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Loyal fan rewarded
Story courtesy of Burton Mail
A Midway man who has been watching Gresley Rovers play for the last 80 years celebrated his 89th birthday at last night’s match against Guiseley at Sheffield.
Mr Henry Jackson, of Chestnut Avenue, was invited on to the pitch and presented with a birthday card signed by all the Gresley Rovers’ team.His night of celebration did not go entirely to plan as Rovers lost their FA Vase final replay 3-1 – but Mr Jackson was determined not to let that ruin his big day.
“It was beautiful,” said Mr Jackson. “Gresley Rovers were the best team, but they both played a good game.”
He was also at Wembley on Saturday when Gresley Rovers drew with Guiseley.
Mr Jackson watched his first Gresley Rovers match when he was nine years old.
“I paid a penny to go in,” he said. “I have followed them off and on ever since. I shall carry on watching them while I can. I don’t think I am the oldest fan. Mr Bert Adams who is 90 tomorrow, is a fan but he has been in hospital for a while.”
This month Gresley Rovers play Borrowash away and then at home in the Derbyshire Senior Cup final.
“You bet I shall be there,” he said.