As another 1st XI game looms upon us, one cornerstone of the side in recent years will again not be present. David Lederman has gracefully decided to step down from the 1s this season after 24 years of service in order to ply his trade with the 2s. This almost signals the end of an era for the 'Old Guard' with only the senior marksman Harry Hoffen remaining.

David's run in the first team started when still at school in the 1992/93 campaign and he made his Arthurian League debut shortly afterwards against Oxford University whilst only 18. Now aged 42, he has played more seasons for the OHAFC than most of the 1st XI have been alive and has, by his estimation, racked up close to 400 appearances for the side.

To the younger generations he may not be as nimble around the field as he once was. However, there is no denying he is still one of the most technically gifted players at the Club with a fearsome right foot and supremely accurate delivery. This is regularly seen with his set-piece mastery where it is almost expected for him to score or provide an assist. He has even been known to win the odd header and once scored with his head, last season, giving him more goals in this regard than current 1’s skipper Ed Poulter.

He began his OH career as an electrifying right winger, possessing lightning pace, close control and mazy dribbling skills. The first few seasons were in a struggling Harrow side but as his influence began to grow, so did the side’s fortunes. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the First Division in the 1999/2000 season, the Premier Division in 2004 & 2010, and the Arthur Dunn Cup in 2007. He still managed 19 appearances for the 1s last season as they won promotion back into the Premier Division - joint most along with Yunus Sert.

He was appointed captain of the Arthurian League side in 2003, a post he held for four seasons and, along with Harry Hoffen and Geoff Harrow (1970s) became the only OHAFC players to represent the AFA. David also received the Charles Clover Brown award in 2009 for services to the Club.

Despite his ever-expanding waistline and ever-diminishing pace, his enthusiasm for OHAFC off the pitch has not waned. Leddy was heavily involved in the re-vamp of the Club's website in 2012 and has also attended every single Easter Tour since 1993.

To many, 'Leddy' has been the benchmark that others have strived for when representing the OHAFC, showing high levels of commitment and ability on match days as well as at training during the week.

From all of us at the OHAFC, we thank you.