(A match programme article from the 1990’s)

WITH more than 50 years’ playing for, managing teams, and supporting Crediton United, Bill Hole has a lifetime of memories to recall to anyone who is willing to drag him into a pub and buy him a pint.

Bill played from 14 years-old into his 40s and during his career collected a handful of honours including Under 17’s Exeter and District winners, Senior 1B winners, Devon and Exeter Intermediate One winners, Football Express Cup winner, East Devon Senior cup final runners-up, Senior 1A winner and Devon Senior Cup winner.

Most of Bill’s playing career was with Crediton but some of his honours were won during a short spell at near neighbours, Newton St Cyres, under Ray Casling’s managership.

Bill recalls his playing career for the Club.

He said: “My first memories of Crediton United Football are watching in the late 50s.

“I can remember the players running down the steps at Newcombes Meadow, hearing their studs clattering down the steps in their blue and white check shirts and thinking that will be me some day. (Players used to change in the Oatsheaf Hotel and had to walk to the ground. ed)

“My Club debut day came at 14-and-a-half years old playing for the Second team. To be honest all I can remember is Bill Ellaway setting me up five times in front of goal and me missing every chance.

“I remember Bill saying ‘come on somebody’!!

“My old mate Tim Roche, sadly not with us anymore, played on the right wing and after the game Spike Matthews took Tim and me to the Old Swan for our first ever pint. What a smashing man Spike was.

“A year later I recall playing for the first team for the first time against Friernhay at their Flowerpots ground at Exwick.

“What sticks in my mind is sitting in the bus outside the Oatsheaf pub watching the senior members of the team getting their pre match refreshment and thinking how the hell do they do that!

“The result was we lost 5-1. My opposite number was a guy called Terry Lee, an excellent footballer, who was very skilful with a powerful shot!

“When I look back, the senior players and committee looked out for us. On reflection Bill Ash and Harry Elston worked very hard for Crediton football club and showed true dedication.

“The best Crediton team I played for was the 1976/ 77 side. In October we were second to bottom and at the end of the season we were second from the top in Exeter and District Premier League.

“In my short life, Crediton teams have come from changing in the pub, then a hut in Newcombes Meadow to its present home at Lords Meadow with a clubhouse and its own changing rooms.

“It is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in Crediton.

“The best team I played against was Bristol City in 1976. After the game Gerry Gow asked me how much we were being paid. When I told him we paid £3 match fee he could not believe it.

“We lost 5-1 but a few weeks later they beat Arsenal 5-1. For me, playing the game is important, but just as important are the friends I have made spanning over five decades. This is important to me.

“We had some great fun, including the end of season tours the Club used to organise.

“One memorable trip was to Jersey for my first flight on an aeroplane and a few days before in the Mitre I told Ian Grinney I was very nervous.

“Ian said: ‘Don’t worry I was in the RAF, I will sit next to you.’ Eventually, when we were in the air, he told me it was his first time too.

“As a footballer I will leave it to my peers to judge me. I had fun, plenty of beer and most importantly comradeship, ‘you can’t buy those amazing memories’.

“The best player I have seen was George Best. The favourite Crediton player the late Alan Matten. Thanks to Chris Gillard who bought me copious amounts of beer after training as I never had any money in mid week!

“Well done Chris for all your hard work. I have always been proud to play for my town as I am a Kirtonian... UP THE BLUES!!”

When Bill finally hung up his boots he continued his involvement and managed various Club teams from the Under 17’s for three seasons and the Reserves team for two seasons, both with Graham Tucker.

He was also joint manager and player with Chris Gillard and Jon Guy of the Third team.

Following serious heart surgery in his late 50s Bill was forced to take things easy but has become one of our keenest supporters.

In the past couple of seasons he has assisted in the raising of financial support for the Club and helping out whenever he can.

Bill can claim also to have been involved in three landmarks in the history of Crediton United. Firstly he was in the team when the first Team Manager of the Club - Ian Grinney was appointed in the late 60’s and was also in the teams that played the last game at Newcombes Meadow and the first at Lords Meadow in 1976.

Chris Gillard