Chichester City FC's 1980 champions are together again

The 40th anniversary event was postponed in 2020 because of Covid-19, but they finally got back together to enjoy a great evening with all present reliving and recounting anecdotes of a remarkable season.

Inspired by the manager, ex-Pompey ace Richie Reynolds, the 79-80 team triumphed against the odds, transforming from relegation candidates one season to champions the next.

Worthing at he Sussex Cup final - in pictures.

In a short but typically humorous address, Reynolds noted: “I was lured to the club for the princely sum of £20 per week, so how could I refuse? It wasn’t even enough to pay my phone bill!

“You were all, individually, very good players and I couldn’t understand why you weren’t achieving more success.”

With the addition of few new players, and improved organisation, he said, the team grew in confidence.

“You were such a hard-working group and fully deserved every bit of your success,” he added.

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Organisers Neal Holder and Greg Brown were delighted the vast majority of players had been able to attend and help raise £800 for MND and MS charities.

Holder, who acted as auctioneer, said: “Not only was it a great celebration, through the generosity of local businesses, our teammates and supporters, we were able to raise such a large amount and have fun doing it.”

Brown added: “The bonds created all those years ago and the admiration for Richie who inspired so many players, young and old, were evident for all to see.

“It was a special night for a special group of people.”