David Beckham backs Chertsey Town boss Anderson as he bows out a Wembley winner

On Sunday, 34 years on, Mr and Mrs Anderson had another date at Wembley, with Paula and their son and daughter in the crowd as Anderson led Chertsey to FA Vase success with a final win over Cray Valley after extra time.

Anderson announced his retirement immediately after the victory that sealed a step-five double for the Surrey club, who last month lifted the Combined Counties League Premier Division title.

“It was a bit surreal – to win a trophy at Wembley is every schoolboy’s dream,” said Anderson, whose retirement brought the curtain down on a distinguished non-league managerial career that included spells at AFC Wimbledon, Hendon and St Albans City.

“The celebrations were amazing on the pitch and then back in the Bobby Moore suite with my family and friends who had come over from Rathcoole. After that it was back to Chertsey, where I think the whole town had packed into a pub – it was bouncing.”

The Wembley win was a far cry from the despair felt by Anderson when he was forced to retire from playing at the age of 23.

“I was playing for Bangor against Crusaders when I came out to block a shot and their attacker caught me on the shin. It wasn’t deliberate, but I never recovered. I took a bit of time out of the game completely after that.”