A football club’s former players have honoured a regional daily columnist in recognition of his service as a supporter.

Anton Rippon, who writes a column on Derby County FC for the Derby Telegraph, has been presented with the Merit Award by the Rams’ Former Players’ Association.

The award is given annually to individuals who have served County, nicknamed the Rams, or the Association with distinction.

Anton, pictured above left, who saw his first County match aged eight in 1952, helped to found the RFPA 25 years ago.

He worked as a reporter for the Telegraph for 10 years in the 1960s and 1970s but left in 1981 to start the Breedon Books sports publishing company.

However, he continues to write two weekly columns for the Telegraph, including his regular piece on football, and is currently editing the Sports Journalists’ Association’s annual yearbook.

Anton was presented with the award at the RFPA’s 25th anniversary dinner, held at the club’s Pride Park stadium earlier this month and attended by former players including Roy McFarland, Charlie George, Bruce Rioch and John O’Hare.

The association’s secretary, Nigel Cleevely, told dinner guests: “Through thick and thin he has followed the Rams and I would argue with anyone who says they know more about the club’s history than this man.

“He is a walking encyclopaedia. But most important of all, he is the reason why we are all here tonight to celebrate our 25th anniversary.”

Anton told the SJA: “I’m honoured to have my name on an award alongside men like Raich Carter, Dave Mackay and Archie Gemmill, but it isn’t false modesty to say that I really don’t feel it is deserved.

“There are many more great players who have to be honoured. I am just a supporter who, 25 years ago, was in the fortunate position to be able to indulge myself by bringing so many great footballers together.”