Family delighted by honour for Bentley

AFC Telford United chairman Lee Carter presents Jim Bentley, son of the late great Jack Bentley with Jack's Hall of Fame certificate

An emotional Jim Bentley expressed his pride and joy at seeing his legendary father given permanent recognition by AFC Telford United.

The late Jack Bentley was a prolific goalscorer in 14 years with Wellington Town and Telford United - and his achievements were recognised at the club's inaugural legends evening last night.

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Bentley, who scored 431 goals for the club in more than 800 appearances between 1963 and 1977, was one of six inductees into the club's Hall Of Fame.

His special contribution to its history has also been marked with a legacy for the future - with the East Terrace becoming the Jack Bentley Terrace.

The name change will come into effect for the Blue Square North clash with Southport a week on Saturday.

"It's a great honour," said Jim, who himself played for Telford between 1997 and 2002, and is now club captain at League Two side Morecambe.

"The family are very proud. Growing up he was my hero so it's a massive honour to be able to come here and collect the award on his behalf.

"We, his family, and all his friends back in Liverpool are never going to forget about him, but it's nice that he's getting his name up in lights down here in Telford. It's great to know his name lives on in these parts as well.

"The way he was, he'd be saying: 'Why me? Why couldn't it be George (Jagger) or Bobby Irvine or someone like that?'

"But for what he's done for the club - his goals, the way he went about his job, and the appearances he made - it's a nice touch by the club to recognise him and name the terrace after him."

While Bentley received posthumous recognition at the event at the Whitehouse Hotel, there were five more living legends also honoured.

Former goalkeepers Irvine and Kevin Charlton played major parts in the club's proud FA Trophy and FA Cup runs in the 1970s and 1980s, and their stories entertained an audience of around 200 at the evening.

Midfielder Steve Palmer played for the old and new Telford United, and his induction into the Hall Of Fame was greeted with enthusiasm.

Former manager Stan Storton was also added to the roll of honour, though he could not attend in person to collect his award - current boss Rob Smith accepting it on his behalf.

Chairman Lee Carter was the final man to be recognised - his award being kept as a closely guarded secret until unveiled by Supporters Trust chairman David Embery.

Carter was praised as the driving force behind the birth of AFC Telford after the former club went bust in 2004, and his ongoing contribution since then.

By Chris Hudson

nextpageJim Bentley (front), Bobby Irvine (back right), Steve Palmer (back middle) and Kevin Charlton (back left) with AFC Telford United chairman Lee Carter and board member Jonathan Martin

AFC Telford United fan Emma Dean presents former Telford United midfielder Steve Palmer with his Hall of Fame certificate

Compere James Bond interviews AFC Telford United legend Bobby Irvine

Former TNS manager Ken McKenna at the Legends night