There are so many fascinating stories of outstanding service and pure dedication and devotion from throughout the Southern League.
But few can lay claim to serving their club for 70 years. Step forward Mr. Pat Howarth who reaches that landmark during the campaign ahead and whose long association with Barton Rovers FC of the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central was recently recognised with an Outstanding Service Award from the Bedfordshire FA.
“It all started back in the early 1950s when I would cycle to watch Barton Rovers’ home games,” the 83 year-old told us. “When the first-team were away, I would watch the reserves and it wasn’t long before I was roped into being Linesman. Then, at the age of 14, I was asked to play for the reserve team.
“In those days, we had to remove the cow pats from the pitch before the game could kick-off!
“It didn’t take me long to become hooked and soon my whole life revolved around the club. As well as being Linesman and reserve team player, I have also taken on physio duties, been Kit Man, Bar Man, fund-raiser, sponsor, Secretary and general dogsbody, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way!
“During quarter-of-a-century as Secretary I was privileged to see the club play at the old Wembley Stadium in the FA Vase Final of 1978. We lost 2-1 to Newcastle Blue Star that day, but what an occasion it was to be part of, something I will never forget.
“We’ve also seen plenty of extremely talented players wear the shirt on their way to higher levels. In fact, the season before last I think there were four ex-Barton Rovers players plying their trade in The Football League, so that makes me extremely proud too.
“My all-time favourite was Barry Reed. He had previously played for Leicester City and Luton Town and arrived as manager in 1964. His first season at the helm ended in promotion and we were never out of the top three at the higher level throughout his long tenure.
“He took us into the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time and promotion into the Isthmian League, securing our highest-ever finish of third before retiring at the end of that 1982/83 campaign. He was also the manager that took us to Wembley in 1978 and was a class-act.
“There is a lot of talent within the current squad. It’s a new team that was put together last summer and most of them have committed again for the season ahead, where it is hoped we can build on what we achieved last term and push on for the play-offs.”
Howarth is still very much involved on matchdays, where he is in charge of hospitality and always a welcoming face to visitors at The Winton Haulage Stadium.
“I thoroughly enjoy the meet-and-greet aspect of the role,” he continued. “There is always a very warm welcome waiting for visitors here, whether they are old friends returning, regular faces or those visiting us for the first time.
“We go out of our way to make everyone feel welcome and it’s great to be able to play my part in that. I have made so many wonderful friends through my involvement with the club and look forward to making many more.
“It would be extra special if the team could make my 70th season one to really remember by reaching the play-offs, now that would be something, wouldn’t it?”
The Southern League would like to congratulate Mr. Pat Howarth on his outstanding service to Barton Rovers FC. Long may it continue…
Volunteers like Mr. Howarth play such a crucial role across all four of our Leagues and are worth their weight in gold.
The Volunteer Hub allows Member Clubs to advertise vacancies to potential volunteers – check it out here:
