When the 500th season ticket was sold for the coming 2009/10 season, last week, it triggered an annual prize draw where one lucky supporter won their season of Moss Rose football for absolutely free. 

And there can be few fans more deserving than winner Frank Rathbone who thinks he might claim the title of the Silkmen's longest serving fan. (Unless you know otherwise?)

Speaking to us after being told of his win, he said:

"I was really pleased when Penny called me to tell me that I had won. I told her I'd been coming for 82 years so it was about time!

"I first came to the Moss Rose when I was six years old. I came along with my dad, brother and two uncles. We stood under the long shed which is where Main Stand is now. That was back in 1926.

"My Uncle used to drive a car with the registration number AMA315. We were all such regulars that we used to joke that it meant 'At Moss At 3.15'.

"There's been some great moments since then. But the best for me had to be winning the first ever FA Trophy at Wembley. Winning the Cheshire Senior Cup was always a big event and of course we had that trip to Fulham in the FA Cup. It was such a shame that the referee got it so wrong, but it was good of Fulham to play us in a friendly a few months later.

"The best team I ever saw was when the club took on the Goslings team (A works team from Manchester) which included Amateur international Walter Shepherd. That was a great era for the club.

"We've had some highs and lows but we've only been relegated once in our history, so it can't have been a bad run."

Frank, who has a daughter and other family in Nottingham is looking forward to the season to come.

"I know it was a disappointing season last year but even before I knew I was getting this ticket for free I was already committed. I always want to go to all the games.

"Hopefully we can have a good season this time around, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it all the more for having won this free ticket."