At The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League AGM dinner, club president Ronnie Thomasson was awarded a long service trophy in recognition of 50+ years service to football and in particular his commitment to Ashton United FC.

Sadly Ronnie wasn't able to attend in person to collect his award due to ill health. Evo-Stik League Director and Ashton United Vice Chairman Steve Hobson presented the award on behalf of the league to Ashton United Secretary Andy Finnigan.

In his presentation of the award Steve told the audience of 400 people about Ronnie covering virtually every role at Hurst Cross during his time involved, and the constant commitment despite his 81yrs, exemplified by him spending 5 hours clearing snow off the pitch earlier in the year.

An amazing individual Ronnie is still able to teach his younger companions a thing or two, not least about how to pace yourself when out on the town. Ronnie is always the last back to the hotel around 5am during the annual visit to Spain when everyone else had been partied out.

The club will arrange a suitable place and time to formally present Ronnie with his award once he is in better health.