Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Sad passing of Bruce, 89
Legend may be an overused word in sport – but for Whitstable Town stalwart Bruce Smith it’s a perfect fit
he club have been inundated with messages, following his death aged 89 last Wednesday, with long-time friend, president and chairman Joe Brownett paying him the ultimate tribute saying he ‘was’ the football club.
Former player Sam Denly said: “Very sad news, true gentleman who helped me a lot, will always remember all he did for me and will be truly missed.”
Ex-assistant Simon Halsey added: “Sad news – Whitstable Town through and through – a lovely gentleman,” while former Bay chairman, now secretary John Bathurst commented: “Such a lovely man and a true gentleman, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
Arsenal fan Mr Smith was born in Dulwich, where he lived and got married to Connie.
The couple settled first in Tankerton, before moving to a bungalow backing on to the Belmont Ground.
Speaking to this newspaper a few years ago, he said: “It was purely coincidental but my wife doesn’t believe me.
“I got involved with Whitstable because I love the game.
“I was a goalkeeper and had trials with various teams including Millwall but had to give up when I was 21 after suffering from a thrombosis.
“I took up golf but wanted to get back into football so joined the committee.”
Bruce started as physio, doing the job for 30 years and also served the club as kit man, groundsman, secretary, fixture secretary, turnstile operator and is also a former president. He added: “I love local football more than the Premier League because of the honesty of the players.
“At the top level players are paid far too much and they go down easily.
“One of the most amazing Whitstable matches I ever saw was the 1980 Kent League Cup final at Sittingbourne.
“We were playing Chatham Town and losing 3-1 with minutes to go.
“I remember them putting Chatham’s ribbons on the trophy but we scored two quick goals and forced the game into extra time, and won. It was an extraordinary game.”
“It was also an honour to have a match between Whitstable and Herne Bay (Bruce Smith Shield) in my name.”
The club also honoured him by naming a stand after him.