Alf Bond

Alf Bond was the referee in the 1956 FA Cup Final. He was 45, in charge of his first FA Cup Final. Former right-half for Danes Athletic in the South-West District League - of which he was Vice-President - Bond lost his right arm at the age of 19 when working in a rubber factory. Promotion came via the Corinthian League, the Football Combination and the Southern League.

He was the proprietor of a newsagents business in Fulham. His comment on being selected to officiate at the Cup Final: "It's a grand feeling to know that you have gained this honour"^[1]

He controlled his first league game in 1948 - a Third Division (South) match. He officiated at the 1954 FA Amateur Cup Final at Wembley between Bishop Auckland and Crook Town and has also refereed four international matches.

He died in 1986.^[2]

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