Can you help?

I reprint below an email just received.

Anyone out there who can remember / help out?

Do please make contact with me if you have any information

Cheers

Mr Chairman

Len Boyle is my Father. Sadly he passed away last weekend at the age of 84. He played for Alton Town from the age of 17 I believe which would have put his debut at around the1942/43 season.

I believe he may have been part of Alton Town's most successful team in the late 1940's, early 50's. He certainly spoke highly of his days there. He always told me he took the position of Jimmy Dickinson when Jimmy went off to play at Portsmouth - not sure if that is true or not.

Would you be able confirm to me when he was part of the Alton squad? If the information is available, I'd like to make reference to it in my funeral speech next Friday (31st). Additionally, if any photographs exist of the team during his time I love to buy some copies if its possible.

Thanks

Paul Boyle.

Thirty Something....

With 30 or more regularly at senior training on a Tuesday & Thursday, the trend has been followed by our youth team of 15 to 17 year olds - with 33 training last night!

Obviously, we're all delighted to see such numbers - and such quality - at both senior & youth level. It is certainly giving our management & coaching staff a good workout!

Such regular interest and involvement from so many is a clear indication that our club is going from strength to strength - while we all look forward to the remaining friendly fixtures and, of course, the season's start. Can't wait!

Well done everyone - and please keep it up!

Cheers

Mr Chairman

Portsmouth Friendlies

BIG DADDY

I know you've been desperate to know the answer to our poll on Big Daddy's weight! Indeed he has lost lots of weight and even shed a further 4 lbs following a two week holiday in Cornwall after indulging in much fish & chips and cream teas. A new diet perhaps?

FORUM

At the moment we're not running an instant interactive forum but you can comment on anything that takes your fancy by going to 'contacts' ...contact the club...and click on club email. We'll gladly air views and topics.

PROPER WEATHER HAS RETURNED

It was a shock to have the wind and rain return at our pre-season friendlies in Portsmouth on Saturday - back to normal football conditions!

It was a joy, however, to watch two games that showed much promise for the coming season. The first resulted in a 2 - 2 draw against the Royal Navy and the second ended up 3 - 2 in our favour against United Services.

There were long passages of play in both games where we kept the ball and passed well, we created chances and defended strongly in difficult playing conditions.

Fuller reports on both games follow - but the least said the better about Linesman Hawtin's involvement and Mr Chairman's first attempt at 'Punch Ball' in the pub!

Cheers

Jim (Mr Chairman)