Peterborough United’s Hall of Fame was inspired by Manchester United’s ‘Busby Babes,’ the first inductee was a no-brainer of a decision and the one former player to turn a place down

There have been 36 inductees in 12 years after Mr Lane, the man with biggest and best Posh contacts book, was inspired by seeing the ‘Busby Babes’ in Manchester United’s own tribute to former stars at Old Trafford.

Mr Lane explained: “When visiting other clubs I was always envious of seeing their Halls of Fame, especially great players like Manchester United’s ‘Busby Babes’ who I admired most and it brought a tear to my eye to see them.

“This then gave me the idea of suggesting some of the great players over the years who have appeared for Posh should be honoured in the same way.

“I approached the club press officer Phil Adlam and he immediately said ‘what a great idea can I leave it in your capable hands?!’ I then had the privilege of compiling a list of worthy members.

“My criteria was: 1) Their overall achievements for the club i.e. any special achievements which can include number of appearances, goals scored, services to the club etc. 2) Inductees need to be ex-players or managers or any other worthy representative of the club. Not necessarily ‘legends,’ but ones who are a credit to Posh. The word ‘legend’ is over-used these days.”

Mr Lane runs each suggestion past the club and none have yet been rejected.

Inductees and a guest are invited to the club for a meal before a presentation is made on the pitch before a game when a Q & A is conducted.

Inductees receive a crystal decanter and a plaque which includes details of their Posh career which is then framed, mounted and placed in the Hall of Fame which can be found outside the Directors and Executive Suites.

“It’s important we remember the great names from the fifties and sixties,” Mr Lane added. “They kick-started this great club.”

Finding the first inductee to the Posh Hall of Fame was an easy task for club historian Peter Lane.

“I found compiling a list of worthy candidates quite easy,” Mr Lane said.

“It was great fun coming up with names, but we needed an ideal first candidate and there was one obvious person as he had been at the club for years and was still heavily involved in one way or another.

“I therefore had no hesitation in asking the club if it was in order to invite Mr Tommy Robson to be the first Hall of Fame member.

“It was a no-brainer really and the club readily agreed so on Saturday, October 4, 2008 Tommy became the first inductee.

“My list is growing for possible candidates and on occasions fans approach and ask ‘why isn’t so and so in it?’

“Well there are many worthy people and they may be on the fans lists also.

“We do like to keep the element of surprise when these events occur!”

Robson, Terry Bly, Jim Hall, Chris Turner and Ken Charlery were the first five inductees.

Bly was the first of 10 men to be awarded Posh Hall of Fame places posthumously. The others are: Noel Cantwell, Norman Rigby, George Swindin, Dennis Emery, Derek Dougan, George Hair, Andy Donaldson, Billy Hails and Alf Hand.

Mr Lane recalled: “The situation with Billy Hails was so sad as it was only shortly prior to his passing that I spoke with him and he readily agreed to attend and accept his award. He said he would bring his family i.e. three sons, who then did all attend on his behalf when we did the presentation. I was also asked and it was an honour to be asked and prepare and read the eulogy at his funeral.

“And with Derek Dougan. we managed eventually to trace his niece Josephine Long and sister Coreen, who where delighted to accept on his behalf and even travelled over from Belfast for the occasion, staying over for a couple of days at The Bull Hotel. There was also an article in the Wolves programme on 26/12/2013 with a title of ‘Honouring The Doog’ plus our induction photo as he was also in the Wolves Hall of Fame.”

The club’s two Fourth Division title-winning teams from 1960-61 & 1973-74 were inducted en bloc.

And only ace 1970s midfielder Bobby Doyle has declined a place, out of shyness rather than a lack of interest.

Mr Lane added: “Bobby was a very likeable man indeed, but was painfully shy and was very reluctant when asked. He said: ‘no way can I do this and go out on the pitch!’

“We were however still working on trying to get him, even his friends tried, but he sadly passed away unexpectedly.

“I have however approached Sue, his widow, if we could go ahead with this induction and she said she would be delighted to attend and accept the award on his behalf, hopefully this coming season.”

Mr Lane now intends to limit new inductees to two per season rather than three as has been the case in the past.

There are plans to house the Hall of Fame in the new Posh stadium.