WELTON Rovers Football Club is mourning the passing of former player and dedicated supporter, Simon Wellington.
His family announced that Simon died suddenly on Saturday, October 31, just one day before he was due to turn 70.
In a statement on social media his family said: “It's with overwhelming sadness that we are sharing the sudden loss of our Dad, Husband, Grandad.
“We are grateful to say he was surrounded by the love of his family.”
Starting at Welton Rovers Football Club aged 15, after asking to be transferred from Bristol City and making his debut in a home win against Bridport, Simon would go on to be a part of the champion squad of the Western League in 1973/74.
He played in the FA Cup against former Leeds and Juventus player John Charles when Welton faced Merthyr Tydfil in January 1974.
During Simon's later years as a player, he was part of the old Tauntonians football club helping them win the Southampton Premier League.
His support for Welton Rovers spanned many decades with him helping to initiate the plans for Welton's new grandstand and gate house and donating his infographic board of John Charles to the club in 2020. This now takes pride of place in the clubhouse.
The club paid tribute to the former player saying: “Welton Rovers is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player and dedicated supporter Simon Wellington.
“Simon was ultimately an incredibly lovely man, who many of us had the great honourable pleasure of knowing.
“Thank you for all your valuable work, contributions and rich history at the club. You will be highly missed by us all.
“We all send our love and support to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”