The club were proud to have Alf “Ginger” Burnell and his wife Mary as special guests for Sunday’s game against Hemel Stags. Ginger came along with friends and family and celebrated his 90th birthday in style. The hospitality suite was decorated with photos and memorabilia from Alf’s playing days along with paintings from his own fair hand. Stuart Keane paid tribute to Alf with anecdotes of his playing days and time in the navy. Alf was not slow to correct him on any factual inaccuracies, nor to remind Stuart he still owed him 30 bob from some 50 years ago !
Prior to the game Alf and his 3 great grandchildren were taken to the changing room to meet the players. A Hawks victory was followed by Alf leading the players and fans in a stirring rendition of “We’ve swept the seas before boys…” in the Phoenix.
When asked what he thought about the unsavoury fight near the end of the game Alf responded “Call that a fight. I didn’t see any blood”.
A big thanks go to Jarvo and Stuart Keane for organising this special event.
