Ex-Chester City foootballer Eric Stubbs celebrates his 97th birthday

Sep 16 2009 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

THE secret of long life has been disclosed by former footballer Eric Stubbs who was 97 this week: hard work.

More than 50 people visited Eric at his special celebration at Newton House, Tiverton Close, Chester. The event was organised and hosted by residents and Chester & District Housing Trust staff.

From the Titanic to the election of Barack Obama, Eric has seen almost a century of history. He is well known for his football career with teams such as Chester, Wrexham, Nottingham Forest and Leicester, playing during Chester FC’s glory years in the 1930’s on the left wing.

The superstar footballers of the modern game are very different to Eric’s day. He said: “Beginning with players’ salaries, I received £8 a match and that allowed me to buy my first house in 1950 for £375 which was 5, Park Drive, Hoole.”

Doreen Colombo, who will celebrate her 90th birthday in November, added: “There was never a weed in sight in his garden.”

Eric gave his opinion on Chester FC’s current situation: “It is very difficult for Chester being close to clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester. We use to get 20,000 people at a match, now we are lucky if we have 200.”