A 75-year-old Weymouth pensioner is believed to be the Britain's oldest footballer still playing regularly. (Pictured: Dickie Borthwick)
Dickie Borthwick was born in the same year as 1966 World Cup winning England footballers Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson.
Having just celebrated his 75th birthday, he will soon be lacing up his boots, pulling on his shirt and crossing the white line to play in yet another match.
Dubbed ‘This oldest winger in town’, Borthwick has been playing football for the past 63 years, first taking up the game in 1947, two years after the end of the Second World War. He recalls: “I got my first job due to the fact I could play football. The man who interviewed me asked if by any chance did I play football? Yes I said! And back he came really quickly and said you’ve got the job.
“I have never been sent off. I am a firm but fair player. I just love to get out there for 90 minutes as often as I can. I have lost a bit of speed, but my thoughts are quick and that really counts. “I intend to keep on playing as my legs and knees are still good and sturdy. I have only had one serious injury and that was a collar bone. So I am still good for a few more years yet.”
As well as playing football, Borthwick has always been a staunch Weymouth FC supporter, helping out the club as a kit man when required.
Weymouth manager Ian Hutchinson said: “Dickie is certainly a one off. If he could he would put his own name down first on any of my team sheets. “He helps out at our club all the time and the fact that he still plays is just amazing to me and my players. He often joins in with us at training. If I could I would love to play him.”
Post published in: News