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Club Mourns Passing of Jack Melville

Club Mourns Passing of Jack Melville

Peter Guise28 Dec 2016 - 19:34
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https://www.hernebayfootballcl

Former coach dies of heart attack

A great man who loved everything about football
- Anthony Deer

Herne Bay Football Club are sad to learn of the death of Jack Melville from a heart attack this morning (Wednesday 28th December 2016).

Anthony Deer writes, Jack came to Herne Bay as a coach when I was managing the reserve team. He spent two and a half years as my assistant/coach. He was passionate about coaching and players responded to him although sometimes not understanding what he was saying because of his Scottish accent. We both had the same philosophy using a mixture of experienced and youth players help bringing them through to the first team. He was instrumental in my final season as reserve manager as at times he had to take the team himself as I helped Simon with the first team.

He was football through and through and helped whenever he could to improve his range and knowledge of different levels of football. He helped me when I was on my own at the beginning with the ladies team and even when they stressed him out he still turned up and helped warm them up with his final words always being 'Enjoy it!'

Our friendship continued after he moved on from the club and he was always asking and speaking about the football club and would be seen at a few Ladies games showing his support!

A great man who loved everything about football, a man that will be missed in the footballing community, a man that had everyone's respect! He will be truly missed by children and adults alike as he affected and inspired so many players young and old. This certainly is a sad day for football.

Among the tributes on social media were many from those associated with Herne Bay Football Club.

First team player Joe Nelder wrote, “Shocked to hear of your passing today mate. Absolute diamond of a man and a very good football coach. You will be missed by all who knew you! Thoughts go out to your friends & family ... rest in peace”.

Current Herne Bay Ladies manager, Rachel Tracy wrote, “Such sad news!! He was a great assistant with Deery for us! Il never forget every game he would say "enjoy"”.

Herne Bay Football Club’s thoughts are with Jack’s family at this sad time.

A minute’s silence will be observed in his memory before the Ryman League game against Chatham Town this Friday evening at Winch’s Field KO 7:45 pm.

photo supplied by Steve Barton

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