Malcolm Metcalf's lifelong love for local club Gorleston FC

Malcolm Metcalf, who first started watching Gorleston FC in 1949, has been a lifelong supporter of the club, and now he is gearing up to cheer them on once again.

His love for the Greens began when he was just a teenager.

After attending several matches, he was asked to sell “1p on the ball” tickets at home games, a competition where the winner received the match ball.

Malcolm Metcalf first watched Gorleston FC in 1949. (Image: Archant)

His dedication to the club was clear, and in August 1950, aged just 16, he became the youngest committee member of the Gorleston FC Supporters’ Club.

In the early 1950s, Gorleston FC drew large crowds, with over 2,000 fans regularly attending games.

One of Mr Metcalf’s most cherished memories is Gorleston’s FA Cup run in 1950-51 when they defeated Romford 1-0 and went on to draw against Leyton Orient, setting up a thrilling replay at Highbury, where Gorleston narrowly lost 5-4.

After travelling the world - a feat which saw him earn the nickname 'the Michael Palin of Gorleston' - and taking on other commitments, Mr Metcalf hasn’t had the chance to see his team play in recent decades.

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Gorleston FC winning the league. (Image: David Hardy)

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But now, as Gorleston prepares for a home clash against St Albans City at the Great Yarmouth Wellesley Ground on Saturday, September 28, he’ll once again be in the stands, shouting “Come on the Greens!”

“I can’t wait to see them play again,” he said. “It would be great to see a large crowd come out to support the team.”

Last year, Mr Metcalf completed a challenge which over the course of seven months saw him enjoy 90 new activities before his 90th birthday, all in aid of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice.