Long-serving Poppies fans honoured by KTFC for 80 years of support
A pair of Poppies supporters have been honoured for their devotion to Kettering Town Football Club marking their 80 years of loyalty.
Ian Owen, 92, and Peter Threadgold, 90, both from Kettering, have followed their home town team for eight decades, turning up in all weathers, home and away, and through highs and lows – over a total of 160 years.
To mark their marathon support, owner George Akhtar invited the nonagenarians to the first match of the season as VIP guests and gifted them year-long season tickets.
Mr Akhtar said: “They are legends and just so inspirational with their unwavering support. We wanted to thank them.”
Both Ian and Peter started watching the Poppies at the ground in Rockingham Road just after the second world war, paying half a crown (the equivalent to 12.5p) to get through the turnstiles.
The country had been desperate to see live sport, the boys eager to see the return of football that had been stopped for the war. The 1946 season began with a match against Coalville which the Poppies won four-nil. Peter remembers the weather being changeable walking to the ground in bright sunshine, standing in the pouring rain for the game and then back home in the dry.
Over the years, Ian and Peter have seen thousands of matches never missing a season.
Of all those games one stands out for both men, Kettering Town’s historic 2024 FA Cup first-round upset when they beat League One side Northampton Town 2–1 in their own backyard at Sixfields, winning after extra time.
Smiling, Ian said: “I can still see Nile Ranger heading that ball into the net. It was brilliant.”
The lowest point for both was when a financially-stricken and homeless Poppies suffered a humiliating 7–0 defeat to Bashley at Nene Park. Kettering could only field 10 players.
Peter said: “I’ve seen the Poppies play every season since 1946 following them from Workington, Southport, Canvey Island, Lowestoft and all towns in between.
"It is incidents that I remember rather than matches like the Frank Large punch, Sammy Savage’s side netting goal, Brian Reynolds’ own goal and Brian Harvey’s goal from his six-yard box.
“I think the best manager was Tommy Lawton and my favourite player was Teddy Tart. Bobby Wildes was the best penalty taker with a leather ball and Craig Norman the best with modern ball.
Ian agrees about the spot kickers, but thinks Jack Froggatt was the best manager and player – bought for £6,000 in 1958 from Leicester City.
As a special treat Ian and Peter were welcomed onto the pitch at Latimer Park, introduced to the crowd, and given the honour of picking the player of the match in the 1-0 win for the home team.
Both Ian and Peter are looking forward to the season and praised owner George Akhtar.
Ian said: “George is a wonderful man. We much appreciate what he’s done for the team – he’s our favourite owner.”
Commenting on the honour, Peter added: “We feel very proud.”