But they were just his official duties.

When grass on the club’s home ground at Auston Oval got too long, he’d mow it himself – with a Victa 2-stroke push-mower.

“I was working at Morisset Hospital at the time, and I’d have to take a day off work to come down here and mow the whole field with a hand-mower,” Mr Reeves, 76, told the Lakes Mail this week.

“It was hard work in those days. We scrimped and we saved and money was sparse.

“Auston Oval back then was a rough ground with very little grass cover of note. Everything the club had was borrowed or second-hand.”

He remembers the small shed that once stood at what is now the McDonald’s restaurant corner of the ground as having “just a couple of rooms”.

“Those rooms served as the canteen, meeting rooms, dressing rooms and toilets… which were very poor,” he recalled.

So it was with sense of pride that Mr Reeves travelled from his home in Newcastle this week to revisit his former stomping ground for the first time in years. The transformation of the ground made quite an impression.

Auston Oval recently underwent a $1.4 million makeover by Lake Macquarie City Council. Four LED light towers, a new amenities block, and car park now adorn the oval.

“The facilities now are a lot better. I’m really pleased to see the growth,” he said.

Mr Reeves looks forward to meeting up with former club mates, players, officials and supporters when Morisset United Football Club hosts its inaugural Old Boys Day this Sunday, June 12.

The club started 50 years ago as Southern Lakes Junior Soccer Club. Sponsorship from Morisset Country Club was contingent on the club changing its name to Morisset United Football Club in 1970, Mr Reeves said.

The senior club was established, after one false start, some time in the 1980s.

Club president Dainis Masens said he hoped some of those present at the Old Boys Day would be able to fill in the blanks that have emerged in the club’s history.

Those with a good knowledge of the club history are urged to phone Mr Masens on 0420 319 421 or email morissetunitedfc@maquariefootball.net.au.