At Eccleshall's last home league match against Stockport Town, Linda and Mark Bridgwood, the daughter and son of the late John Bridgwood, were welcomed to Pershall Park by club officials.

John was a regular and popular supporter of the Eagles at Pershall Park and had begun attending away matches as well. At home games, he sat behind the top goal with his friend Alan Nock and a small group of our more senior followers. On the day, Linda and Mark sat with the same group of supporters. John's last match was our first win of the season away at Sandbach United on 10. August and everyone at the club was saddened to hear of his sudden passing the following week.

John's funeral took place on 2. September and club officials formed a guard of honour at the beginning and end of the service as a mark of respect. It was a sign of how well he was thought of that the church was packed with the many people who knew him. The order of service stated that donations in memory of John would be divided between St Peter's Church, Broughton and Eccleshall Football Club.

Linda and Mark came along to the Stockport game and before the kick off presented a cheque for £1650, which included a family contribution, to club Chairman, Neil Washington - a gesture which the club greatly appreciated.

Club Secretary, Jim Tunney, said: "John was a true gentleman and his always smiling face and his company is sorely missed on match days at Pershall Park. We feel he is still with us in spirit and would have enjoyed our recent run of good form in the league which has taken us to our highest position in the table for a number of years. The family's generosity in supporting the club in memory of John is hugely valued by everyone connected with Eccleshall FC and we sincerely thank Linda and Mark for this. We hope that they will be able to come along again to future games where they will be more than welcome".

Photo shows team captain Harvey Collins, chairman Neil Washington, Mark Bridgwood, Linda Bridgwood, ref. assistant Kyle Lines, match referee Joel Buckle, ref. assistant Matthew Lintill and Stockport Town captain, Thomas Greenfield.