Both players played for Heys from the late 1950’s and into in the 1960’s as the club progressed from playing in the Bury Amateur League into the South East Lancashire and Manchester League, in the process making their mark on the region with a host of trophy successes. It was also a period in which Heys made their first forays in the FA Amateur Cup, establishing themselves as one of the country’s leading amateur clubs.

The news of their passing has come from Keith’s daughter Lisa Jones who contacted us to say” I wanted to inform the club that sadly my dad passed away on 6th June this year, aged 86, after an 11-year battle with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. My dad was very proud of his time with the club (and the chances it gave him to play for/captain the South East Lancs and Manchester Counties teams). Even in his later years when his memory was all but gone, we still discussed his old team and showed him photos and they still brought a smile to his face. It was seeing the photos in memory of Andy Povall's sad passing on your Facebook page a few months ago that has prompted me to get in touch, as Andy was one of my dad's teammates, a name I heard mentioned often over the years.”

“A name I heard more than any other over the years was Alan Hadfield - a great friend and teammate of my dad's and something of a star player I believe. Following an appeal by Alan's sister on Facebook I saw last year to find some of his old teammates, we have been in touch with Alan from his home in America after around 50+ years! Sadly, his sister Anne called to let us know that Alan too had passed away, just a few weeks after my dad, aged 88. “

Keith, (who is pictured on the left) was a left half and played for Heys for ten seasons from 1957 onwards. He scored 55 goals, including one in a famous 3-2 win at Yorkshire Amateur on the 2nd January 1965, in the FA Amateur Cup 1st Round, a match of which clips were shown on the BBC. He also Captained the Manchester County side and represented the South East Lancashire League. Additionally, he was member of the Club Executive Committee, a role he held for many years.

Alan (pictured right) was a six foot, four centre half who Captained the side to successive South East Lancashire League titles as well as also representing the League and Manchester County. He scored 25 goals for the club whom he represented from 1959-1970.

Both Keith and Alan were great servants to Heys both on and off the field in a golden age for the club.

We send our sincere condolences to their family and friends.

Rest in peace Keith and Alan.