TRANMERE followers turned out in numbers to pay a warm tribute to John Achterberg.

Scores of former players, managers and coaches and 3,316 spectators enjoyed an evening of fun and nostalgia to mark the 11-year contribution of the Rovers’ goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach.

The turnout was more important than the scorelines in a double header of entertainment. A young Everton side took the on the pitch honours on the main event, playing some slick attacking football to notch three first half goals.

Achterberg departed the action after an hour to a warm ovasion, although ever the perfectionist he will have been annoyed to have conceded goals on his big night.

Manager Ronnie Moore played a poignant tribute to the big Dutchman whose contribution to the Rovers cause goes well beyond his 311 first team appearances.

Moore said “John Achterberg has been a magnificent servant to this club. You rarely see loyalty like this these days.

“You can talk about John’s professionalism and dedication as a player. But he is just as committed to the work he does on the coaching side with the senior players and the kids.

“You will find him coaching youngsters through the week and he goes to all of the School of Excellence games on Sundays, working with the keepers aged 9 to 16.

“He’s put a lot back into this club and the local community and deserves his testimonial.”

Tranmere’s No. 1 goalkeeper Danny Coyne said: “John has been a fantastic servant to this club. He works so hard behind the scenes and takes his job very seriously.

“He’s always studying things to help him in his coaching. I’ve never seen anyone as dedicated as him.”

Achterberg said “I have been very lucky to have spent the last 11 years of my career at Tranmere. Not many players get the chance to spend that much time at a place where they are happy.

“I want to thank all of the managers and coaching staff I have worked with here. We’ve had some great times together and I hope there are more ahead.”

For many of the older supporters the night’s first game between two teams of Tranmere “legends” had special appeal.