AFTER half a century in football, not a lot can surprise Eric Shaw these days.

Not a lot except winning the Warrington Sports Personality Unsung Hero of 2006 award, sponsored by Barclays Citroen and Bentleys Toyota.

"I'm totally shocked to be honest," the man affectionately known as Mr Warrington Town' said after Friday night's ceremony.

"I never thought I'd win.

"I've played for a lot of clubs and won a lot of things but this is something special because it is for my club, my town.

"I feel a bit guilty because I don't feel as if I've done anything special, I've just done it for the love of it. It is never a chore. hard work never came in to it.

"When I finished playing for them I just stuck around. It could have been anyone."

Modest Eric's involvement with the club goes back to the early 1960s when he played full back.

The 70-year-old from Latchford stopped playing after breaking his leg in 1974.

Since then he has not stopped devoting his spare time on a voluntary basis to the non-league club.

He took on groundsman and kit-washing duties and helped out at training, while also putting at least 25 years of service into the committee.

After retiring from the building trade 10 years ago and having a heart by-pass operation eight years ago, he has carried on his behind-the-scenes role.

The club president pops in early each day to carry out running repairs.

He has been a home and away supporter of the UniBond League team for 32 years, the highlight in that period for Eric being the club's appearance at Wembley in the 1987 FA Vase defeat to St Helens.

Eric, who is secretary of the club's dominoes team, paid tribute to his wife Betty, for her support.

"I'd like to dedicate it to my wife Betty because she's put up with it and never moaned," he said.

"That she's never minded has made it easier to do."

Prize: Three-month membership at Total Fitness, a meal and wine for two at Tom At 101, a framed Warrington Wolves shirt, a trophy from The Trophy Centre, a bottle of champagne from Corks Out Independent Wine and a goody bag from Asics UK.