DEDICATED fans of Heybridge Swifts are being asked to help a former mayor of Maldon with his book about the club.

David Scott and Swifts’ secretary Chris Daines, have teamed up to compile a book chronicling the club dating back to 1880.

Mr Scott was mayor in 1979/80, as well as serving as a Heybridge councillor and working for the Standard as sports editor.

They hope anyone who has been associated with the club will help provide press cuttings, diaries and writings.

Mr Scott said: “The research I have done so far has revealed a wealth of excellent stories and great characters, but much more needs to be uncovered.

“I hope relatives of players and club officials from long ago will come forward with key information about the early years, as well as their memories of more modern times.

“The years after the First World War were a golden period, while after the Second World War the club was only known as the Swifts.”

The idea for the book came to Mr Scott, who now lives in Torquay, while he was watching the Swifts take on Exeter in the first round proper of the FA Cup in November.

Mr Daines is compiling a record of all matches Heybridge have ever played, Mr Scott is planning on making frequent trips to Heybridge in order to carry out interviews with key people and collect various materials to help finish the book.

He added: “The only thing that has surprised me is the story has not been written before. It needs telling.

“Everyone I have spoken to is very enthusiastic. I have never forgotten my time in Heybridge or the friendships I made.” Email DScottTorq@aol.com to get involved.