It is a town which holds fond memories for a former England football captain.

In the 1960s Terry Butcher would head down to Crown Meadow with his father to watch a 'very good' Lowestoft Town side dominate the Eastern Counties Football League.

He recalled: 'My dad was a season ticket holder and I learned about football there – I always used to play football behind the goal on the far side as there was always a game going on – that's where I learnt my football.'

The 59-year-old, who would go onto captain his country, make 77 appearance for England and play more than 270 times for Ipswich Town, as well as starring in a trophy laden spell at Rangers, fondly recalls his time in Lowestoft.

Returning to his hometown yesterday to launch a new Sporting Memories group at Lowestoft Library, Mr Butcher said: 'Coming back here brings back a lot of memories.

'It is nice to come back here, my parents both still live here, my father in law lives in south Lowestoft and I have family here. Its just like coming home – this is home to me.

'Crown Meadow, Lowestoft Grammar School, Ashley boys club, Fen Park, Normanston park pitch one – this is where I learnt my football, and it was a great place.'

Admitting he was 'sad' to have heard about the financial plight of Lowestoft, Mr Butcher said: 'It does break my heart. I remember watching the likes of Mick Tooley and Roy Stephenson in the 1960s and although I did not play for Lowestoft because I was at Ipswich when I was 17, a lot of guys I know used to play for Lowestoft.

'Its a great club and this is just sad, really sad. I always look out for their results and I wish Dale all the best. Hopefully I can help them out, and I would love to do something to raise a few pounds to help them.'

Lowestoft Town defender and academy manager Travis Cole and club director Terry Beamish spoke with Mr Butcher yesterday – and hopes are high that a future fundraising event will be arranged.

Mr Cole, who previously played for Ipswich, said: 'Terry was a massive role model to me and it is great to have had the chance to speak with him and raise the profile of the club.'