I played with some great players like Ray Redshaw (who went onto to play for Bolton Wanderers), Tim Devault, Wayne Lancaster, George Jones and not forgetting John Pengelly, a terrific Keeper. It was a privilege to play with all the lads.

- Joe Smith

Former player Joe Smith recently contacted the club looking for information and any memorabilia from his playing days.

Although, we could find no pictorial records we were able to provide results for the seasons Joe played.

Joe figured for Heys primarily in their Cheshire League days playing under then manager George Jones, who had played professionally for Bury, Blackburn Rovers and Oldham Athletic.

After several seasons of struggle, with Heys invariably bottom, Jones rein saw an upturn in fortunes with Joe playing his part with a five goal contribution in the 1980-81 season as Heys finished mid table in a league that featured the likes of Accrington Stanley, Rhyl, Skelmersdale, Glossop and Warrington Town

Joe, who is now 59 and living in Huddersfield has suffered two strokes and has had problems with his memory.

However, the statistics provided brought the old times back for the former Heys midfielder.

He recalled ”You have brought back some memories that I had thought I had lost. Through your help these are some things I remember like the following games:

7th Feb 1980/81 I scored the equaliser v Warrington away.

21st March beat Rhyl Away 4-3, I scored the winner with my left foot. The first time I ever scored with my left.

7th April lost 1-0 to Glossop. Bad day for Heys we had 3 players sent off, Ray Redshaw, Lawrence Kelly and myself.

17th April. Game v New Brighton, we got there and game was switched to be played at Newton as there had been a fire at New Brighton the night before.

22nd Aug lost 4-3. Away to Maghull. This was the only time I scored 2 goals in a game.

31st Oct lost away to Ford Motors 2-1. Ian Butterworth scored sadly he is now Deceased

23rd Jan 81/82 beat Skelmersdale 1-0 and I scored the Winner but also broke my nose in that game.

Joe added “I played with some great players like Ray Redshaw (who went onto to play for Bolton Wanderers), Tim Devault, Wayne Lancaster, George Jones and not forgetting John Pengelly, a terrific Keeper. It was a privilege to play with all the lads.

“I returned to Heys when they went to the Manchester League after I had returned from playing for 2 seasons in New Zealand but my legs had packed up by then unfortunately”

Joe has had a cup made with Heys crest on to remind of his times at the club.

He said “I hope Heys get into the NW Counties that is where they belong a great club with great tradition. They were great days”