MINUTE’S APPLAUSE PLANNED FOR BELOVED COACH DAVE
‘HE SEFLESSLY DEDICATED HIMSELF TO OTHERS’
TRIBUTES have flooded in for football coach Dave Hackett – known locally as “Mr Football” – who has died, aged 60, from cancer.
He will be remembered with a minute’s applause at Gresley Football Club’s home game this weekend.
Mr Hackett, co-founder of Newhall’s TS Sports FC, died at his Newhall home surrounded by his family following a short battle with brain cancer.
Since his death, his family have been overwhelmed at the number of tributes paid by the footballing community across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and even Nottingham.
Last weekend, the Burton Junior Football League and Burton senior leagues held a minute’s silence at all its games as a mark of respect.
Dave’s son, Paul, said: “Since his passing on October 4, a Dave Hackett memorial page was set up and within the first 24 hours had reached 500 members and now currently stands at more than 750 members who have written tributes reflecting on what my dad has done for them or their kids over the years.
“He was so well respected on the local football scene that over the last weekend all over Staffordshire, Derbyshire and even as far out as Nottingham either a minute’s silence or a minute’s applause in honour of my dad was observed, right from under-8s up to the adult games.
“Myself and my mum were actually in attendance at a couple of these games where the teams were paying their respects, which was actually very emotional.
“My dad will continue to be honoured this weekend when Gresley FC plays at home at the Moat Ground when a few things will be taking place to honour my dad for all of the work he has done on the scene at Gresley.
“This will include a minute’s applause in recognition of his work over the years and then wreaths will be laid by Gresley FC’s supporters’ club and also his beloved TS Sports. In addition to this a lasting memory of my dad will be made at Gresley when the press box is named the The Dave Hackett Media Box.”
Tributes reflecting the work achieved by Mr Hackett have also appeared on the national Grassroots Football UK Facebook page, with the administrators of the page saying: “This week sadly saw the passing of a grassroots football legend. In 1984,
Dave Hackett, of Newhall, was a founding member of TS Sports Football Club. Over the past 34 years it is estimated that several thousand young children have played for a TS Sports team coached by Mr Hackett.
“He selflessly dedicated himself to others with an unparalleled commitment to developing youngsters which has been acknowledged by many since his passing. Despite being gravely ill Mr Hackett was still making calls to parents and other club secretaries to help organise matches and tour-
naments from his hospital bed.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, Dave Hackett is a legend of grassroots football and will be sadly missed by many.”
Paul said: “The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have kept in touch and supported us as a family right from the diagnosis right up to visiting my dad at home. And also for all of the messages of prayers and support we have received.”
It comes just months after a reunion night and charity football match was held for Mr Hackett, who coached thousands of youngsters over three decades.
His family and friends organised the night and match after Mr Hackett was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in June. In his young days, he wrote his first football report at the age of 14 and then carried on writing as a freelance reporter for the Burton Mail and the Burton Trader for many years, as well as occasionally writing for other publications.
These reports were always footballrelated, reporting on Newhall United and Gresley FC (including the former Gresley Rovers), as well as the reports he wrote on his beloved junior football team TS Sports.
His son said: “But the most memorable report he boasted about writing was one with his idol Jimmy Greaves at the old Ind Coope Club Burton, to which he held very close to his heart.”
Since his death, the board of Gresley FC, along with its supporters’ club, has been looking at ways to remember Dave and will be inviting the Hackett family as guests on Saturday to the home fixture with Newcastle Town. It hopes to see the Moat Ground awash with Gresley FC’s team colours of red and white, and claret and blue – the colours of his beloved West Ham United and TS Sports.
Saturday’s home match kicks off at 3pm, and before the game a wreath will be laid on behalf of Gresley FC Supporters’ Club and Gresley FC. A minute’s applause will be held and there will also be a bucket collection during the game, with all monies going to the family’s designated charities.
James Southern, chairman of Gresley FC Supporters’ Club, said: “Dave Hackett was a true gentleman, a man who I’ve known for 28 years, growing up as a young footballer, Gresley supporter, local referee and a coach. Not one person could ever have a bad word to say about Dave. I, along with everyone else, loved the man and will miss him dearly.
“Prior to him becoming ill I used to pick him up some Tuesday evenings when he was waiting for the bus to attend training at the Pingle Academy. I had endless chats with Dave about all aspects of football. He genuinely loved the ‘beautiful game,’ and many young children over two to three generations owe so much to Dave Hackett.
“I have made it my personal target to write to as many bodies and associations asking for posthumous recognition of Dave’s extraordinary work and achievements. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Mr Hackett also helped raise thousands of pounds for the charities Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and the British Heart Foundation following the death of his son Steve, 26, who was a football referee, in 2008.
Mr Hackett’s funeral will be held on Thursday, October 18, at 3.45pm in the Carnarvon Chapel at Bretby Crematorium. Mourners are invited to wear whatever they wish, whether it be formal wear or football kits.