A who's who of Carlisle United's history gathered at Brunton Park last Thursday night to pay a surprise tribute to chairman Andrew Jenkins for his unique achievement of clocking up 50 years as a director of the club.

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney led the salute in front of dozens of players and officials from past and present, saying Andrew's feat of giving half a century of loyal service as a director to the same football club would never be repeated.

United's boardroom veteran had arrived at Foxy's restaurant unaware that more than 100 guests had gathered there for a commemorative meal which had been organised in secret without his knowledge, making it a complete surprise when he walked in.

Andrew, 73, said: "I am really honoured. I never expected to see Brian (Lord Mawhinney) or any of you tonight! I thought I was going for a meal and a chat with a few other directors.

"It is great to see so many friends and some of the players who I watched all those years ago when I first came here. The club has always been in my blood ever since I started coming here and got involved. I couldn't get out of it!"

Andrew had first watched his beloved Blues as an eight-year-old boy when they beat Barrow 4-1. Immediately hooked, he had become a director by the age of 23 after his father declined an offer to join the board, putting him forward instead.

The rest is history, Andrew having been there ever since, now as co-owner with John Nixon and Steve Pattison. His astonishing service actually spans seven decades from November 6, 1959 to the present day  and takes in nine promotions, nine relegations, a European campaign and two trips to Wembley, including a cup final victory, as well as
two cup finals in Cardiff. There was also the little matter of seeing United briefly at the top of English football in 1974.

Bill Green, who captained United to the loftiest position, was among the ex-players present last night. So too were Ron Thompson and Bobby Johnston, who Andrew first saw play for the Blues back in 1951. Other past players included Bryan Robson, Alan Shoulder, Jackie Ashurst, Les O'Neill, Dean Walling, Rod Thomas, Malcolm Poskett, George McVitie, Peter McConnell and Hughie McIlmoyle, who Andrew rates the greatest Carlisle player he's ever seen. Helen Ross and Elaine Humes - partners of late great United legends Allan Ross and Chris Balderstone - were also there.

As well as Andrew's family and friends and his fellow directors, other guests included former club owner Fred Story, ex-official Colin Hutchison and past managers Clive Middlemass and Bobby Moncur. Greg Abbott, Dennis Booth and Eric Kinder led the present coaching staff, alongside players Peter Murphy, Tom Taiwo and Lenny Pidgeley.

United's life-president David Dent spoke about the immense changes football had gone through during Andrew's 50 years as a director, saying the accounts showed that Carlisle United's wage bill in his first season in the boardroom were less than £400 a week.

Lord Mawhinney paid tribute to Andrew, saying: "This man represents all that is very good about football. You read newspapers these days and listen to Sky Sports News and you see what is not so good about football. But there are still good things in football - and they are epitomised by Andrew.

"Andrew, we thank you for your commitment and your dedicaton and your perseverence and leadership. Thank you."