Almost 50 years after first forming, a Bury football team is planning to reunite and is seeking help to track down two of its ex-members.

Players from Edenfield FC’s 1966/67 season will get together on Saturday, April 26, but at present are unable to locate former full-back Alan Barnes or half-back Kevin West.

The reunion, organised by ex-captain John Ayers, will see the former team-mates enjoy a catch-up lunch and watch Ramsbottom United play Bamber Bridge at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium before enjoying an evening meal in the town.

Ayers, who played at centre half, said: “I left the Bury area to join the Royal Air Force for 34 years. “I came back about 10 years ago and gradually I've been bumping into people. “I thought it would be a good idea to get everyone back together.”

Edenfield FC, which formed in 1966, “probably as a result of England’s successes in the FIFA World Cup,” said Ayers, was made up of a group of lads from the village.

“Everybody from the team, apart from the goalkeeper, was from the village and we used to just have a kickabout on the Edenfield Recreation Ground and meet up in the pubs.”

The team were able to enter Division Two of the Bury Amateur League after sufficient funds were raised to pay the league fees and purchase the strip.

Edenfield FC, who played their home games on the Edenfield Recreation Ground, used a room at the rear of The Rostron Arms as their away team changing room.

The team had a terrific first season in the league finishing as Division Two champions and winning the Cornall Cup.

They won 21 of their 26 league games, losing just two, scoring 128 goals and conceding just 33. Rams fan Ayers, now aged 70, said: “Harry Williams, the president of Ramsbottom United used to play for the Rams in the 1966/67 season.

“One of the results from that season was Edenfield FC 3-2 Ramsbottom United.”

Following promotion, the team held their own in Division One, finishing mid-table having won 10 and losing eight of their 18 games.

Thereafter, several players moved away from the area but the football club evolved and remained in existence under various names.

“The team became a pub team playing at the Roston Arms and then at the Horse and Jockey, before folding recently.”

The original 1966/67 team is also planning another reunion to celebrate the team’s 50th anniversary in 2016/2017.

“It would be nice to go on a tour for our 50th anniversary in a couple of years time, said Ayers.”

Pictured in the photograph above are: back row, left to right, Steve Banyard (manager), Martin Chadwick, John Ayers, Derek Whittaker, Eric Walwork, Peter Taylor, George Ayers, Front, John Jackson, Alan Barnes, Kevin West, Brian Taylor and the Storey brothers.

If anyone can help with Alan or Kevin’s where-abouts they can contact John Ayers on 01706 827667 or email johnharryayers@ btinternet.com