A FORMER footballer had the chance to relive some of his past glories when he visited an exhibition about the region’s most successful amateur team.

Former Darlington player Joe Liddle, 90, visited the Bishop Auckland Football Club exhibition, which is currently at Locomotion, in Shildon, to see some of the players he knew and competed against in the 1950s.

Mr Liddle, who lives at Lyons Court care home in Evenwood, came “face to face” with Bishop Auckland legend Bob Hardisty, who he played against in an FA Cup tie, scoring two goals and helping his team Stockton to a 7-0 victory.

He said: “It’s a very good exhibition. I played against a lot of them . I remember all the matches. They were always very competitive."

Mr Liddle, originally from Gainford, began his football career at Darlington after being asked to go for a trial by a passer-by who saw him practising on the village green.

After the war he went on the play for Spennymoor and then Stockton, and had offers to play at Liverpool, West Ham and Man City which he turned down to remain in the North-East.

He was joined by some of the women he lives with a Bowes Lyon. Activities coordinator said: “All the residents knew about Joe being a good player and when we said we would be bringing Joe to see it they all asked to come.

“It’s been a lovely day out.”