Tag Archive for: Former

Manager’s Tribute To Former Groundsman

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Manager’s Tribute To Former Groundsman: Southend United manager Chris Powell has paid tribute to Sid Broomfield, the man who helped to build Roots Hall.

Broomfield passed away earlier this week, aged 94.

And Powell insisted the club’s former groundsman would forever be a massive part of the club’s history.

“You don’t get too many people like Sid at a club,” said the Shrimpers chief, who first met Broomfield in the early 1990s.

“I knew him from my days as a player and since coming back as manager too.

“This is a man who built the ground.

“We talk about moving ground and pastures new and it’s something which needs to happen.

“But sometimes we forget about where we are, who we are and who has been involved in that.

“Sid’s a man we saw regularly and he’s part of the reason we’re at Roots Hall.

“He’s a massive part of our past and a massive part of our history.

“He will be sorely missed by all of us because when you talk about Southend he was someone who definitely bleeds blue.

“Rest in peace Sid.”

And Shrimpers legend Kevin Maher has also paid tribute to Broomfield.

“Sid’s a true legend of the club and a lovely man too,” said the former Blues skipper.

“Condolences to his family and friends.”

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Former Shrewsbury Town groundsman passes away

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Former Shrewsbury Town groundsman and Shropshire cricketer Brian Perry passes away: Former Shrewsbury Town groundsman and Shropshire cricketer Brian Perry has died at the age of 74.

Perry was the groundsman at Gay Meadow for 26 years before the club moved to their new stadium at Oteley Road.

But before that he enjoyed great success with the county’s cricket side and was part of Shropshire’s Minor Counties title-winning squad in 1973.

The fast-medium bowler claimed the wicket of Ian Botham in a Natwest Trophy match against Somerset at Wellington in 1983.

And he claimed another prized scalp 12 months later as he dismissed Geoff Boycott in Shropshire’s victory over Yorkshire at St Georges in the same competition.

But many will remember him from his time at Shrewsbury, where he often battled the elements brought on by the Gay Meadow’s proximity to the River Severn.

Town chairman Roland Wycherley led the tributes, saying: “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Brian’s family and friends at this sad time.

“Brian was a big part of Shrewsbury Town’s history and a familiar face at the Gay Meadow for many years.

“The conditions at the Gay Meadow meant the pitch was a challenge, but Brian’s hard work and dedication meant that games would go ahead despite those challenges.

 “He continued to work on match day at the new stadium and he will be greatly missed.”

Perry played his club cricket at Wem for many years and clubs around the county have expressed their sympathy.

Bridgnorth CC tweeted: “Such sad news to hear of Brian’s passing. A great character & fantastic cricketer. #Legend.”

Whitchurch CC tweeted: “Such sad news hearing that legend Brian Perry passing away. Our thoughts are with his family & friends @WemCricketClub. Such a top man.”

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