A DEVOTED amateur football team manager who led his team to a league and cup double last season has been praised by one of his heroes.
Brian Bennett, 60, started playing for Haydock FC at the age of 22 before taking control of the first team around 23 years ago.
His team won the Warrington and district Premier division and Jubilee Cup trophy last season and the club held a presentation evening at Haydock Cricket Club to celebrate on Friday.
Unknown to Brian and many others in the room, reserve team boss Stevan Hamilton had arranged a favour from his cousin Chris Moss, who works at Manchester United.
Brian and Stevan with the league shield
During the evening, the big screen was switched on, and a recorded video message from United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was played.
The Norwegian, who won a raft of trophies in his playing days at Old Trafford, said: "Hi Brian and everyone at Haydock Football Club.
"I hope you have a great evening and celebrate the great efforts and achievements of last season - the league and cup double.
"It is fantastic- 30 years of hard work has come into fruition
"Enjoy your night and all the best from everyone at Man United."
A ripple of applause sounded around the room, which was filled with excited and surprised faces.
Haydock FC celebrate after winning the Jubilee Cup trophy
Lifelong United fan Brian, who is also the club chairman, said: "It was absolutely fantastic.
"It was a really big surprise and was pleasant.
"I saw Ole play throughout his career and have a lot of fond memories from watching him.
"Last season was phenomenal - we had the best side I have been in charge of since I was manager.
"The junior team was set up 15 years ago and it is great to see players from six to seven now playing for us.
"We got players joining us from different clubs as well."
The Haydock FC squad
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Solskjaer's video was shared on social media and reserve team manager Stevan, 32, was delighted with the response it received.
Stevan, from Haydock, said: "I thought it would be a nice touch to leave a personal message for Brian with him being involved in the club for more than 30 years.
"It is 28 years since we last won something as well.
"Over the years Brian has put his own money into the club and is probably the only person in the club not from Haydock. He’s a star.
"The video has had an unbelievable response on social media.
"We have had lots of people congratulating us on the achievement.
"It’s been really good and has had the desired effect."
Haydock finished above runners-up Parklands FC in the league and also beat the same side in the final of the Jubilee Cup.
And Brian, who grew up on Exeter Street in West Park, is not ready to retire just yet.
Brian, who lives in Billinge, added: "It keeps me young.
"I still enjoy it and that is the most important thing.
"What we achieved last year was amazing. It makes it all worthwhile.
"Eventually I want to see us progress to a higher league."
Haydock FC kick off their 2019/2020 campaign on Saturday, August 31 as they bid to hold on to their two trophies.
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