IN 1954, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister, Roger Bannister ran the first four minute mile and Ken Dean said 'I do' -- that was to his new bride Doris and his new football team St Joseph's!

It was during his wife-to-be's marriage lessons leading up to the big day that Ken was recruited by Father Birch, the priest who married the happy couple but was also manager of the Saints.

Ken has been married to the game and to Doris ever since!

"It wasn't quite on our wedding day but Father Birch did have a word to me about playing for St Josephs and I decided to join up."

It proved to be devine intervention by Father Birch who wasn't just recruiting a player but a man whose real skill shone at committee level.

For it wasn't long before he was co-opted on to the club's committee, then became secretary before being elected on to the Blackburn Combination.

Ken has since gone on to serve on committee's of the Lancashire Combination, North West Counties League, East Lancashire League and, for the past four years, has served as chairman of the Blackburn Sunday League.

Ken has clocked up 50 years in the game an achievement honoured by a special medal from the Football Association, presented to him by former Blackburn Rovers star and current Birmingham City player, David Dunn at the Blackburn Sunday League's annual awards night.

"This is a great honour for me and a very special moment," said Ken who is now aged 72. "I never thought I would reach 50 years in the game but I still have a few more years left in me and I love being involved in the game at grassroots level."

While that is good news for the Blackburn Sunday League, it will have a mixed reception in the Dean household.

"I think my eldest daughter, Julie, understands the most about what it means to be involved in football. When she was little girl, she used to help me when I was fixture secretary of the East Lancs League. She really enjoyed it."

That's not the case with his youngest daughter Susan and his wife Doris.

"Susan used to come and watch a few games but one year after watching a final at Griffin Park, the lid of the cup fell on her head and she hasn't been to a game since!"

And Doris?

"Well, she puts up with me," said Ken.

His skills are appreciated within the game however and Ken was instrumentual in helping to set up the North West Counties League when the Lancashire Combination and Cheshire County League merged. He served as treasurer and fixtures secretary and is now a life member.

Ken was never afraid to take on other tasks and, at the same time served as vice chairman of the East Lancashire League after being approached for some advice.

When Ken finally stood down from the NWCL, he was tempted back to the local scene by the Blackburn Sunday League who were thrilled to get his services.

League secretary John Haydock said: "Ken actually helped us set up the league back in the 1970s so it was great to have him back as chairman.

"He really comes in to his own at committee level and his experience and knowledge is invaluable."