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Recognise anyone? Old squad photos showcase the roots of Gravesend United

This old photo shows Gravesend United at their ground on the junction of Central Avenue and Ascot Road and was taken in 1939.

It was brought into the Gravesend Messenger office by Roger Bowen, who was president of the Gravesend Football League until it folded in 2012, as he would like to hear from anyone who recognises the people in the picture.

Mr Bowen, of New Barn, Longfield, knows the man in the hat in the middle of the back row is chairman Bill Tingey and the player in front, with the division 1 cup of Gravesend Football League at his feet, is his uncle Frank Veness, who was the captain and worked as a milkman.

Gravesend United in 1939 at their home ground in Central Avenue/Ascot Road. Man in bowler hat is chairman Bill Tingey. Captain in the centre in Frank Veness (Roger Bowen's uncle). Other men might be Jack Morris, Ginger Nightingale and George and Vic Annal (brothers)
Gravesend United in 1939 at their home ground in Central Avenue/Ascot Road. Man in bowler hat is chairman Bill Tingey. Captain in the centre in Frank Veness (Roger Bowen's uncle). Other men might be Jack Morris, Ginger Nightingale and George and Vic Annal (brothers)

He thinks some of the players were Jack Morris, Ginger Nightingale and brothers George and Vic Annal.

Born in the 1920s, Mr Bowen was 12 when this picture was taken and was living in Old Road West.

He remembers going with his Uncle Frank on his milk round to ensure he finished in time to play on a Saturday afternoon.

Messenger reader Sandra Gordon, the daughter of Ginger Nightingale, brought in some more old photos after seeing Mr Bowen's appeal in the paper.

This squad photo belongs to Sandra Gordon, the daughter of Ginger Nightingale
This squad photo belongs to Sandra Gordon, the daughter of Ginger Nightingale

Anyone who can help Mr Bowen identify more people in the picture can email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or call the newsroom on 01474 564327.

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