Club stalwart Alfie Barrett remembered
THE funeral of Penybont Football Club stalwart Alfie Barrett is being held next week.
Alfie, aged 70, died last month, and his loss was marked by the Bridgend super club holding a minute’s silence ahead of the home match with Cwmbran Celtic.
He had for many years diligently performed tasks behind the scenes with both Bryntirion Athletic, and then in 2013 after they merged with Bridgend Town to become Penybont FC.
Born on September 7, 1946 in Bridgend, he followed many occupations including the Armed Forces and a bank clerk.
During his footballplaying days, Alfie – nicknamed Bomber – played up front with Bryntirion, and was also an accomplished goalkeeper.
He also had spent brief spells with both Bridgend Town and Tondu Robins, but ultimately it was a case of Bryntirion being home where the heart is.
And on Sunday mornings, he also played for successful Cowbridge All Stars alongside friend Tony Davies.
In one Bryntirion season he scored 59 times and when his playing days were over, football remained very much in the blood.
He soon took responsibility for numerous duties behind the scene, and became known as “Penybont No 3” due to an affinity with former Kymco Stadium boss Francis Ford and young assistant Paulo Wiseman.
He was a colourful and larger than life character and was often seen in claret and blue shoes – the colours of his beloved West Ham United.
Alfie attended several matches at Upton Park and during last month’s minute’s silence, the West Ham anthem of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” played in the background.
His sporting skills, however, didn’t only rest with football, as he also played darts and snooker to a decent standard.
But most importantly he was a loving father and grandfather, and a personal friend of Penybont chairman Emlyn Phillips and his wife Sandra.
This friendship extended to Emlyn and Sandra being best man and bridesmaid respectively at his wedding.
Alfie died on February 13, and his funeral is being held next Tuesday at Coychurch Crematorium at 12 noon.
Refreshments will be served afterwards at Penybont Football Club.