'Keith had enthusiasm and love for local sport'

We look back on the career of the hugely popular ex-Stafford Rangers footballer Keith Mottershead who died just before Christmas

- By Chris Elsley

Keith Mottershead pictured in his playing days, also inset left, who died just before Christmas

LOCAL football clubs were among those who paid tribute to Keith Mottershead who died just before Christmas.

Motty, as he was known to so many, was best known as being a member of the Stafford Rangers side that rose from oblivion to being arguably the best non league side in the country in 1972.

But after his playing days were over, he would regularly be seen watching games from the stands at Marston Road, Stafford Town and Brocton FC. And, for Motty, there was no rivalry. He wanted them all to do well.

Born in December 1944, Keith Mottershead began playing for Holmeroft Youth Club but first rose to prominence with Kingston who he joined in 1963. It was while he was with Kingston that he also made his first appearances in a Stafford Rangers' shirt, playing the first four games of the 1964/65 season. His debut came in a 2-0 defeat at home to Wrexham Reserves. The team was: John Cullen, Mick Gibbs, J Bullock, John Hayward, Derek Mountford, Des Lyons, Keith Mottershead, Fred Cooper, Stan Smith, Frank Pedley and Cliff Hodgkinson