ONE of Swindon Town’s most senior fans got to meet her hero on Saturday.

Peggy Oke met the club’s 1969 League Cup Final goalscoring hero Don Rogers during half-time at Town’s home match against Bury.

Carers at the Bluebell Care Home in Moredon, where Peggy lives, were able to surprise the 93-year-old with tickets to the match. She told the Adver: “I still recognised him, I would recognise him anywhere. He’s my favourite player.”

But times have also changed for the dedicated supporter who remembers going to matches before World War Two, when tickets cost sixpence, or £2 in today’s money.

“It’s quite expensive these days, she added.

“I normally just listen to it on my radio, it takes too long to come by bus and I can’t drive anymore.

“The crowds aren’t as much as they used to be. I used to sit on the Stratton Bank end and they were full. But there’s nobody up there today.”

But at least she could still enjoy her new found celebrity status.

After Peggy featured on the front page of the Adver on the day of the match fans were recognising her from the stands and taking pictures.

Years of ill health had stopped her from going to matches, until staff at Bluebells care home decided to surprise her with tickets to see the match.

Not everything wen t according to plan - Town lost 2-1. But Peggy remains a defiant supporter and told the Adver she might have half a shandy to celebrate coming out to see her team play.

Peggy’s key worker Sarah Gardner, who took her to the game, said: “She was very emotional on the way to the ground. As soon as we got out of the taxi people started to come up to her and say hello as they recognised her from the paper. Peggy was absolutely thrilled to meet her idol Don Rogers and it was very kind of him to take the time out to meet her.

“Peggy said she had a fabulous time and couldn’t wait to go to another match in the near future. As Peggy’s key worker at Bluebells I was so pleased that Peggy thoroughly enjoyed the day and would like to thank everyone who helped make the day special for her.”

Alison Turner, care coordinator at Bluebells Care Home, paid tribute to the care staff who made it all possible. “The article has been a lovely boost to acknowledge the hard work the team do at Bluebells.

“Carers get little acknowledgement for the hard work and commitment they face day to day. We are very proud of the team and how they adapt to challenges to ensure older people are still respected and shown dignity to maintain their lives to the full. Without them Bluebells would not be the service we are today.