UNITED WE STAND IN MOURNING CHIEF

UNITED Counties League chief Alan Poulain has paid tribute to former president David Weeks who sadly passed away last weekend.

Weeks was instrumental in the running of the league for 30 years, becoming chairman in 2003.

“It was an absolute honour to work alongside John,” vice-president Poulain told The NLP.

“From the reaction that we have received from clubs in the league it is clear his enthusiasm and kindness touched so many people within the game.

“I think a few of the local pubs are going to lose a bit of trade because we would always go for a meal before watching a match and discuss how we felt the league was progressing. We used to talk for hours and hours, and it was amazing to see how dedicated he was.

“John always used to say ‘we are only here for the clubs’ and did he did his upmost to help out in whatever way he could.

“He pretty much saved the league about six or seven years ago because there was talk that The FA were considering scrapping it as part of their re-structure at the time.

“However, John fought tooth and nail to persuade them to keep it going and we have him to thank that the league is still here and continuing to operate at a great standard today.”

Poulain’s views were echoed by Head of the National League System at The FA, Laurence Jones, also chairman of Trustees at UCL member club Harborough Town.

He added: “I have had the privilege of working with many great people but John is up there with the best.

“I will miss his words of encouragement, wisdom but above all the close and valued friendship we developed.”