Founder honoured on opening day

Williams, along with a number of officials at Buxton, Ossett Albion and Nantwich Town, received long service awards from the EVO-STIK NPL officials on the opening day of the season at their respective home games.

Williams, who founded the Rams in 1966, is pictured collecting his momento from EVO-STIK NPL chairman Mark Harris on the pitch at half-time at the stadium that bears his name. A delighted Williams saw his club go on to beat Goole 3-1 on their return to EVO-STIK NPL First Division North.

Williams was honoured as the club's fans, players and officials celebrate their golden anniversary this season since starting out playing on a park pitch in the nearby hamlet of Chatterton. By 1980, The Rams had relocated to a spare plot of land adjacent to the town’s centrally-located cricket club while playing in local Bury leagues. Since then they've rising through the North West Counties Football League to the EVO-STIK NPL.

A Rams spokesman said: "Harry Williams was delighted to receive the award which is in recognition of his tremendous service and also celebrates 50 years of football in the town. A warm round of applause was received upon the presentation at half-time with the chairman proclaiming 'Here’s to the next 50 years!'"

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