Lye Town FC to name Supporters' Player of the Year Trophy after Super Fan
Following the recent death of 88-year-old Adrian (Ted)
Bridgwater, a follower of Lye Town FC for eight decades, the club has announced
that from next season, the coveted Supporters’ Player of the Year trophy and
the home changing rooms, will be named after him. The announcement was
made by chairman of Lye Town FC, Brian Blakemore, to Mr Bridgwater’s family and
close friends at his wake last Wednesday.
" We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Adrian. He was a regular
visitor to The Sports Ground and his presence will be missed. Supporters are
the lifeblood of any football club and to have actively supported a club for some
80 years is a remarkable achievement and one we felt worthy of some formal
recognition" said Brian Blakemore Chairman of Lye Town FC.
Born just a stone's throw from the club, as a child, Mr Bridgwater would often
travel on the players' coach to away games. He attended King Edwards VI Grammar
School in Stourbridge, playing rugby for them and Stourbridge Rugby Club, as
well as when serving for MI8 in Cypress and the police force in the
1960s. A lifelong love of sport also saw him playing football, cricket, weight
training and in the 1980s becoming the 37th fastest marathon runner in the
country in the over 40s age group, recording a personal best of 2 hours, 57
minutes. As late as this February Mr Bridgwater could be found using the
exercise equipment in Mary Steven’s Park before enjoying his morning coffee in
the café.
Mr Bridgwater died on April 21st, after a four-year battle with cancer. A
minute's silence was held at Lye’s away game with Quorn FC on April 26th in
memory of him. Following a Just Giving campaign, the family are also donating
£1000 to the club, to help the preparations ahead of next season. Anyone
wishing to add to this donation is asked to contact Brian Blakemore directly.
More Details:
Lye Town FC (The Flyers) will
be playing in the Midland Football League Premier Division next season and have
been playing at their Stourbridge Road Sports Ground since they were founded in
1930.
Contact:
Brian Blakemore, Chairman
Email: bjblakemore@btinternet.com
Mobile: 07836 344645
