A RARE relic from one of the most successful periods in Runcorn Football Club's history is being seen by supporters for the first time in more than 65 years.

A gold and enamel medal, won by one of the Linnets' star players in the 1930s, came to light when a family member two generations on got in touch with the club.

Ken Roberts contacted Runcorn's official website to say his grandfather Jimmy Foxley had played for Runcorn before the Second World War - a conflict which was sadly to claim the footballer's life.

Mr Roberts had asked if anybody connected with the club remembered his relative and could provide any information.

The Linnets have passed on what is known of the player, who featured in the 1939 FA Cup third-round tie against holders Preston North End at Canal Street.

Meanwhile, through correspondence between Mr Roberts and Linnets' programme editor Derek Greenwood, Run-corn fans have been able to see a photograph of a treasured cup winners' medal won by Foxley.

Now in Mr Roberts' possession, it is a gold medal from the 1936-37 Cheshire County Football League Challenge Cup final.

Supporter Richard Bettley had penned his memories of that era for one of the club's matchday programmes and these have been forwarded to Mr Roberts.

Mr Bettley wrote: 'One hears a lot of the great Preston North End game but don't let us forget the three seasons before that.

'Tommy Magee became manager in the 1935-36 season. By the end of it, we took off! Jim Foxley was playing right-half in those days but at the start of the 1936-37 season, he moved to centre half.

'Together with Jack Search, Jim Foxley was a good club man. What a team that was. I would say it was the best ever Runcorn team.'

Mr Bettley explained by the time the Preston game came around, he had left and Jimmy Dunne was the player-manager.

He said: 'Jimmy Foxley played in the Preston match but we all thought it was for sentimental reasons. He had a leg injury and was heavily strapped up.'

The onset of the conflict signalled the break-up of the side and Foxley was killed in North Africa during the war.

Local historian, writer and football fan Chris Darlington said: 'Jimmy Foxley had played for Runcorn for 10 seasons by 1939.

'He was the best centre half in the Cheshire League. Football League clubs were after him lots of times.'

Jimmy's grandson Mr Roberts said: 'The more people who enjoy seeing the medal the better.

'My grandfather was quite well off as he worked as a postman and also got paid for playing football.

'If by any chance you do come across any further information on Jimmy, I would love to hear from you.'