Mr Fix-it plays down key role

dedication . . . Keith Dennis, pictured with the John Tebbitt Memorial Trophy.

THE man who keeps the D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League schedule ticking over has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Keith Dennis has been fixtures’ secretary for the past 31 years but his connection with the Oldham set-up began as a Colliers FC player, in the 1971-72 campaign.

A knee injury at the age of 27 curtailed his appearances on the field and he went on to become secretary of Ladbrokes FC for six years.

This was followed by a 20-year stint as chairman of Freehold, during which time he joined the Oldham Sunday League committee as fixtures secretary.

In 2008 he was handed the John Tebbitt Memorial Trophy in recognition of three decades of dedicated service to the league.

President Rodney Clarke said: “Keith is a worthy nominee when you take into account all his hard work.

“I can honestly say, his enthusiasm for the role has not dimmed one bit, he still loves doing the job.

“I met him in 1989 when I was involved with Failsworth Athletic, and even back then he had been fixtures’ secretary for almost a decade.”

Modest Keith has played down his contribution to the local football scene and says he is happy simply going about his business.

“I enjoy what I do on a week-to-week basis, I would not do it if the enjoyment wasn’t there,” said Keith, who has been nominated for the sports administrator award.

“But there are plenty of people who do better and more important things than myself.

“I just do the job and make the most of it, I don’t do anything for praise or recognition.”

Rather than pinpointing one particular highlight, Keith believes the friends he has made will be his abiding memory.

He added: “I like the people aspect of this role. I have met so many people and liaised with all the different teams, it has been a pleasure.

“I am a Manchester City fan so as you can imagine there has been a lot of banter over the years — especially now we have got a bit of money and look like we might win something.

“I mix with a lot of United supporters so there is always a lot of fun to be had.”