The chairman of a football club which is appealing for players past and present to join in 90th anniversary celebrations has been contacted by a man who could be one of the oldest surviving players.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Norman Jones, now living in Wales, played for Bungay FC in 1946.Norman Jones, now living in Wales, played for Bungay FC in 1946. (Image: Archant)

Bungay FC chairman Shaun Cole said the club was hoping to trace at least 90 former first team players and 90 of the current juniors to attend an anniversary game at their home ground at Maltings Pavilion in Ditchingham, next Saturday September 26.

Mr Cole said among the calls and emails he had received was one from 88-year-old Norman Jones who played for Bungay when he was aged 18 and stationed in Unit 53 Maintenance of the RAF in Flixton.

Mr Jones was not local to the area and did not know his team mates and said he used to turn up on match day, play forward, then return to the unit.

He played for three months before he was posted elsewhere.

He currently lives in Prestatyn, North Wales and unfortunately cannot attend the anniversary game.

Mr Cole said: “Norman Jones only made one appearance for Bungay Town first team as an 18 year old although he did play several games for our reserve team.

“It is quite possible his 1946 appearance is the oldest of any surviving player. If there is anyone out there who played for us before 1946 or is older than 88 we would love to find them.

“However, this isn’t just about the older generation and we are looking to find as many ex-Bungay Town players whether they played five or 50 years ago.”

The club was formed in July 1925 and the first match was an away game against Poringland on September 12, 1925. In a repeat of that game, Bungay will celebrate its 90th year with an Anglian Combination league game against Poringland. Tickets are available from club members or the Maltings Pavilion.

To join the line up, call Mr Cole on 07769169542 or email sa_cole@hotmail.com