Family appeal for Cobblers fans' sporting memories of former player Tony Claypole

Claypole turns 84 next month, but sadly is now suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

It is obviously a difficult time, but Claypole’s family say the former left-back can remember some of his footballing days, and they would love to share Cobblers supporters’ memories with him.

The family have joined forces with Cobblers club historian Ethan Grande to try and collate memories or memorabilia of Claypole’s time at the County Ground.

“In February, Tony will be turning 84 and the family are asking fans if they have any memorabilia of him or any memories of him to share them with us so they can see if it helps him,” said Grande.

They would like to share more footballing memories with Tony, so if you watched Claypole from the Hotel End, the duck boards or the old main stand, or have any old programmes or press cuttings from his time playing in the claret and white, please get in touch.

Below is the full appeal that was published by Cobblers Past on social media on Monday morning, with contact details at the end.

APPEAL: Tony Claypole

Tony, born in Weldon, played for the Cobblers from 1953 to 1962 making more than 125 appearances until injury cut short his professional career.

Tony joined as a Junior and then signed professional after leaving school before making his debut in 1957.

Tony could play on either flank and was a regular in the side that was promoted from the fourth division.

He was the regular left back during the 1961-62 season until he sustained a broken leg playing against Coventry, only a fortnight after getting married. Tony never played professional football again.

After being released by Cobblers, Tony went on to play semi-professional for Cheltenham Town in the Southern League.

He then filled a number of defensive roles for Corby Town and Wellingborough Town, helping the Doughboys win the Metropolitan League Championship in 1969/70.

Tony moved to Cornwall and continued playing football and being an excellent clubman for Penzance FC and Mullion FC, before finally hanging up his boots in 2005 at the age of 68.

Sadly, since that time, Tony has been suffering with Alzheimer’s and Dementia - conditions which are now finally being recognised within the footballing world.

Recent research published found that footballers have an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, Motor Neurone Disease or Parkinson's.

Results from the research indicated that ex-football players who were involved in the study had a 3.5 times higher risk of neurodegenerative disease.

Tony is coming up to his 84th birthday and sadly is not in good shape, but he can fondly recall his footballing days and as a result his family are asking for fans to share any memories of him or any memorabilia they may have.

If you have any memorabilia or memories of Tony, please contact Cobblers Past either on social media or at [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you all.