Memorial match in honour of Jake Nooney
QUORN and Sileby Town are to face each other next month in a special memorial match in honour of Jake Nooney.
Jake who passed away in April 2020 was a stalwart of both clubs. He was instrumental in both sides development on and off the field during the course of his life and both clubs are hoping the game will attract a large crowd.
Donations will be taken on the gate on request of Jake’s family every penny raised will go to Alzheimer’s UK.
The memorial match will take place at Quorn’s Farley Way stadium on Sunday, August 8, with a 12pm kick off. The game will feature squads of players Jake worked with over many years.
Former Quorn managers Dougie Keast and Ian Turner will be in charge of the Quorn Select Squad for the day, with Charlie Hoyes, Phil Newby and Jon Bettles taking charge of the Sileby team.
Quorn secretary Darren Kay said: “It is sure to be a emotional occasion and we would like to extend a invitation to everyone friends, family, nonleague enthusiasts and anyone who knew Jake to come along and share the day with us.
“It would mean so much to the family and us all at Quorn Football Club to have as many people here as possible to remember a man who gave a lifetime service to football. A game in his honour is the legacy he deserves.”
I HAVE many lovely memories of Jake. He was a loyal servant for the club and was never afraid of rolling up his sleeves to help maintain the pitch/ ground and pavilion-even at an advanced age.
Volunteers and enthusiasts like Jake are the life-blood of sport and football in particular. Jake just loved local football and I used to really love it when he regaled about games of yore, backed up with old pictures and news cuttings of games-often ones he actually played in!
Jake possessed such enthusiasm for life and engaged with everyone of any age. He was universally popular with all the players. In Jake’s mind he was still one of them. I remember some of the many roles he adopted for the club, including trainer and masseur.
Oh, those gallons of oil he used to lather the players legs with. I remember as a player myself feeling like some sort of Mediterranean import after a rub from Jake! All glistening thighs under the floodlights at Farley Way.
Jake was very attentive to the players and always phoned those unlucky to be injured, days after matches had finished to check on their welfare. This was typical of the man.
On match days Jake was always immaculately dressed in blazer and club tie. We had such patience and respect for him that we never really minded as he was often last man on the coach as a result of chewing the fat over a pint with opposition committees.
Jake always though that engaging with the opposition was an essential part of the camaraderie of the game He would then often indulge in leading a sing-song on the coach. Bad bad Leroy Brown always raised a laugh. I also remember on many occasions dropping Jake off in Loughborough to complete his day at the dancing, what energy!
Jake, Pat, Stuart and Mavis were a tight group of friends who worked tirelessly for the club and their commitment and contribution to the club are immeasurable.
I know Stuart and Jake had a lifelong friendship and intuitive understanding of each other, dating back to their national service in the 50’s. They complemented each other.
Jake, you are missed but never forgotten. Long may the sparkle in your eye shine on us.
Dougie Keast
Player, Coach, Manager, Friend.