FULSOME tributes were paid to one of Norfolk's longest serving soccer administrators at the annual meeting of the North East Norfolk League held in the Wroxham Football Club where it was announced Neville Chamberlain was retiring from the post of secretary after 55 years.

FULSOME tributes were paid to one of Norfolk's longest serving soccer administrators at the annual meeting of the North East Norfolk League held in the Wroxham Football Club where it was announced Neville Chamberlain was retiring from the post of secretary after 55 years.

Chairman Eric Couzens said it had been an unstinting and dedicated service and announced that Chamberlain, former chairman of the Norfolk County FA and first-class referee, had been awarded a life membership of the league, and would still carry on as treasurer.

In response Chamberlain, now 81, said he had thoroughly enjoyed his involvement with the NEN League in which he started as a player in 1947.

“I thank all the committee and the clubs for their support and consideration over those long years and I am very happy to carry on as treasurer” he declared.

Two new clubs were accepted into the league, Happisburgh Athletic and Holt Colts, Buxton having withdrawn their first 11 to join the Anglian Combination.

Officers elected were: President Malcolm Nicholson, chairman Eric Couzens, secretary Malcolm Burton, assistant secretary Colin Eagling, treasurer Neville Chamberlain, cup secretary Giles Marguson, referees appointment secretary Keith Greensides, press and public relations Roy Webster, club representative committee members Ray Moore, Robin Will.