ONE of Ashford Town FC's "backroom boys," trainer George Sergeant, has completed 50 years' service with the club.

Mr Sergeant, who admits to "approaching 80," was feted at the club's end of season awards evening, receiving gifts from both the club and supporters.

Recently Town's secretary, Alan Lancaster, marked his 50 years of service to the club.

Mr Sargeant, a self-effacing Irishman, joined the club as a forward from Hastings in 1952. He was previously a professional with League of Ireland side Waterford.

Joe Fagg was running the team in those days and Mr Sargeant has seen 19 managers in 50 years of many ups and downs.

He also had a time running the Town Reserves side and was caretaker manager of the club for a short period in 1965 before the arrival of Peter Sillett that heralded some of Ashford's greatest times that saw promotion in two spells.