FIVE stalwarts of the county sporting scene were honoured when Herefordshire Football Association held its annual dinner at Hereford’s Three Counties Hotel on Friday.

Colin Addison, Nigel Bradley, Steve Salmon, Phil Smith and Andy Morris received silver salvers for ‘meritorious service to football in the county.’

Former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest player Colin Addison arrived in the county in 1971 when he took up his first manager’s post with Hereford United. He has lived in Hereford ever since and has been an ambassador for the game in Herefordshire for more than 40 years. He is currently president of Herefordshire Schools FA.

Kington Town secretary Nigel Bradley became involved with the town club at a time when they were struggling and has played a key role in helping turn their fortunes around.

Steve Salmon has been associated with Weston Football Club for more than 40 years as an official and player, while Phil Smith, chairman of Wellington FC, has also been involved in the game as a player and official for a similar time.

Andy Morris set up Westfields FC 49 years ago and has been their driving force as the city outfit have progressed to become the leading club in the county. He joined the HFA in 1979, and became a life member in 2000.

The awards were made by special guest Kelly Simmons, who oversees children’s, grassroots and semi-professional football at the FA and is also a member of the FIFA Women’s Committee, receiving an MBE for her services to football in 2002.

She also presented a special award to former Herefordshire Football League secretary Bill Morris for completing 50 years’ service to Herefordshire football, and a life membership award to Paul Tompkins, who has served for 21 years with the HFA and is current chairman of the development committee.