Sheffield grandad who still plays football every week aged 80 is hailed an "inspiration"

Ray organises the weekly games, now played at Goodwin Sports Centre outdoor pitches with a group of men of all ages, although Ray is the oldest player.

Every Wednesday Ray brings the footballs and yellow bibs, and collects money for the game – any extra money in the kitty at the end of the year is used to treat the players to a meal at the dogs.

Bob Hull, who has played with Ray since 1989, told the Telegraph: “He’s a legend but he doesn’t think anything of it. He’s such a modest person who doesn’t believe that he is doing anything out of the ordinary.

"Some of the lads say that he’s their inspiration – none of us think that we’ll last that long.

"I always think that if Ray packed it in then I’d pack it in myself.

"He’s still a good player, amazingly fit and a credit to his generation.

“Both Ray’s sons used to come and play, and now his grandson does.

"There’s ten of us on a bad day, 20 on a good day. I’m 62 and our youngest player is probably 22, we have a good mix.

“It’s competitive to the extent that nobody wants to lose. We don’t have a referee, although sometimes there’s 18 refs!

"Ray holds his own, he’s not the worst player. I don’t think he’s ever been injured."

Over the decades, Ray has organised games at Hillsborough Arena, Earl Marshall, Concord, and now Goodwin Sports Centre.

Ray said: “I’ve been playing football since I was at school. I’m planning to keep playing for as long as I can. I am the senior player but there’s no banter about it from the others.

"I play golf as well - I have a game every week. I like being in the open air.

"My sons, grandsons, and granddaughters play as well. I have five grandchildren and I have been able to watch them play as well as playing myself, which is great.”

Ray’s grandson, Jake, said: "I’ve always played football with my grandad. I’ve played here at Goodwin for about 15 years. He used to take me to Concord when I was little.”