‘City Ground isn’t going to be the same any more’
TRIBUTE TO REF WHO DIED AT 35
THE school which employed former FA referee Chris Hunter has paid tribute after his death at 35.
Mr Hunter worked at Wilsthorpe School, Long Eaton, from the beginning of this academic year.
The former Ashfield School achievement leader’s death was announced last week by Nottinghamshire FA. He died on Monday, March 4, from a cardiac arrest, a family member said.
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd and former Premier League referee Chris Foy were among those to pay tribute.
The school – at which the Year 9 football team held a minute’s silence before a game on Thursday – has now praised the “excellent” assistant head.
In a statement, it said: “It’s been an incredibly challenging period for our school community, following the unexpected passing of Mr Hunter, an excellent assistant headteacher and teacher of maths, who was not just a colleague but a friend to many.
“Although he had only been at Wilsthorpe for six months, he had already developed a deep mutual respect between him and our students and had built strong working relationships with colleagues. He was firm yet fair, maintaining high standards while always being approachable and having a great sense of humour.
“We’ve received an outpouring of support from the community, including messages from Ashfield School, where he worked as an achievement leader between 2014 and 2022, also within the Two Counties Trust. Amidst this difficult time, the solidarity and compassion shown by students, staff, and families has been truly heartwarming.”
The school is providing support for any students or staff members who need it in the upcoming days and weeks.
Headteacher Derek Hobbs wrote to parents and carers on Friday to explain that assemblies were held with Year 7-11 students on the day after his death.
Mr Hobbs added: “He could be strict, he had standards, he held the line, but he also had time for people, had a sense of humour, and knew when to encourage or just listen.”
There have been calls from friends and family of Mr Hunter, a Nottingham Forest fan and season ticket holder, for a minute’s applause before the club’s next home game against Crystal Palace on March 30. The club sent Wilsthorpe School a shirt signed by the first team.
A Gofundme appeal set up to pay for a funeral and memorial service has so far raised more than £2,000. A family member wrote: “Chris is and always will be a beloved son, brother, friend and dedicated teacher. Outside of his school life, Chris was a dedicated Forest fan. What Forest meant to him can be put simply into one word – love.
“A Saturday 3pm kick-off was his favourite. He had his matchday routine perfected. It was an 11am hair and beard trim, followed by a pint in town then off to Larwood or Trent Nav where the fun really started. He was truly one of kind and the City Ground isn’t going to be the same any more.”
He had a sense of humour, and knew when to encourage or just listen Derek Hobbs, head, Wilsthorpe School