Len Weare was demobbed in 1954 and played for us initially as an amateur in 1955, signing pro forms a few months later.
He made his first team debut that year - and let in 8! To be fair we also scored 8 and our opponents were an ‘All Stars XI’ including Sir Stanley Matthews and the other biggest names of the day! Len's team mates allowed them free shots at goal to entertain the crowd.
Little could anyone, have realised that was to be the beginning of a career that would see Len established as County's No 1 for the next 15 years and during which he would become our all-time record appearance holder playing 607 games, despite choosing to remain part-time!
Had Len been with any other club, he surely would have won many International caps and press clippings over the years constantly included references to the absurdity of his omission. He was called up as reserve for the 1958 World Cup, but not asked to travel and was a late call up for a game in Ireland towards the end of his career.
Unfortunately, he hurt himself in training and wasn't even a part of the pre-match team photo, as he was in the dressing room receiving treatment!
Len loved the game so much that he wouldn't even miss one on his wedding day!
He left straight after, to go to Somerton Park to play against Millwall. He kept a clean sheet with Joyce watching from the touchline, holding her bouquet!
His performances rightly achieved him legendary status as one of the club's most loved figures in our history.
Len was to be inducted into our Hall of Fame, at our Centenary Dinner on 27th October, 2012 but sadly he suddenly passed away on the 21st. His family went to a game with Andrew Taylor the day after where the crowd were both shocked and saddened to hear this news.
They proudly attended our Centenary Dinner six days later, to receive his totally deserved posthumous award.