THIS week’s two photos hopefully will trigger a few memories from both young and old Crediton United supporters.

The first is of the team that won the Liddon Cup in 1949 and the second is of one of Trevor Atkins teams early in his nine season’s run as manager.

The 1949 photo was taken at Newcombes Meadow and shows Harry Elston holding the Cup, Harry was probably the most enthusiastic footballer and loyal supporter ever in the history of the Club as Harry appears in photographs from the early 1930’s until the late 1970’s.

Of the players in the photo the only one who was still playing when I started playing men’s football in the late 1950’s was Alan Grant – a steady right back.

In those days the nets and goalposts had to be taken down after every match and then put back up the following Saturday!

The second photo of an early Trevor Atkins team was taken in 1986 and must rate as one of the Club’s best teams ever.

This was in no small way due to the ability of a Devon and Cornwall all time top non-league goal scorer Chris Slateford, seen seated third from the right in the tracksuit top.

Chris, who lived in Launceston was a natural goalscorer with either feet, superb ball control and a lightning turn of speed.

Not only that but he was a graceful player to watch. Sadly Chris died of cancer in 2010.

His son Neil appears to have inherited his talent and is currently a Helston United player. Trevor Atkins was himself a former professional footballer with Exeter City and Peterborough United.

He came to Crediton after a period as manager of Clyst Rovers. For Crediton this was a new era as Trevor had a good name with footballers in the wider Exeter and Mid Devon area.

At the time the Club was running four teams so there was a standard of playing that all could enjoy.

Also in the team photo seated third from left is Neal Saunders, aged 17 at the time, he later went on to be a long-term player for Tiverton Town in their climb up the football pyramid and appeared at Wembley in two F.A.Vase finals.

Trevor Atkins soon brought success to United winning the Devon and Exeter League Premiership Championship in 1987-8. The Club were promoted to the Western League in 1989/90.

Chris Gillard