A POPULAR football chairman who was described as a ‘valuable asset’ to Fairfield Villa will be remembered this weekend.
On Saturday, Villa will play Cadbury Athletic at the Recreation Ground (3pm) in honour of their former chairman Paddy Eades who passed away on July 30 last year.
Mr Eades helped reform the Bromsgrove club in 1959 and following a stint as reserve team boss, he ran the first team between 1972 and 1986 when he helped progress Villa from the Kidderminster League to the Midland Football League.
He was then appointed as chairman which saw him introduce a dominoes and darts team as well as develop the clubhouse at the Recreation Ground.
Mr Eades was also rewarded for his dedication to football after he was given a Long Service (50 Years) Award by the FA.
As well as a memorial game, Villa have installed a bench on the patio outside the club in Mr Eades’ honour.
Vice-chairman Paul Oakes, who was appointed by Mr Eades as the club’s first team manager in 2005 alongside Lee Shaw, told the Standard this weekend will be an emotional day for all those who were involved with the football, darts and dominoes teams.
“Paddy was a very instrumental man at the club and was a very valuable asset,” he said.
“He was a fine gentleman who always had a bacon sandwich and a read of the papers before he done anything.
“He covered every aspect of the club but was very proud of his bar and was good at pouring a pint.
“Paddy was also instrumental in setting up the darts and dominoes teams and I am sure he would be very proud of how far the club has come.
“It’s going to be a very emotional day for us all and I’d like to see lots of former players and regulars come down to have a drink in Paddy’s honour.”
