ALDERSHOT Town chairman Shahid Azeem has spoken of his immense pride after witnessing the annual two-minute silence in honour of the country’s fallen war heroes ahead of Saturday’s National League clash with Maidenhead United.

The 1,600-strong crowd at the EBB Stadium fell silent shortly before kick off to pay their respects – and Mr Azeem had nothing but admiration as the silence was observed impeccably.

“It’s the most poignant day of the year for me and from a football club point of view because we are the home of the British Army,” he said.

“So many sacrifices have been made by people who have given their lives for their country so that we can still enjoy our freedom and our football. I feel totally inadequate but it’s our small way of acknowledging and paying our respects to all soldiers and military personnel around the world who have fallen to defend the country.”

And he added: “It’s one of the days I really look forward to, and I’m really proud of the football club’s association with the military. That, to me, is the most important thing.

“Supporters young or old, they are all absolutely amazing. Our East Bank boys, led by Scott Lorimer, and the massive banners that they display on the day, show the support that we get from our supporters. It’s one day that we are all on the same hymn sheet. It’s fantastic.

“We are completely engrossed in our military and we are so, so proud of them.”

Able Seaman Lewis Trinder, 95, one of the last few surviving Normandy veterans in Aldershot, had the honour of carrying out the match ball, while dignitaries included garrison commander Lt Col Paddy Baines, town mayor Sue Carter, and Rushmoor Borough Council leader David Clifford.

Standards were proudly raised by members of the Royal British Legion.

And the poignant nature of the day wasn’t lost on first team boss Danny Searle, who said: “It’s my first experience of that at this club and it sent goosebumps down your spine when The Last Post sounded.

“It was an emotional day. I’ve got family links to the Army and you have to have utter respect for everything they do. To be able to have that at our stadium and to be such a big part of it, albeit Aldershot is the home of the Army, added fuel to the fire to get us fired up for a game like that and I don’t think the boys disappointed.”