TED BATES, affectionately known as 'Mr Southampton Football Club', had his outstanding service officially recognised at the annual meeting of the Hampshire Football Association.
The Dell legend was at Eastleigh Football Club's Ten Acres ground to receive long overdue Football Association recognition in the form of an FA Award which is presented to individuals who have given 50 years' service to football.
HFA chairman and FA council member John Ward presented Bates with his FA medal along with Aldershot referee Doug Scott and the Portsmouth FA quartet of Doug Grist, Bill Hansford, Frank Rutledge and Buster Gordon who also saw their long and loyal service rewarded by Lancaster Gate.
Incredibly, Saints' president Bates is now in his 62nd consecutive year at the club after signing forms at The Dell on May 3, 1937 - on his 19th birthday.
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