It’s often said that there is no loyalty in football and while that may be true at some levels of the game, that’s certainly not the case with two true Lydbrook Athletic stalwarts.

John Price and Pat Brain have both served the club – which these days runs three senior teams – for more than 50 years and their magnificent service to the game and the club they love has been recognised by the Gloucestershire Football Association.

The men of the moment were presented with the FA Long Service Award for 50 years’ service to football. It was made by GFA chairman Roger Burden at Lydbrook Athletic Sports and Social Club, and the star turns were surrounded by family and friends.

Price and Brain’s relationship with the club really has been a lifelong love affair as Lydbrook chairman Wayne Lewis told The Local Answer.

“John joined the committee of Lydbrook Athletic in 1956 after supporting the team as a boy,” Lewis explained.

“He became assistant secretary in 1969 and in 1977 he became secretary. He was elected chairman of the club in 2001.

“He is currently the president of Lydbrook Athletic, a position he has held since 2013. John is still an active member of the football club and can be seen at all first team home matches providing much-needed match-day support. He is also a committee member of the Lydbrook Athletic Sports and Social Club.”

If that all sounds pretty amazing, that loyalty is matched by Pat Brain.

“Pat first played football for Lydbrook Athletic in 1952 before finishing playing for the club in 1982,” said Lewis. “He was a member of the Lydbrook Athletic team that reached the second round of the FA Amateur Cup in 1962 and played against West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Hereford teams in the Warwickshire Combination.

“He managed Lydbrook Athletic Reserves for many seasons after he finished playing while at the same time serving as a member of Lydbrook Athletic’s committee.

“At the age of 82, Pat still watches games every Saturday.”