In this instalment we take a look at some great Town fans through the years, and one in particular the late Mr James H. Firth.

As the current season trickles to a close perhaps the slightly older of the Town fans may remember some of the names following and can picture the scene down Leeds Road way.

Much different from today I bet as you meander down from Town towards Leeds Road you pass 286 Leeds Road the last house in the row next door to Bradley Mills Working Mens Club.

We are now in the 1960's open the gate on the path up the steps bang on the door. If it's answered by a dapper little chap no more than 5ft 6in tall that is none other than Mr James (Jimmy) H. Firth Chairman of the Huddersfield Town Supporters Club but oh so much more as regards our Town.

A life long Town fan, worked in Hightown for as long as I remember, former Kit man to the team and a permanent fixture at the Club. We have our playing legends such as the Jimmy Nicholson and one for the future young Adnan Ahmed, but if ever a supporter reached legendary status it was Mr Firth.

The Supporters Club was all about the man with his Chairmanship spanning years and rather sadly our demise in the 1970's. But his love for the Club never diminished and his fervent hope was the rise of his beloved Town. One day I am sure for him they will be back at the top.

If you pass over the side road you come to the Town shop where on match days Mr Firth and Brian Gibson can be found running the Town Pool. The forerunner of so many 'new' innovative schemes here it was 45 years ago raising brass for our lads.

Some 10 years on and the same Town Shop was indeed a shop selling Town souvenirs with Mrs Kelly as Manageress. A most lovely lady who is still sadly missed by many. Even all those days and years ago Town Supporters were every where. Particularly in the hotbed of support that is the Heavy Woollen area and each home game saw the Spenborough Branch of the Town Supporters Club bringing a supporters bus starting out at Birkenshaw thro' to Gomersal picking up by Butts Mill, down into Cleckheaton, Hightown winding its way to Leeds Road.

Names from those days include the late Ernest Jones Secretary and Town & Yorkshire County Cricket Club fanatic and especially a lovely fellow. Donald Bould of Heckmondwike Cricket Club fame was another regular along with I think Geoff but his surname fails me who looked after the money.

Other names that memory throws up include Geoff Wilson, Derek Preston all still following their blue & white stripes. Talking about supporters you can't fail to remember Jo Haywood from East Ardsley never missed a match until the good Lord took away his season ticket. Home and away if there was a Town match Jo was there.

Many of you will have your memories of fans from the past and present perhaps you would like to tell us about them, in doing so you would be letting us know more about that most important person - the Town Fan.

For other "Those Were The Days" articles visit the main history page

© thisisthebarmyarmy.co.uk, 2005