THE 92-year-old great grandfather who was turned down for the vacant Witton Albion manager's job in the spring has been treated to a special day by the club he has supported his entire life.
Barnton man George Jones, a retired transport manager at ICI, missed out on the role when Witton chiefs instead decided to appoint former Manchester City striker Jon Macken as their new manager instead.
But on Saturday he was given the VIP treatment at the U Lock It Stadium.
He met up with Macken at the ground prior to the Northern Premier League West clash with Workington.
Albion's manager took him into the changing rooms to meet the players before they started to get changed for the game, and he visited Macken's office where he tried out his chair for size.
George was invited to watch the match from the director's seats in the main stand, and afterwards he presented the man of the match award to Witton goalkeeper Ollie Martin as well as receiving an Albion bottle of wine with his name on it.
All pictures by Karl Brooks Photography
The great grandfather could well have been the lucky charm on the day as Witton won their first league game under Macken at the third attempt as they defeated Workington 3-2.
The Witton manager's position became available when the board of directors decided not to extend the contract of Carl Macauley beyond last season.
George's application and CV were put forward unbeknown to him by his grandson Antony Lea, highlighting his credentials perfectly.
In the covering letter, Antony wrote: "I believe the CV speaks for itself in terms of background, experiences, strengths, coaching skills and his secret weapon."
Touted as 'The Vintage One' rather than 'The Special One', his listed strengths included player mediation sessions mainly over cups of tea, managing difficult stakeholders (mostly family) and physical endurance (one sit-up per day, when he wakes up).
With regards to youth development, his CV informs of key roles in brining up three children, seven grandkids and two great grandchildren.
His communication abilities were hailed for never forgetting a birthday, though there is mention his WhatsApp skills needed work.
George's coaching skills were promoted for his leadership – having 'led his family for 92 years'; with his statistical analysis standing out for 'his meticulous studies of racehorses to great effect'; and his scouting talent having been highlighted for having 'won many, many prizes for his budgies'.
Arguably most importantly, the passion with which he has supported his club was pushed as an unrivalled quality in his application.
And then there was his lucky hat, which had 'never let him down'.
Antony's covering letter continued: "It is with great pleasure and pride that I submit my Grandad George's CV in support of his application for the role of First Team Manager at your fantastic football club.
"He is unaware of me applying on his behalf, but with him having been an ardent supporter of Witton Albion FC for all of his 92 (and counting) years I figured the opportunity might not come up again so we should strike whilst the iron is hot.
"We eagerly anticipate confirmation of our interview date."
Antony received a rejection letter in response at the time from club chairman Graham Wood.
"Many thanks for your interest in our vacancy," said the letter.
"We have been delighted with the overall quality of the applications, including yours.
"However, on this occasion your application has not been successful.
"We wish you well in your future football career.
"Many thanks for your interest."
And how did George respond to missing out on the job at the time?
"Onwards and upwards," he said.
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