Peter Lane caught up with some of Peterborough United's longest-serving supporters about the achievements of yesteryear compared with this season's promotion-winning campaign.

For my last column in the series I thought it would be appropriate to feature a few of yourselves - the supporters. I managed to speak to a mere handful that have supported Posh from those glorious Midland League days and are still regulars today.

Ken Cook: 'From my experience of Posh over 58 years, the most exciting game was the 5-4 win at Lincoln City, but I understand you have written about that previously; so my next is the match at Ipswich where we won 3-2 despite Jim Walker - whom I still see very often - being a passenger on the left wing and who could forget the snow storm and Dennis Emery ramming the ball into the net.

I also recall what he said to goalkeeper Bailey 'pick that b....r out of the net'. Happy Times. The Shrewsbury game at London Road we won 4-3 was wonderful to watch with plenty of goals and the best Club centre-forward, Arthur Rowley scoring all three. It would be unfair not to include two of our best Cup wins; Newcastle away 1-0. Dear Terry Bly never got a kick all match but in the 74th minute he at last got one and of course it was in the net. I remember afterwards going to stay with some friends and did not arrive home till late on Sunday! Oh, that Arsenal match was so splendid, due to the skill of Dougan, McNamee and a man rarely mentioned, Ron Barnes, he gave Howe a roasting. I would just like to add, with all the excitement of this season and comments of "this is the best ever team", let's not forget those early days, to my mind not in the same class, they were fantastic to support.'

Eric Heath: 'I have supported Posh since 1934 which will be 75 years next year! I first saw Posh when I was about seven-years old when they played Gainsborough Trinity (first ever match for Peterborough United. 1st September 1934 4-0 attendance, 4,033). I wasn't able to go to all the matches then and have missed a few over the years, but have always been a true supporter and hope to continue to do so sitting in the stand, especially next season even though I am now 82 years of age. My favourite player has always been Dennis Emery, amazing skills, dribbling around the keeper! But, I'm afraid I may now have to add a new one to my list, that is George Boyd! If he continues next season as he has this with his very skilful footwork and entertainment value he may well come up close to Emery.

My most memorable game to watch was Lincoln City away, where we won 5-4 - a game for the history books. My special memories of that first ever match I saw was that in the photos it shows Kendall as the goalkeeper, but in fact he did not play because his son was ill, in his place as goalkeeper was Jackson, who unfortunately was not in the photo. I was very fortunate to have played at London Road for Posh reserves in 1947-48, but I then went into the Army for five years so unfortunately missed a few games, but I did also play in the Maunsell Cup. I wish The Posh well for next season.'

Bill Kettle: (82 years of age) 'I started supporting 'The Posh' during the Midland League winning years of the late fifties standing on the banking at London Road end of the old wooden stand and then when the new one was built I stood in the terracing in front, later in a stand seat and season ticket holder to the present day. I recall the big name managers who took the Club into gaining entry into the Football League Diivison 4 in 1960.

That first season was not only creating record with Terry Bly scoring the most goals but also the team recording the highest ever number of points to win it. Away days to higher league Clubs in the FA Cup were always exciting being amongst the very large number of fans travelling, creating a great atmosphere often boarding early morning trains for the long journey to the likes of Portsmouth, Huddersfield, where Dennis Law got his introduction into first team football.

I recall the replay with Aston Villa was a midweek game travelling by bus to Villa Park where there was a capacity crowd, with many fans locked outside the ground, a great atmosphere to be in although losing 2-1. One of my most memorable at London Road has to be beating Arsenal in the cup 2-1 with Dougan and McNamee scoring the goals and on neutral ground at Norwich with a second Cup replay by beating Colchester but sadly that day the unfortunate car accident to Dennis Emery that virtually ended his playing career and who scored the first goal against Wrexham for the Posh on the first day of introduction into the Football League in 1960-1961 season.

Other recollections were the League Two play-off at Wembley which was made into a family day out, nine family members attended the match in extremely hot conditions, and excitement when Charlery scored the special goal against Stockport County resulting in a 2-1 win for promotion. Unfortunately the worst moment I recall in over 50 years was the Club being demoted from the 3rd Division.'

Fred Southerland: (87 years of age) "I first started watching the Posh in 1956 when I used to take my 8 year old son to see them play, then I got interested! It was exciting when we got into the Football League in 1960 and we played Wrexham and I think they presented Posh with a silver plate to commemorate our first game. My son, Paul lives in Rye in Sussex now but still takes an interest and likes to go with me to the Posh when visiting. One of my best games I saw was when we beat Burnley in the League Cup 4-0 they were a good side and riding high in the 1st Division then.

Also when we knocked Arsenal out of the Cup 2-1. I used to watch from the enclosure and was amongst the great crowds we used to get and enjoyed the great results too especially in the FA Cup. It is good to see Posh doing so well this season they have played good football and deserve to be going up. Darren Ferguson has done very well and we are very lucky to have as our Chairman Darragh MacAnthony who is providing our Club with so much financial support. It is great to see the attendances improving too.

I have been a supporter now for 52 years and a season ticket holder for 23 years. When I worked for London Brick Co. where I spent 50 years, including 5 years War Service in the Army. I started work at London Brick in 1935 and after a couple of months on the brick presses I was asked to take over the job of messenger and used to cycle to Phorpres House, Fletton where the District office was based calling at Dogsthorpe works on the way and taking time sheets and delivering notes etc. in a leather bag. In Phorpres House worked Mr Bert Poulter who was Peterborough United Secretary and had his office in Queen Street, Peterborough.

As I was the only messenger who came through Peterborough centre Mr Poulter used to give me his office key to call there on my way back from the second trip to collect any mail for the Club, also every Friday he would give me a cheque for which I think was about £35 for wages! I would collect the money and take it to him - if it was the player's wages they didn't get much in those days! What a different world today! I have enjoyed reading your columns Peter, bringing back lots of memories. I hope to keep watching Posh for a few more years yet! Up The Posh.'

It was a privilege to speak to these true stalwarts of the Club and may they continue to enjoy watching the Posh, they all wanted to wish Posh every success for next season, but like me they cannot forget those heady wonderful early days where it all started at London Road, we cannot forget our roots and those players and staff who helped get the Posh on the road to success!! I hope to be featuring supporters again next season.

Peter Lane
Club Historian