SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

It was with immense sadness that Minehead AFC learnt of the passing on Saturday 1st October of probably their greatest ever talisman Mr Tony Milton, who had battled with Parkinsons Disease for many years. He started watching Minehead in 1946 and his support for the club never waned, Tony was Club Secretary during the glory years of the 60’s and 70’s and in more recent decades became the club’s figure head as President.

As well as his immeasurable service within MAFC, Tony was also a great ambassador for the club through his involvement in league and FA circles, and for his commitment to these causes was bestowed the honour of becoming a Somerset County League Life Member. Any follower of local football during 1945 through to the last decade will have strong memories of Tony’s passion, commitment and his unique sense of humour. He leaves behind his wife Marie who he married in 1954, and children Christopher, David and Jane, and was aged 78.

Having worked for major employer C & J Clarke until the factory (now The Vennland Centre) closed in the late 80’s, he became heavily involved in the Minehead Shoe Co-op, for whom he worked tirelessly.

Tony also gave much of his own time to other worthy causes, none more fitting than the Parkinsons Organisation. He had a statisticians’ mind and a wonderful eye for detail, as seen in his unique hand written posters that would be seen around the town promoting many of the events that took place in West Somerset. He followed Minehead Cricket Club avidly, but football was his sporting passion and MAFC could not have asked for a finer, more dedicated Secretary. Tony’s sense of humour was always evident. At away games he often had with him a carrier bag containing bizarre puzzles which would keep fellow supporters amused, along with his stories, anecdotes and jokes. His football reports were a joy to read and perfectly written, and his record keeping was second to none.

He was regularly toastmaster at the club’s Annual Celebration Dinners, which in the 60’s and 70’s would attract around 200 attendees in full regalia. The picture above on the right being taken at probably the most memorable, held in the clubhouse after the successful 1975/76 season. Tony stands proudly at the left of the group, with the others in the photo from left to right being Chairman Nolan Elston, Player Manager Bob Boyd, Chairman of The Southern Football League Bill Dellow and Social Club Chairman Squadron Leader Albert “Dizzy” Baker. The collection of cups on show are the Southern League First Division South (Champions), Southern League Merit Cup (Most Goals Scored across all three Divisions), and the Somerset Professional Cup.

In the photo on the left of the three images, Tony is seen with fellow committee members and players listening to the draw for the second round of the FA Cup in December 1976, when it was announced that Minehead, having won at Swansea City in the 1st Round Proper, would now play Portsmouth at Fratten Park.

Tony has now gone, but should never be forgotten.