Peter Lane takes us back to the Midland League days and interviews Ellis Stafford about his memories of a great era of non-league football during the 1950's playing for Peterborough United Football Club.

Ellis Stafford was signed by Peterborough United from Scarborough in June 1954 and went on to make just shy of 200 Midland League appearances in the famous colours of the Posh before leaving London Road to join non-league Corby Town. Of course, Ellis was soon back at the club as he spent a further 20 years as Commercial and Pools Manager.

A former Lincoln City player, Stafford scored eight goals during his spell with Posh and was rewarded for his long service with a benefit game against Newcastle United in May 1959 alongside Dennis Emery and Andy Donaldson.

During his time with Posh, Ellis played in every position except centre half, even occasionally standing in for an injured goalkeeper. 'The Peterborough manager George Swindon impressed me greatly and was one of the main reasons why I joined. My brother George was a player at the club too.

'George was a very hard manager, but he was also fair and that I believe is a great combination for a good manager. It was tough in those days, even though we were a non-league side, we trained as hard as any Football League club,' Stafford recalls.

Stafford started his career with Posh as a centre forward but was soon converted into a half-back role. 'I made by debut as a striker in a game against Rotherham Reserves in 1954, but I preferred to play at half-back and that is where I ended up playing the majority of my matches.

'They were enjoyable times at Peterborough. At the time I was paid between £18 and £25 a week, which wasn't that bad in those days. It was certainly better than 'working for a living'. The money the players get paid nowadays might tempt me out of retirement,' Stafford added.

The charismatic Stafford singles out Dennis Emery as the best player he has ever played with and recalls his two favourite matches in a Peterborough United shirt. 'Dennis was simply brilliant. There is no other way to describe him. He was the best player I played with for sure.

'My favourite match was when we played Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the FA Cup back in 1961. I was born in Sheffield and over 50,000 fans packed into Hillsborough to see the game. We were very unfortunate to lose 2-0, but it was a great experience.

'I also thoroughly enjoyed our first match in the Football League in 1960 when we defeated Wrexham 3-0. It was a great day at London Road and one I will always remember,' Stafford continued.

'Obviously having played at London Road, I would be sorry to see us leave for a new stadium. I am a traditionalist and this is where our roots are, but I can understand the logic and the reasons behind the proposed move,' Stafford concluded.

My personal memories of Ellis are as a fun loving player who gave 100% in every game but was as tough as they came. A great credit to the Club.

Ellis (pictured) is pictured with five of his Midland League Championship trophies he collected while playing for Peterborough United. Also pictured is his former team-mate Peter McNamee. They were both Peterborough United's guests at the July 2007 pre-season friendly against Celtic.


Sadly, a few months after this interview Ellis passed away after a short illness - he was a wonderful man with a wonderful family and he will be a great loss to the football club and the city. RIP Ellis.


Career Statistics
Date of Birth: 17th August 1929
Debut for Posh: 21st August 1954 v Rotherham United Res. (Midland League) score 1-1 (Ellis scored).
Last game for Posh: 9th March 1963 against Bristol City (Football League) score 1-1.
Total Appearances for Posh 1954 - 1960:
182 (8 goals) Midland League
14 FA Cup
1960/1963
17 (Football League)
1 (League Cup)

Former Club
Scarborough 1951/1954
103 (23 goals)