Former Blue advises England to 'listen to manager'

Howard Osborne, who played for Ipswich Town in the early 1960s before joining Felixstowe Town, has advised the England squad to "listen to your manager"

A former Ipswich Town footballer has shared some advice for the England team during the Euros: "Listen to your manager".

Howard Osborne began his own professional career at the age of 17 in 1960, as a left winger under the watchful eye of legendary manager Sir Alf Ramsey.

That year Town won the Second Division title and the following season Sir Alf led the side to become champions in their debut at the top level. Four years later he spearheaded England's famous World Cup victory.

Eighty-year-old Mr Osborne, a resident at Cotman House Care Home in Felixstowe, continues to enjoy watching football and says he hopes England will win the tournament.

He said playing under Sir Alf taught him "a thing or two about winning a football match" and said "listening to your manager" was his best tip for the England team.

He said manager Gareth Southgate had his full support and he urged the players to fully back their boss if they wanted to succeed.

Howard Osborne, front row far right, when he was a player for Felixstowe Town

Mr Osborne left Ipswich Town in 1963 and moved to Felixstowe Town where he played for more than a decade.

In 1975, he scored Felixstowe Town's winning goal in the Suffolk Senior Cup, which led to the club's acceptance into the Eastern Counties League.

'Spark joy'

Almost 50 years later, his grandsons Sam Osborne and Ryan Chidlow were members of the Trimley Red Devils squad who won the same cup in May for the first time.

"I am very proud of their achievements and to see them following in similar footsteps," he said.

Known as "Oz" by his fellow players, he said he was best known for his precise crosses, powerful shots, and goal-scoring success.

"I didn’t have a funny celebration when I scored like the footballers do now, but I did shout 'thank God!'", he said.

Kirsty Allen, manager at Cotman House, said: "Howard's memories of a remarkable football career bring joy and a sense of pride to all of us here.

"In celebration of the Euros, we will be organising special viewing parties, themed activities, and discussions."

Will Donnelly, co-founder of Lottie, a digital elderly care platform that connects care seekers to care homes, said: "Reflecting on memories of past achievements, such as Howard's footballing career, can stimulate cognitive function and spark joy."

Mr Osborne said he "never missed training and keeping up with younger players", adding that "staying fit became a challenge the older I got, but it was a challenge I was up for."

He said he would be delighted if England won the Euros and he would be watching every game and "supporting the boys along the way".