VINCE Dillon was one of the many talented centre-forwards who had the misfortune to be on Wanderers' books when Nat Lofthouse was ruling the roost.

In almost four seasons, despite top-scoring for the reserves, he managed just 17 Division One appearances.

He scored two senior goals in that time - both in a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in August 1948 - but eventually took his scoring boots to Tranmere where he lived up to his First Division pedigree, bagging 17 goals in 33 games.

No records then but the Manchester-born Dillon, who eventually moved to Cornwall where he ran a chip shop, celebrates his 80th birthday next month and can lay claim to being one of the oldest surviving ex-Wanderers.

Still some way short of David Halford, the outside left who was signed from Derby County as a candidate to replace the legendary Welsh wide man Ted Vizard, who played for Wanderers in the first two of their three FA Cup triumphs of the 1920s.

Alf Anderson was preferred and Halford managed just eight first team games over two seasons - 36-37 and 37-38 - before moving on to Oldham. He played wartime football with, among others, Queens Park Rangers. Now in his 88th year, he lives in Tadcaster.

Do you know of anyone who played league football for Wanderers who is older?

If so, e-mail .Internet Editor Chris Sudlow