Festive football cheer was spread at The Loughton Club when the Essex Retro Football Show returned for a Christmas Special.

A quartet of special guests added some extra stardust to the array of football memorabilia on offer from 15 dealers specialising in everything from shirts to Subbuteo, books to badges, photos to programmes, stickers and trading cards to magazines and much more.

Former players Ray Houghton (Liverpool, Aston Villa, Republic of Ireland) and Roger Morgan (QPR and Tottenham) kindly gave up their time to sign autographs and chat with visitors about their vast experience within the professional game.

Meanwhile, two greats of the football publishing world joined the show to discuss their key roles in shaping some of the most popular UK comics and magazines in history.

Peter Stewart was involved with Shoot! for 25 years, including 12 as editor from 1979-1991 while David Hunt edited Scorcher, Top Soccer, Hot Shot and Roy of the Rovers along with equally successful non-football publications such as Eagle and Battle.

Essex Retro Football Show organiser Greg Lansdowne was delighted with the turn-out for what was the follow-up to September’s inaugural event.

“It was great to see so many people make it despite the rain and I am sure they all felt it was worth the effort," he said.

"The range of memorabilia always ensures there is something for all football fans and the kind support from our special guests, Panini with their giveaways and Backpass magazine for sponsoring the event made for another day to remember.”

Plans are already underway for the next Essex Retro Football Show as well as the first Retro Cricket Show (planned for next summer).

Full details will be provided on the Essex Retro Football Show Facebook page and the @panini_book X feed or email essexretroshow@greglansdowne.co.uk for more information.