A COMMUNITY football club stalwart has been honoured by his local club. as a key area has been given his name.

On Sunday, 9 September, North Hampshire Community Sports club Hartley Wintney FC held the inauguration of The Bill Mitchell Stand at the club’s Memorial Ground in Green Lane.

Bill has been key to the club’s history, and has seen the club recently rise through the ranks of England’s football pyramid.

He has had a myriad of roles at the club, from groundsman to president in his illustrious seven decades of service at the club.

Bill, 82, who has lived in the village for his whole life, once also played football for the Row and is also a keen cricketer for the village team.

Enthusiasm for the local team evidently runs in the family, as Bill succeeded his father in some roles.

Club chairman Luke Mullen said: “It is an amazing achievement that Bill, has put so much effort into building our club from local park matches, to now competing in the world famous Emirates FA Cup.”

Club secretary Elayne Duddridge said: “Bill is an inspiration to us all, still attends away games - and was made so welcome by our hosts at Dorchester Town recently.”

Bill was pleased to see the naming of the stand, and reflected on his history with the club.

Bill said: “Hartley Wintney Football Club has been my life, and my family have been so supportive too. It’s only right that they share in today’s celebration for which I feel very honoured.

“Up the Row.”