LUTON TOWN’s oldest supporter is making the trip to Wembley on Sunday in his 90th year as a Hatters fan.
Roy Wightman, 96, remembers going to watch his first Town match as a 6-year-old with his father when the tickets cost sixpence.
He will be at the play-off final against York City with his son and daughter-in-law, and grandson Joe Wightman, who is flying home from the North Sea especially to go to the match with his grandfather.
Mr Wightman said: “I am very much looking forward to it. I’m very proud of my grandson and I’m hoping we will be celebrating together on Sunday.
“My memory goes back to the 1920s when I went to the Old Wembley stadium with my father to watch Luton play. The game has changed so much since then, there really is no comparison.
“It’s had a complete revival now and this last manager has just waved a magic wand so I’m hoping we will win on Sunday. We’ve sold so many tickets and would sell more if they were available – the club has fantastic support from the town and surrounding villages.”
Due to having five eye operations this year Mr Wightman has not been to see the Hatters play for a while, but he said he is excited about making use of his increased vision and new glasses to watch them at Wembley.
He said: “I am hoping I’ll be there next season as well, with them going up to the league.”
Mr Wightman was a keen footballer himself in his youth, playing at Christ Church Institute and with former Luton Town and Chelsea player Hugh Billington, an old school friend.
As well as watching the Town, Lime Avenue resident Mr Wightman goes to watch football matches at Ferrars Junior School in Lewsey Road and games in Lewsey Park.
The former insurance worker is also a keen gardener and fundraiser and has volunteered for Keech Hospice Care for 21 years.
He said: “I would be interested to know if there are any Hatters fans older than me.”