BOB Shuttleworth, one of the characters on the Bolton soccer scene, announced his decision to retire from BNolton Sunday League committee work this week.

Bob, currently the referee's secretary, is set to finish at the end of December.

"I made the announcement at the meeting with the club representatives last Monday night. I feel very sad about it but I'm sure I've made the right decision," he said.

"It may seem strange going at the end of the year but if I'd said I'd go at the end of the season they may have persuaded me to stay on and I feel I need to make the clean break.

"I've been with the Sunday League since 1984 and I suppose I've served in every official capacity but that's not how we work. Individual titles don't mean that much to us, we just all muck in where it's needed.

"I leave behind a lot of very good friends who I respect very much and that is going to be hard. Allan Johnson, the current secretary made a speech on Monday night and it was very touching indeed. Afterwards a few of the lads came forward to shake hands, thank me and wish me all the best.

"My last official duty will be to sort out this season's trophies which is rather fitting because that's what it's all about. It's been a real joyride but I feel I've given all that I can.

"Serving on a league committee is really about more than just the individual because you have to have the strong support and understanding of your wife. Any plaudits for my service with the Sunday League go to Hilda as well because without her I just couldn't have done it "