Happy Birthday Mr Chairman!

The Ryman League’s Board of Directors and Officers send their congratulations to Ryman League Chairman and President Alan Turvey on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Ryman League Vice-Chairman and Company Secretary Nick Robinson said: "Alan has been a wonderful servant to football and the league and I'm sure everyone associated with the Ryman League would join me today in wishing him many happy returns."

After nearly six decades in the game as a top referee and leading administrator, Turvey, pictured, was honoured as one the Football Association’s 150 grassroots heroes in October when he was presented with a specially minted medal by the FA's President HRH The Duke of Cambridge as part the governing body's 150th anniversary celebrations at Buckingham Palace.

The Ryman League’s Chairman kicked off his career in football when he set up Essex side Wickford Boys in the 1950s before becoming a referee in 1959 and going on to be a top flight official in the old First Division. His connection to the Ryman League goes back to 1961 when he first took charge of an Isthmian League match.

In 1978 he joined the league as a fixtures secretary and after promotion to League Secretary the following year, was appointed Chairman in 1982. In 2002 he was made President of the Ryman League and he has also been honoured by the FA with a long service medal to mark his 50 years in the game.