IT'S very rare that ordinary people pro-gress from standing on the terraces to become directors of their favourite football club.

But Alan Wills and Roger Pugh have done just that at Worcester City.

The pair, who have been friends since childhood, have done almost everything it is possible to do off the field at City, during lifetimes of devotion to the club.

They were both leading lights in the supporters' club, operated the public address system at St George's Lane for over 20 years - they built the current PA box at the ground - and were chief orga-nisers of the club's Gala Days.

Their loyalty was rewarded firstly when they were made honorary life vice-presidents by ex-chairman Gerald Tur-ner, and in the 1995-96 season both joined the board of directors.

Wills said: "I don't think either of us were looking to be directors, but the chairman (Dr Michael Sorensen) decided that we could do a job.

"I don't think we were people who were knocking on the door saying we want to become directors, but even if we weren't directors we would probably do what we are doing now anyhow.

"But we are proud we have become directors after serving in almost every other capacity throughout the club."

Pugh added: "Not in our wildest dreams did we expect to ever get on the board. In those days the board was so lofty we wouldn't even aspire to anything like that.

"I always thought I would be an ordinary supporter on the terraces, but over the years you tend to get more and more involved.

"We have been friends since we were about four or five years old. It was probably Alan who suggested going to the football on a Saturday afternoon, and that is how it all started."

Wills is now heavily involved with City's proposed new ground development at Nunnery Way and the constant upgrading of St George's Lane to meet safety requirements.

Pugh, meanwhile, is involved on the commercial side, helping run the 'Lucky Five' lottery, and helps keep the club's accounts.

Graham Allner should finally take charge of his first City game on Saturday, when they visit Cambridge City in the Dr Martens League Premier Division.

Next Monday City try once again to play their FA Umbro Trophy third round tie at Havant & Waterlooville.

City's reserves entertain Gloucester City in the Central Conference tonight (7.30), and are at home to Ilkeston Town on Saturday in the Endsleigh Midland Combination.

Wednesday, January 20, 1999