Collection of Bury FC Stalwart Loaned To The National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is delighted to announce that a collection of memorabilia, belonging to the greatest ever servant of Bury Football Club, is being loaned to the Museum.

In today's game of multi-millionaire players, who spend little time at any one particular club, it's amazing to think that Les Hart served Bury for 44 years in his capacity as player, physiotherapist and manager.

Hart, born in Ashton Under Lyne, in 1917, signed for the club in 1936 making his debut in 1938 and marking his final appearance as a player in 1953 aged 37. He made 280 League appearances for the club before taking up his post as trainer and physio.

The Museum welcomed his daughter Joy into the Museum on Friday 27 th May, to view the collections that include his football boots, Lancashire FA Challenge trophy runners up medal, his massage diploma and a clock used to time his hot was treatments for players injuries!.

The Museum has also agreed to display the ashes of Hart, who died in 1996, in recognition of his commitment and loyalty to one club. This unusual request was discussed by the Museum's management team but they believed it to be wholly appropriate.

Mark Bushell from the Museum said: ‘ Les Hart's commitment to his club was total. Some of today's players would be embarrassed if they knew of his services to one particular club. Today's game can be quite frustrating when you see players coming and going with such speed. He even had a spell as Manager of the club in 1969.'

And Bushell was delighted to agree to display Hart's ashes saying: ' We chose to do this as we want to recognise all those players who have worked at the lower levels of the game. They are often forgotten after contributing so much to football. Displaying his ashes is a tribute to Les and all those players who have performed at this level.