A war-time graduate from Woolston Boys to the Saints, Jack Gregory had to wait patiently for first-team opportunities.

Able to play in either full-back position, he was nevertheless in a formidable queue, with Rochford on the left and Ramsey and Ellerington Competing on the right.

He “learned a lot from Rochford,” as he bided his time, enjoying his football in a strong Reserves side. Indeed, he appeared in four Combination Cup finals, captaining the 1952 winners. Even so, it irked him when Ted Ballard, bought as a half-back, was converted to full-back at his expense – proof,

he reckoned, that “local lads always get shoved out a bit”

when a manager aims to show that he has bought wisely.In 1953-54, though, he missed only four first-team games and even got to be captain. But the next season, he was an even more regular Reserve. Whereupon, he transferred to Leyton Orient and proved his point – as an immigrant, he could get a game – before winding down at Bournemouth, followed by six seasons of non-league football. Not that he ever moved to London.

He continued to live locally and to train at The Dell. He later turned out for the Ex-Saints and became a regular at the Woolston & District Bowls Club, just across the road from his house, until Alzheimer’s precluded participation.