Match will collect football memories

Huddersfield Town’s match against Derby County tomorrow has been dubbed the Football Memories game.

The home clash is being co-promoted by the Sporting Memories Network, which tackles dementia through reminiscences about sport.

One of the first memories is from the granddaughter of former Terriers manager Bill Shankly.

Karen Gill said: “When my granddad became manager in 1956, I know he was absolutely delighted to see Denis Law score his first league goal for the club against Notts County on Boxing Day – the best Christmas present you could have given him.

“Although a few years later he was to leave Huddersfield Town for Liverpool without having achieved as much as he’d have wished, I know he considered one of his greatest achievements was managing to keep the teenage sensation that was Denis Law at Huddersfield.”

Organisers are hoping that memory will encourage fans, who are also being asked to don their favourite old shirts and donate memorabilia.

Sporting Memories Network director Tony Jameson-Allen said they were delighted with the collaboration.

“I first encountered a person with dementia on a hospital ward in Huddersfield when training as a student nurse 20 years ago.

“I used to drive past the old Leeds Road ground every day and to come back here all these years later for a game that is raising awareness of the condition is a very proud moment.”