Memories of time at school came flooding back with the County Press's reporting of the passing of former Southampton footballer Wayne Talkes, who came from the Island.

Wayne was an exceptional schoolboy footballer who I was privileged to play with from under 10 to under 16 for the Island Schools XI.

He was spotted playing for the Island at an English Schools Shield match at Wokingham Town, against East Berkshire.

We were not expected to win that day but did, 4-0, with both Wayne and myself scoring.

Wayne was selected to train and have a trial with the England schoolboys but the ankle injury which plagued him throughout his career did not see him selected at international level.

He went on to play professional football with Southampton and Bournemouth, then at non-league level, with, I believe, Brockenhurst.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Pickford Shield programme with the IW line-up.The Pickford Shield programme with the IW line-up.

Sadly another stalwart of the same Island schoolboy team, Mike Hygate, passed away 18 months ago...another player who should have played professional football.

A number of us from that IW team went on to play locally and at Hampshire League level, including Graham Elderfield at Whitecroft and Newport, and myself and Ian Hailes, at Newport and Brading.

Both Wayne and Mike were taken too soon...a sentiment I am sure our other teammates would share.

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