The development of the LCC/Witan Football Club in the post-World War 2 years was greatly influenced by the staunch leadership of Spud as Club Secretary.  Although having links with Old Fincunians, he played for the LCC Staff Association Football Club before the war.

In 1947 he chaired a meeting on the 1st floor of The County Hall.  Despite the fact the turn-out was thin and mainly of pre-war ‘grey beards’, the Club was relaunched.

Without a ground of its own, it relied on Spud to use his contacts to obtain fixtures – of necessity all ‘away games’.  Support from the Council was somewhat grudging, but some meadowland at Belmont was made available.  Previously used for horse-grazing and medical research into tetanus, it was officially cleared for use as a playing field.

Spud’s Department, Valuers, was responsible for the Council’s housing programme and, lo and behold, two sizable contractor’s huts appeared at Belmont.  More string pulling and professional help was on hand from the nearby St. Helier Estate maintenance staff to set them up as changing rooms.  The Club's own weekend working parties helped.

Home fixtures were now possible and Spud was again the Club’s advocate to press for, and obtain, its inclusion in the Southern Olympian League.  It so happens that he went on to serve as the administrative side of the SOL so effectively as to gain the League’s Bronze Medal for 50 years’ service.

Easter touring now entered the fixture list and the indefatigable Spud arranged fixtures at Cheltenham (the local rag dubbed us the ‘barrow boys’, and the Isle of Wight.

Tours eventually extended to the continent.  Touring obviously had an appeal – as a keen cyclist, he spent holidays at home and abroad on his elite, purpose built, Evans machine.

As a player, Spud’s appearances were eventually greatly limited by lack of mobility engendered by dodgy, heavily strapped, knees.  His ability to ‘read the game’ enabled him to lend a steadying influence to less experienced defences.  All things together, what a marvellous service this man rendered to the Club.  Now we can but remember him with immense gratitude.

John Newman   2004.

(1922 – 2017)