Noel has been one of the most brilliant Alty fans and quite simply should be recognised a a collossus in the English game. A man of passion and very high morals. Why he hasn't recevied an OBE or something I just don't know.
He knew my late Dad back in the 30's and they used to play together in the Brown St, Bold St, Byrom St area of Hale, not far from where Peter Swales used to have an office also.
When my Dad left us in 2003, he was on the 'phone to me for nearly an hour the minute he read Dad's obituary in the paper. A great friend.
Lots of folk didn't like Peter Swales, but he really cared about the game. They were an awesome partnership. In these days they would have driven Alty into the league and upwards had they had the benefit of the cash that slops around in the game now. Noel assembled a brilliant board, nearly 10 of them at one point, and each had their own job to do. It was a team off the picth that was at least as good as the one on the pitch from 1972 to 1980.
We really should campaign (write to Cameron & Co.) to get Noel the recognition he deserves.