A black cloud descended over our club this Easter weekend with the sudden unexpected passing of ‘Mr Wrington Redhill’ Alan Garrett. He was President, treasurer, ex-player, ex-Manager and the voice of reason but quite simply and above all ‘The Boss’.
Alan played more games for the club than anyone else and quite honestly could have played at a much higher level had he chosen to. He became our very own Rolls Royce of a footballer successfully skippering the 1st team during the transition from the Weston Super Mare to the Somerset County League. During this time he also played in our fledgling Sunday team scoring a memorable goal in the ‘78 Cup Final which brought the first of many trophies for that team. During that time the 1st team, managed by Roy Hillman and skippered by Alan, were also enjoying a successful period getting promoted through the County League eventually to division 1 . On reaching his 40’s Alan just wanted to continue playing and was very happy to go and play for the reserves or 3rd teams passing on some tips and wise words to some of the youngsters. When his playing days were over he decided to try his hand as a manager firstly running the reserves before moving on to some very successful and fun times with the 1st team. Recruiting players was easy, everyone wanted to play for Alan including his son Simon and many of Simon’s friends who had grown up with Big Al’ always around at their junior matches.
In 2018 we held a special event to celebrate Alan’s 50 years service at one club endorsed by the F.A. As you’d imagine we had no problem filling the village hall people he’d played for, with, against or lads who’d played for him and a great night was had by all.
We could continue with a list of accolades and achievements as long as your arm but in Alan’s case it would never quite cover it all! We have lost our Statesman, our leader and our friend and we will miss him so badly!
R.I.P. Alan.