ONE of the greatest memories in the life of 71-year-old Ray Head was when Tom Finney -- now Sir Tom -- presented him with a cup and shield.

The former junior footballer played for Deepdale Youth Centre in the 1946/47 Preston and District League, junior B division.

They enjoyed a remarkable season, winning 21 and drawing one of the 22 matches they played to take the trophy.

Ray said: "I have still got my cup and shield at home, we all got one. Then after that we went in the army, there was conscription then, and we all got called up." The players came back to Preston after doing national service and most of them got jobs, got married and were busy raising their families.

Ray got a job as an engineer, he married, they had a daughter, and now he has three grandchildren, but none of them share his love of soccer or look to being the town's next Tom Finney. Members of the Deepdale Youth Centre got together in the past, most recently last year, when they decided to invite all the players from the 1946/47 Preston and District League for a big reunion. And it has all been organised for November 7 at 7pm at St Gregory's Social Club in Blackpool Road, Preston.

Anyone who remembers Ray, or played in the local league in 1946/47, is welcome to go along.

Pictured (by Arthur Winter) is the Deepdale Youth Centre team: rear -- Ray Head, Frank Sarti (deceased), Andy Marsh, Bill Sibbering, Bob Dixon (also deceased), front -- Clem Leach, Ken Cooke, Danny Roberts, Harry Westray (also deceased), and Chris Jones. Also in the team was Jackie Carter, who was at his mother's funeral when this picture was taken.