MORE than 100 friends and former players turned up to Tempest United recently to honour a local football stalwart .

Tempest United's Alan Westhead picked up a long-service award after 50 years of commitment to the Lostock side and he has been recognised by the Lancashire FA for his commitment to the Lostock club.

The 68-year-old became a member of the club aged just 17-years-old and played for the the team.

He became a prominent member of the club's committee and continued to play for the side until he was 37-year-old.

Modest Alan said: "It is nice to get recognised for doing 50 years.

"But I never did it for the praise I just did it for the love of it.

"They were my local village club and I wanted to play with them and help out.

"50 years is a long time for anything and I only did it because I enjoyed it."

In that time Alan believes the game at grassroots level has changed tremendously.

He said: "Football was all you did as a lad back then.

"There are lots more distractions now-a-days.

"Also FIFA keep passing all these laws down for the Premier League and some of them do not apply to grassroots levels but we have to get sorted with all the laws.

"During that time we have tried to win trophies and we were in the West Lancashire League Premier Division a few years ago but even though it is nice to get success, I have enjoyed seeing the club develop."

Proud daughter Caren Westhead said: "Over the years Alan has devoted every spare minute of his time to the club, his dedication is further expressed with the support and experience he has.

"He continues to provide this support and experience to players, managers, members and volunteers of the club.

"No matter what personal experiences Alan has had to overcome over the years he has always found the time, energy, commitment and dedication to carry on, and through this he has enabled over three decades of young footballers to enjoy amateur football to the full.

"Alan has always provided stability, reliability and true professionalism. He is regarded with the up most respect from all who knows him.

"Amateur Football Clubs such as Tempest United are only able to survive with the generosity, commitment and support from individuals like Alan." ,