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Altrincham FC press release:
Goalscoring legend Jackie Swindells will be special guest of honour at Moss Lane on Saturday after accepting an invitation to share his 72nd birthday weekend with Altrincham supporters, players and officials. The most lethal finisher in the club's history will be 72 next Sunday and needed no persuading to launch the celebrations by travelling north to attend Saturday's Blue Square Conference game against Kidderminster.
There was an understandable air of excitement around the club at the prospect of playing host to a striker who once scored five goals in an FA Cup tie - a 6-0 first-round thrashing of Scarborough - and seven in a game against Chester Reserves. 'Once we realised we were at home on the same weekend as Jackie's birthday, we just thought it would be great to see him again,' said vice-chairman Grahame Rowley. 'I contacted Jean Prince, who is a friend of both the club and Jackie, and she came back with the great news that he would be honoured and delighted to attend. We are just as delighted, because, young or old, everyone knows about Jackie's phenomenal exploits back in the 60s. His record is the stuff of legends, it really is, yet you couldn't wish to meet a more unassuming character. It will be lovely to meet up again'.
The Manchester-born England Youth international scored goals for Blackburn, Accrington and Barnsley, among others, before joining Alty towards the end of the 1964-65 season. The 28-year old made an immediate impact, by scoring four times in 10 games, but no one was quite prepared for what happened in his first full season (1965-66), as he plundered an astonishing 82 goals in 63 appearances.
Strike partner Pat Connolly had every right to reflect with pride on his 34-goal return but found himself somewhat overshadowed as Swindells racked up an amazing six hat-tricks. A further 12 followed during a six-year reign that brought him silverware every season and an overall tally of 265 goals from 317 (+5) appearances. Look out for more details during the week of the club's plans for Jackie's special visit