GARY Stevens, the ex-Tottenham and England midfielder, was present when Elmswell celebrated 100 years of football in the village.His father Mike passed away earlier this year and played in goal for the club in the early seventies.

Elvin King

GARY Stevens, the ex-Tottenham and England midfielder, was present when Elmswell celebrated 100 years of football in the village.

His father Mike passed away earlier this year and played in goal for the club in the early seventies. Stevens junior was presented with a framed photograph of his father.

Long service awards were presented to club stalwarts Dick Burch, Herbert Mulley and Roy Finch, while Stan Howe, the oldest ex-player at 82, won £50 in a game of heads and tails.

Chairman Bob Barter told a number of amusing stories and retold how former players used to walk or cycle to games. Elmswell have played on six different pitches in their time.

Former chairman Herbert Mulley thanked Barry Hayward, Bob Barter and Paul Peachey for arranging the event.

Former Ipswich Town midfielder Simon Milton, who moved to Portman Road after playing for Bury Town, mentioned Howe's original leather boots which were on show along with many old team pictures, shirts and stories relating to the club over the years.