New Delhi: A player who had been honoured by his club because they thought he was dead is actually still alive.
Imagine finding out a minute's silence was being held at your former football club to honour your life; reading your obituary in your local newspaper; and learning that your death had also been noted in a matchday programme.
That is precisely what happened to Tommy Farrer when Northern League Division One club Bishop Auckland FC - who have been established for over 123 years - decided to pay tribute to the 86-year-old's contribution prior to a non-League game against Newcastle Banfield last week.
Bishop Auckland have a rich history, boasting 10 FA Amateur Cups, together with multiple regional honours. Farrer played a key part in some of that success as he featured in three Wembley finals.
Farrer is reported to have said he was surprised to hear about his death, but preferred to play down the mistake as he wanted to - according to the Press Association - "let it die."
Farrer is currently enjoying his retirement in Maidstone, Kent, along with his wife of 65 years Gladys. They first heard of the mistake when a club official phoned to offer Gladys their condolences.
"We are not upset, but we did think it was a bit of a joke at first," Farrer said.
He went on though to mention how he was "touched" at being described a legend.
One memorable career moment for Farrer was when Auckland played a barefoot team from Nigeria in 1949.
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