Pim Taylor (1925-1977)

LESLIE Alfred Taylor, known to all as Pim, was a local footballing legend and never was the term ‘club stalwart’ better deserved.

He was a fitter at Aveling Barford, but it was on the sports fields he was best known.

Born in Lincoln, he played for Lincoln City as an amateur before joining Grantham Town as a semi-pro in 1945-46.

He was a very able centre-half –but played in every position except left wing for the club. He even produced some sterling performances between the posts with the reserves.

Over the next few years he continued to make a handful of appearances each season for the club, although two came unexpectedly in August 1952. The league match at Peterborough United was about to commence with a near 9,000 crowd eagerly awaiting the teams entrance.

Unfortunately, Ron Hewitt, Grantham’s goalkeeper, still hadn’t turned up so Pim was asked to take over the important role!

The following week at London Road, Ron did arrive, but Pim was still told to keep the position, possibly as a punishment to the AWOL ‘keeper.

However after this game against Halifax Town Reserves and another loss for the club, Ron was allowed to resume his customary position for the following match.

Pim continued to notch up occasional appearances for the next few years, with his last game not coming until the April 1959 fixture at Blyth Spartans.

Eventually, when Jack Macartney retired as club trainer to the first team, Pim took over.

Pim was awarded a joint testimonial with Ronnie Harbertson in May 1967 when Nottingham Forest sent a side to London Road and he continued in his trainer’s capacity until 1977.

He spent 32 years with Grantham FC altogether and died a few hours after his duties against Nuneaton Borough at the London Road Ground, aged only 52.

Compiled with assistance of Jon Barnes