One of Thackley's long-time supporters and helpers enjoys her 89th birthday tomorrow.

And the Dennyfield club have paid tribute to Emily Balding, pictured right, in a recent matchday programme.

It reads: "As most people know, Emily has been associated with our club for many years now; so many I can't remember, but it's a lot.

"She came to us via the Wharfedale League, where she served as a committee member for many years.

"Her involvement with the Wharfedale League stems from her earlier days, when she ran a number of clubs in the league as Secretary, Treasurer and all the other jobs associated with running a football team.

"Emily sells raffle and domino tickets at all our home games and over the years has made literally tens of thousands of pounds for the club, using her well known phrase, 'It's yer money I'm after, not yer body.'"

"She provides all the prizes for the raffles she runs, so everything she collects is profit. The fact that she now gets around the ground in her wheelchair does not deter her from her quest to raise funds even in the coldest weather

"Emily is probably, no I'm going to say certainly, the best known character in the Northern Counties East League, everywhere we go supporters ask after her and ask for their good wishes to be passed on.

"She is great to have around the place and a wonderful ambassador for the club.

"Emily loves her football and we all love Emily."

And, everyone at the KoolSport NCEL wishes Emily a very happy birthday.