David Eyres – stand up and take a bow

Last updated : 11 January 2005 By Tony Scholes

We were struggling near the bottom of what was then called the 2nd Division and yet seven years later, and nearing the age of 41, Eyres is still playing at that very same level with Oldham Athletic.

He’s not just playing at that level, he is starring at that level, and on Saturday he turned in a superb performance as he inspired Oldham to a giant killing 1-0 win over KKMC, their close neigbours from the City of Manchester Stadium.

Eyres, the oldest player in the Football League, won the BBC’s Radio Five Live Veteran Footballer of the Year Award for 2004. To put that into some sort of perspective, the previous winner was Gianfranco Zola.

He will celebrate his 41st birthday on Saturday 26th February by playing for Oldham at Huddersfield whilst two of his former clubs, Preston and Burnley, will be battling it out at Deepdale.

That’s in the afternoon but in the evening the Supporters Trust, ‘Trust Oldham’ are holding a special celebration dinner and are extending an invitation to Burnley supporters to the event.

It takes place at the Avant Hotel at Oldham and the cost of the evening, including a 3 course meal, is £275 for a table of ten, or £27.50 per ticket.

David Eyres and his family will be there as will be his current manager and some of his former managers. Current Oldham boss Brian Talbot has already confirmed as has Andy Ritchie who signed him for the Latics.

Also the manager who twice signed him, for both Blackpool and Burnley, will be there and that is Jimmy Mullen whilst former Preston boss David Moyes is hoping to be there.

The main speaker for the evening will be Kevin Lynch who has promised to retell some of the hilarious moments from his time as a referee (let’s hope he doesn’t mention Barnsley in 1995).

Should any Burnley supporters be interested in joining in this night for David Eyres then tickets are available from Trust Oldham. Please contact any one of James (07710 970087), Derek (07733 265335), Dave (07970 368153) and Gillian (07930 375360).

The hotel are also providing a special rate for guests wishing to stay overnight – the cost of a double room is £69 including breakfast.