One of Britain’s leading TV celebrities was among the former players who sent messages of congratulations to a football club celebrating a landmark birthday.

Oxhey Jets marked their 50th anniversary with a combined birthday and Platinum Jubilee celebration at their Boundary Stadium home in Altham Way on Saturday.

Bradley Walsh played for Oxhey Jets when he was younger, finishing as top scorer for the Under-18 team in the 1976/77 season when he struck 17 goals in 22 (plus five substitute) appearances.

The actor, comedian and presenter sent a congratulatory message, praising club founder and general manager John Elliott for his "tireless work” and friendship.

The club shared the message on social media which read: “Oxhey Jets hold a very special place in my heart. My time at the club was always memorable and although we don’t see each other very often, John Elliott has remained a friend of mine for so many, many years. His tireless work to get a boy’s club up and running to where it is today is nothing short of miraculous.

Watford Observer:

Jets getting ready to leave for a tournament in Liverpool. Bradley Walsh is wearing his tracksuit back to front

“My family lived in South Oxhey and my dad used to take me to the Jet pub after watching local games as a kid and I loved it. To end up playing for Jets, going on tours and meeting new friends was brilliant fun and a massive part of my life growing up and I owe it all to John.

“Happy 50th Anniversary.

“Come on the Jets!

“Brad x”

 

Writing on Twitter where the message from the former Coronation Street and Doctor Who actor and presenter of The Chase was shared, John wrote after the celebration: “Really cannot thank everybody enough. Massive turn out, fantastic cakes and such a heartwarming message from Bradley Walsh and many emails and messages from players past for decades. You will never realise how much tonight meant to me!! Thank You.”