Heron’s reach finally over after 34 years

Photo: Darren Robinson

STILL WATCHFUL: Retired goalkeeper Dave Heron runs the line.

Amateur football: GOALKEEPER Dave Heron has hung up his boots after 34 years in the Lancashire Amateur League as a Chaddertonians player.

Heron (49) bowed out in style - not only did the third team of Chaddertonians win the league title, they also claimed the divisional cup with a 4-2 defeat of Old Mancunians.

To cap a memorable last season for the one-club man, he was also voted as Chadds’ clubman of the year.

Heron said: “It was always my intention to quit playing at the end of this season, mainly so that I can concentrate on refereeing.”

The 2010-11 campaign will be the popular figure’s fourth as a referee in the D and J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League.

His refereeing highlight came when he took charge of the 2008-09 Challenge Cup final between Chaddy End and Coppice United at Boundary Park.

Heron has played in all four of the Chadds' teams in his long association with the club, and there was even a time when he appeared as an outfield player.

Heron explained: “A few years ago I broke a finger and had to play at right-back for two seasons.

“Once I scored from a corner and the Chronicle headline read: ‘Heron scores first goal in 20 years’.”

Heron also had a brief spell with Parkside in the Oldham Sunday League.


ASHTON United Ladies are on the lookout for new talent ahead of the start of the new season.

Playing in the Cheshire and Manchester League with matches on Sunday afternoons at 2pm, the club are asking anyone aged 16 or over who is interested in joining to contact manager Ian Jones on 07979 523197, or to email nitelife_uk@btinternet.com