MAGPIE fans who knew goalkeeper John Wood in his time at Victory Park from 1978 to 1984 were joined by viewers of TV's Granada Reports this week sharing John's delighted at getting his 1981-82 Player of the Year tankard back from the United States.

John, who says his time at Chorley was the happiest in his footballing career, had the tankard stolen during a burglary at his home more than 10 years ago. David Turman, a collector of memorabilia who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, saw the tankard in a 'collectables' shop in Arkansas and after noticing the inscription put an appeal on the internet. John was put in touch with Mr Turman, who generously sent the tankard back to him. "I never thought I'd see the tankard again after all this time," said the former Chorley goalkeeper. "It was really wonderful of Mr Turman to take the trouble of tracing the tankard's owner and getting it back to me."