Gill’s tributes to former utility player Singleton

Former Bath City utility player Dave Singleton has died at the age of 65.

A former teammate of current manager Jerry Gill, Singleton was a popular figure during his 12 years at City from 1981-1993, where he made 415 appearances and scored 93 goals while wearing every outfield shirt number.

Singleton had previously appeared for Taunton Town and Weymouth before departing Bath for Clevedon Town.

He was diagnosed with dementia in his latter years and passed away last Saturday.

In his playing days, the Bournemouth-born player was signed for £4,500 from Weymouth in September 1981 as a striker and was top scorer in the 1982/83 and 1985/86 seasons during an era when City finished in the top six of the Alliance League (now National League) twice.

Having dropped back into midfield or defence, he still popped up with important goals, including a winner at Welling United in December 1987 which earned City an FA Cup Third Round spot for the first time in 24 years.

In his last season with the club, Singleton was involved in another cup run when City lost to Northampton Town in a round two replay having drawn 2-2 at Twerton Park in December 1992.

Bath face Weymouth on Tuesday, September 13 and the match will be used to pay tribute. Former manager Tony Ricketts will be in attendance with a collection of former Bath City players from Singleton’s era, with his son Josh also invited for what will be a fitting send-off.

“He was the life and soul of the party,” said manager Gill, who played alongside Singleton from December 1990-May 1993.

“We had so much fun, he was a great person to have on the coach and in the changing room.

“We send our condolences to his friends and family.”