RIP Norman Saunders

As some of you may be aware, Matlock Town FC has lost a loyal supporter recently.with Norman Saunders passing away at the age of 80.

Norman has been a fixture within the club for many years, supporting the club both home and away. He loved watching the Gladiators, sitting in the Twigg Stand at home games and then with his pals, commandeering a table in the Shorts Lounge to chew the fat over the action on the field. He was a regular on the coach to away matches, an immensely popular person with a great personality, steadfast in his views and always enjoying a laugh or two with fellow supporters.

His dulcet tones could not be mistaken, he definitely wasn’t a Derbyshire lad but settled in Matlock with his wife Jean and family, quickly making friends and then supporting the Gladiators in any way he could.

A keen ukelele player, Norman and his friends hired the Shorts Lounge to practice their skills and actually performed in front of fellow fans at a Presentation Night.

Last November Norman hired the club for his 80th birthday party on what turned out to be a memorable day with the Gladiators hammering league leaders and eventual champions Radcliffe during the afternoon. The huge turnout to celebrate his birthday at night was not surprising, little did we know it would be his last party at the club.

So we wish Norman a fond farewell, knowing that he’ll be watching the Gladiators from above as we start another season. Everyone at the club including our loyal fans send their heartfelt condolences to Jean and his family and friends. As a mark of respect there will be a minutes applause prior to the match versus Derby County on Friday night,

RIP Norm!

Ian Richardson