the first team where he was eventually made captain. After a successful playing career he went into management at the club where he led a junior team through the age groups and into the youth set-up. He has also gone on to become reserve team manager and briefly held the hot-seat as first team manager.
Phillip said, “It is more like 48 years that I have officially been affiliated with the club, but even before that I used to come watch the team as a small child, so it has always been a part of my life.
“I have had some great highlights in that time and finishing second twice in the Wiltshire Premier League with the reserve side is a huge highlight as it was a great achievement. In terms of my playing career I enjoyed many highs and one for the club was when Southampton come to play us in a friendly with players like Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier playing, but unfortunately I was injured so missed out.
“It was also great to manage a boys’ team right through the age groups and see them develop, I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Dave Tucker was awarded his Long Service Award having been linked with the club for 25 years.
In that time he has performed many roles having started out as a bar worker in the club house. He later went on to manage a junior side after taking over his son’s team. He also had stints as groundsman and manager with the adult team.
He said, “A highlight was winning the Trowbridge & District Division Two cup three times as it was a great achievement.
“It was actually Phil Alford who got me involved, but I just enjoy being part of it. Over the years the club has changed in that it is much harder to find players and it has become all about the money which is a problem for all clubs and not just ourselves.
“I was shocked when I found out about the award but it was great to be recognised for all the years I have dedicated to the club. I don’t see myself giving up and will be involved forever!”
Viv Gardiner was also recognised for her long service to the club having also given 25 years’ service to Westbury United.
The Toolstation Western League chairman, John Pool said, “Between them, they have notched up many years of service to football! An incredible achievement and one for which they can be rightly proud.”
