Atherton: Football fan with dementia has stand named after him

Atherton Collieries Football Club unveiled the Frank Anderson Stand at the Skuna Stadium, the home of Atherton Collieries Football Club on Saturday August 19 for a local man who has dedicated his life to the club.

Frank started playing for the club in 1964/65 when the club won the tenth Bolton Combination and sixth Lancashire Junior Shield.

He dedicated the majority of his playing career to the club he loved. He was another ultra-competitive footballer who hated losing more than he enjoyed winning.
Frank retired from playing in the early eighties and he became Vice Chairman and then Chairman. After his stint as Chairman, he continued to rack up roles at the club.

A good friend of the club, Mike Davies sponsored a stand through his company MPD Built Environment Consultants, and he did this on the provision it was named the Frank Anderson Stand.

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Frank and staff from Etherstone Day Centre (Image: Etherstone Day Centre)

Over the last few years Frank’s health has suffered and he was diagnosed with dementia.

He still follows his beloved team although with not quite same passion he has been renowned for.

Over the last few months, he has been supported by the Etherstone Day Centre based in Leigh. They have been an invaluable support to the whole family who were proud to share Frank’s special day with them.

Speaking about the new stand, Helen Mannion from Etherstone Day Centres Senior said: “Frank speaks so highly of the years he has dedicated to Atherton Collieries Football Club.

“Reminiscing often of the lifelong friends and achievements that he is proud to have been part of.

“Julie and I liaised with the club so that Frank could participate in the unveiling of the stand sponsored in his name marking his commitment and the club’s appreciation.

Frank and his wife Geraldine (Image: Etherstone Day Centre)

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“It was a pleasure to celebrate with Frank, his family, and teammates and wonderful to witness him in his element.  

“He is clearly highly thought of by all who know him and frank so at home in the surroundings of the club.

“Celebrating the achievements of times gone by and embracing who people are now and what they still want to be, providing people with the opportunities to immerse themselves in their community is something that Etherstone prides itself on.

“Thank you to Frank and his family for choosing us to be part of their support network and to Atherton Collieries for the recognition of all that Frank has contributed and celebrating alongside us.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.