A ROBINS legend who is believed to be the club's oldest surviving player returned to Whaddon Road yesterday for an emotional birthday treat.
Peter Donnelly returned to the ground he first played on in 1945 to receive a commemorative Cheltenham Town shirt to mark his 90th birthday.
He played three games for the Robins in the 1945/46 season, and was manager of the club in the 1958/59 season, before later becoming a director for a short spell.
Peter, who played at right-back, moved to Cheltenham from Forth in Scotland especially to play for the club, which was semi-pro at the time.
He took a job with Smiths Aerospace and later worked for Dowty, and remained in Cheltenham until 1987 when he moved to Cropthorne near Evesham.
"When I first played for Cheltenham the manager was Jimmy Brain," he said.
"Of course Whaddon Road was very different back then, as was Cheltenham in general.
"As manager I gave Roger Thorndale his first game for the first team, and of course he went on to be a club legend."
Peter said he was "over the moon" to be invited to the Abbey Business Stadium and that stepping out on the pitch again brought back a lot of "fond memories".
With 702 games for the Robins, Thorndale holds the club record for appearances.
Peter continued to play football locally until he retired in his 30s.
During his brief stint as a director in the late 50s, the club was run by a pool of volunteers donating a shilling a week.
Peter last attended a Cheltenham match 11 years ago, when they beat Burnley 2-1 in the FA Cup, but he still keeps an eye on the Robins' results.
His eyesight is not so good any more, so his wife Sue reads out the Cheltenham score to him every match day.
"I'll always be interested in how they do," he said.
"I hope they get promoted through the play-offs, because it is a very well-run club with great people behind the scenes."
One of those behind-the- scenes people, Paul Godfrey, helped organise Peter's birthday return to Whaddon Road.
Paul, a club director, said: "It's fantastic to see Peter back here today because he was such a big part of this club and is remembered fondly.
"The history of the football club is part of what we are today, so we want to recognise the people who were part of our past. Football clubs are important parts of the local community, so former players and coaches have a special place in the town."
As well as being a director, Paul also researches the club's history, and he encourages other former players and coaches from any era get in touch by calling 01242 588118.
