Denton Town mourns the death of ‘legend’ Geoff Gable

A TAMESIDE football club is in mourning after the death of a ‘legend’ who served it for more than 60 years.

Geoff Gable’s passing was marked by players and officials at Denton Town, as well as his wife and family, at an emotional ceremony.

Shell Shaw made a reading as the heartbroken relatives laid a wreath on the Whittles Park pitch before their match against Crewe FC on Saturday, April 27.

And the players honoured the president in the best way they could by winning the Cheshire League Premier Division match 2-1.

Geoff, who lived in Glossop, was involved with Denton Town for 63 years in a variety of roles, first playing for them in 1961.

Such was his dedication, the 79-year-old was recognised by the Football Association and his death on Thursday, April 25 hit everyone at Whittles Park hard.

A spokesperson said: “Words can’t describe how everyone at the club will miss our club president and legend Geoff.

“We know that Geoff touched many lives and we’re devastated.

“Thank you to everyone who was a good friend to Geoff. We are forever grateful for the impact you made on his life.”

After receiving the recognition, Geoff told The Correspondent: “It was a shock, just a bit – in footballing parlance, I was gobsmacked.

“It’s a tremendous honour and the reaction has been very gratifying. It makes it feel all worthwhile.

“Everyone knows time flies and I remember getting a 25-year service medal. That seems like yesterday.

“Recognition from the top of the game is what absolutely overwhelmed me, you think you’re a little cog in a big wheel and no-one really notices.

“It’s very satisfying to think someone has noticed.”

In his recognition. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute, saying: “Your long and indebted service to the wonderful game started as a boy playing for Denton Town. formally known as Bradford Parish, in 1961.

“You continued to play for the club until your early 50s, after which you took on various roles within the club.

“You were a member of the club who at the time took on a decision to move the club to Denton and change its name in the 1990s.

“You helped to establish the club at Whittles Park, which has thriving teams and great facilities to nurture young local talent.

“You became chair of the club and worked tirelessly, often as a sole benefactor during difficult financial times.

“However, you pushed through the difficulties and was able to secure funding for a new clubhouse via the Football Foundation.

“To this day you are still heavily involved with the club as president.

“No undertaking has been too small to warrant your attention, and you are valued more than you know.

“We, at The Football Association, would like to record our appreciation of your wonderful efforts on behalf of football and to offer our congratulations to you on your achievements.”