A FOOTBALL stand in memory of a “unique and special” player was officially opened with a game in his honour.

Alan Mattey, who died after a battle with cancer in 2006, played for the Maccabi London Lions FC, in Rowley Lane, on the border of Barnet and Borehamwood, for a number of years.

Last Thursday, September 24, the new Alpha Stadium – which cost £186,592, was officially opened with a celebratory football match.

The works also included the new Alan Mattey stand in memory of the father-of-two.

Andrew Landersberg, chairman and head of football at Maccabi London Lions, said: "Thursday was a dream come true, when the Alpha Stadium and Alan Mattey Stand was officially opened.

“For so many people at Maccabi London Lions, Alan Mattey was and is. This project was finished in good time with the help of a great building and project team, and the tremendous support of the MLB Management.

“For so many people at Maccabi London Lions, Alan Mattey was and is what we all stand for, he was a very unique and special man, and a person everybody truly loved.

“The stadium, the stand, the floodlights and the entire project has lifted the club to another level, and has inspired the next generation of Alan Matteys.”

The team played a match against former Arsenal FC players Chris Whyte and Jimmy Carter, as well as actor Ralf Little, to mark the day.

The ground upgrade includes new floodlights, turnstiles, standing areas for fans, pitch perimeter fencing and changing room improvements.

The work was made possible by a grant from the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

Mr Landsberg added: “There isn’t a player, parent, coach or manager who isn’t inspired by this fantastic project. We sincerely thank the FSIF for their tremendous support and guidance and of course Leanne Mattey (Alan’s wife) and her special family.”

Chris Whyte, former Arsenal player, said: “It was great to attend the opening of these stadium improvements at Maccabi London Lions.

“The works carried out by the FSIF have made a huge difference to the club, and I very much enjoyed playing in the match.

“It’s good to see money from the Premier League being injected into clubs like this, and thanks must go to them and the FSIF for the funding that made this project a reality.”