WHEN Bill Hallam from Rainford Avenue, Timperley, saw a Messenger piece about the platinum wedding anniversary of Ted and Joan Davies, he was amazed.

Ted had taught him English and Sport at Baguley Hall School in the 1950s. He recalls how their team won the Manchester Schools First Division Shield in the 1956-57 season and still treasures his individual trophy,

Until his final year, when he studied technology until leaving at 15, Bill learnt English from his teacher who “was both firm and fair.”

“When we were tired of English, we used to get him talking about his time in the Navy during the war,” he said.

“His stories were interesting. When you are only 12 or 13, it is all new.

“Ted was a good football coach.”

Bill, who played left full back, recalled the big competition.

“We were losing 2-0 against Ducie Technical School in the semi-final. At half time he gave us a talking to. We won 4-2.”

The final resulted in a four all draw against Openshaw Technical School. Each school kept the trophy for six months.

Bill worked in the printing industry but believes his former teacher would have delighted in his subsequent foot balling successes resulting in 30 trophies.

In 1961 Bill , 71, represented the Cheshire FA and in 1967, his team, North Withington FC, won the Lancashire Amateur Cup - both at Maine Road football ground.

Ted Davies, 92, said: “I remember that final. The headmaster, Mr Jones,turned up, which was a rarity. Everyone was proud of the team.”