AN EX-professional footballer from the Second World War period who now lives in an Andover care home met up with a former player last week, 70 years after they represented the same club.

Charles White, who was Southampton FC’s goalkeeper in the 1940-41 season, had a VIP trip arranged by his residential home Harrier Grange to St Mary’s stadium.

There, Charles met with another Saints goalkeeper Arthur House, now 98, on his return visit to the club, who had left the team to join the Royal Navy after war broke out in 1939.

Despite having never crossed paths on the football pitch, the duo shared stories about past teammates and memories of then club manager Tommy Parker.

Charles said: “It’s been marvellous to come and visit St Marys and it was just wonderful to meet Arthur.

“This has been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.”

In 1941, Charles joined the Royal Air Force where he helped fuel Allied sea planes in the Seychelles.

When the Second World War came to a close in 1945, Charles did not return to football and got a job instead working with the electricity board.

Arthur also left football and became a publican after he injured his arm during the war.

Harrier Grange activities co-ordinator Chris Martin said: “This was an extremely special visit – it was easy to see that Charles really enjoyed the trip to St Mary’s to relive such an exciting time of his life.

“Meeting Arthur was the icing on the cake for Charles. He was reciting stories of playing for the club like it was yesterday.

“Charles and Arthur are some of the last survivors of the Southampton football team that played during the war. Charles was evidently very humbled to have met Arthur and was very emotional as they spoke with each other.”