After battling with poor health for some time, Martin Wrigley passed away on 22 nd July 2005. Martin served, as President of CCYFC for about 25 years and despite his frail health in the latter years was always determined to continue an active role in supporting the Club.

Despite his small stature and quiet demeanour, his enthusiasm and support for the football club was huge! Most Sundays, one would see him on the sideline supporting ‘his’ team - whether the Under 8’s or 18’s, he kept a watchful eye on their progress and would make very astute observations of the play and players.

He was also keen to attend the regular committee meetings and hear the managers’ team reports as well as other developments within the Club.

In 2001, with the help of a very generous donation by Martin, the Clubhouse was extended to twice the size, to facilitate more changing rooms, a new kitchen and a meeting room. The new pavilion was named after Martin and officially opened by the ex Watford (and England ) Manager, Graham Taylor. Coincidentally, Martin was a regular Watford supporter and only stopped attending matches in the last few years.

His favourite CCYFC event of the year was the Awards Night. It is the only time that all the players, managers and parents get together and celebrate the season’s successes.Therefore, it was highly poignant that Martin attended our Awards night held on 11 th June 2005.

This, once again, showed his courage and determination; to leave his hospice bed and travel the short distance to St Clement Danes Barbirolli Hall to see all his friends and congratulate his young players for the last time.

His final President’s Trophy was not awarded to the best player in the Club but to a player who showed great spirit, determination and commitment, which I believe, were characteristics close to his heart!

Throughout his life, he was always keen to see youngsters progress in their chosen field and Martin gained great satisfaction from the enjoyment that team sport gave to both player and spectator alike.

Martin lived in Chorleywood all his life, was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School and spent his working life in the legal profession. He was a regular church attendee at Christ Church , where he was a warden. Martin’s other passion was cricket and he was an umpire for 30 years at Chorleywood Cricket Club when finally he had to hang up his white coat due to failing eyesight!

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Martin was held at Christ Church on the 9 th August 2005 and based on the large turn out, it illustrated the high regard and respect that the community had for him. All past and present members of the football club, his family and friends will miss this quiet, kind and generous gentleman.

Roger Killick - Vice President