Unknown to some, Retainers AFC has a Life Members Club, and currently we have 21 names who have been honoured for their long service to the Club.

Below are the names of the 21 former and current players and/or managers who have been enrolled into this exclusive Club. The legend Brian May has kindly provided notes to go along with most of the names below.

 

 

Andy Macfarlane

Captain of the First eleven back in the early 1980s as a staunch defender, Andy now lives outside of Bristol, thought to be residing in the Manchester area.

 

 

Bob Flowers

 

 

 

Bob Hamblin

A former first team manager during the early 1990s, Bob laid the foundation for the First eleven's successful run. He has now immigrated to North Queensland, Australia.

 

 

Bob Reed

Former secretary of the Club in the 1970s, Bob played in the heart of the defence. He joined the Club from former Downs League Club Trinity Athletic, whom at the time were a very successful 1st Division side.

 

 

Brian May

 

 

 

Brian Tizzard

Brian was the first Treasurer of Retainers AFC. He played left back in the opening game and is another founding member.

 

 

Cliff Simmons

Cliff featured in the First Team for a number of years in the 1960-70s and was known as a hard tackling fullback.

 

 

Colston Elliott

A great Clubman. Having played First Team football in the 1970s, Colston can even now be seen supporting the Club on the touchline on a Saturday afternoon.

 

 

Geoff Knott

A great Clubman. Geoff joined Retainers from Sneyd Park and managed the Reserve Team for a number of years, helping them get promotion.

 

 

Ian Maggs

A former goalkeeper with Cathedral Sports, Ian played in the Suburban League back in the 1970s. Ian has been assistant treasurer and served for many years as trainer with the Club until ill-health forced him to retire. Recognised by the Downs League as one the finest linesmen on the Downs, he was awarded the David Hyman award for sportsmanship a few years ago.

 

 

Ian McNeil

Ian was a fine central defender who commanded respect from opposing forwards. He took over from Brian May when he retired from First Team football. Ian is now one of the top referees on the Bristol Downs.

 

 

John Ponting

 

 

M.R.May

 

 

Melvin Hargett

A composed and assured defender who gave great service to the Club in the 1970/80s. Melvin also kept Retainers in the family, his son Richard played regularly for the Club before joining AXA AFC.

 

 

Mike Membury

A fine Clubman. 'Chopper' as he is known throughout the Club, was and still is a hard tackling defender. Mike is now a very competitive player with 'Retainers Vets' Sunday side.

 

 

Nick Fripp

 'Frippy' as he is universally known, was a no nonsense defender rarely seen beyond the half way line. A fierce competitor, he clocked up over three hundred games for the Club during the 90's and beyond. He went on to manage the Reserves and lead the Vets to the Casuals League Division 4 title in 2007. Now living in the depths of Cornwall, he has been ever present on the Vets tours since it started in 2006 and can still be seen throwing shapes on the dancefloors of dodgy European discos during the annual Retainers trip to the continent.

 

 

Steve Snell

Steve joined the Club from Hotwells AFC and played in the First Team during the Clubs most successful period in the 1970/80s.

 

 

Stuart Always

Stuart played in the First Team and featured in the opening game of the Retainers debut in the Bristol Downs League season 1953-54. To go alongside this, in 1953 he was also the first ever secretary of the Club . He moved away from Bristol a considerable number of years ago.

 

 

Terry Jones

As one of the founder members of the Retainers Football Club in 1953, Terry was also the President of the Club. He played the majority of his football in the First Team as a clever inside forward and had trials with Cardiff City and Trowbridge Town.

 

 

Terry Mercer

A successful businessman with his own freight company, Terry was invited to join the Retainers as a Vice-President. Although he never played for the Club, he can still be seen pitchside on a Saturday afternoon supporting the Club.

 

 

Tim Prior

A loyal and devoted player. Tim has played many games in the First Team and has served the Club as Secretary for a number of years back in the late 1980s. One of the finest players in the Club, Tim still plays today across all three Retainers teams.