Veteran Jim steps down

Jim Gelder has cut the grass, marked the white lines, carried out matchday scoring and done umpteen other jobs since joining the Clifton Lane club in 1947 fresh from the Navy.

Following a short spell as a player, he joined the committee in 1949 and became chairman in 1967.

He said: "In my time I've seen nine presidents, seven secretaries, six treasurers and 15 captains come and go. I've also done a couple of one-year stints as secretary and stood in for a year as treasurer.

"I like to be involved, that's the big plus of the job for me. Another highlight was us winning the Yorkshire League twice. The minuses have been the endless arguments and troubles, but that comes with the territory.

"I stood up at our AGM recently and realised most of the people there weren't even born when I became chairman. I thought, it's time I retired and gave someone else a go."

Jim, who lives in Wentworth, was vice president of the Yorkshire League for seven years and still serves on its committee to this day.

Now 84, he has been made honorary president of Rotherham Town and is still a trustee.

Jim added: "I'll still go to games. I can't keep away."