Hastings and St Leonards
Football Club 1947-8

MUDDY baths and leather footballs brought back happy memories for former football players.
The photograph was sent in by Den Thunder, 73, of Broomgrove Road, who is pictured above in the front row, second from left.
Mr Thunder said: "The photograph of Hastings and St Leonards Football Club was taken in about 1947 or 1948 at what was known as the top pitch of the Pilot Field.
"I was 16 at the time and the team played in the East Sussex League.
"It wasn't long after the war and there was a lot choice.
"We didn't have facilities like they have today. We had a tin bath and if you didn't get in their first there was no point in going in because it would be full of mud. All the teams were the same.
"They were good days. We played with a leather ball, which you couldn't swerve and sometimes you had a job hitting it because it was so heavy.
"And if the lace hit you on the head it could knock you out.
"That's when football was football and it was clean football.
"I played with them for about three and a half years then I met my wife and signed for Bexhill Town and played for them in the county league.
"I also played for Hastings Rangers for seven or eight years."
According to Mr Thunder his teammates were: left to right, back row; Bob Nice, Vic Bicknall who worked for the Observer, Ron Baldry; middle row Doug Girling, Gill Pankhurst, Frank Mitchell, Ernie Philcox; front row Bob Pont, Joe Vine, Den Thunder and 'Spider' Phillips.
If you have memories to share to help spark a few more contact Richard Morris on 01424 856784 or email richard.morris@trbeckett.co.uk