A Kings Langley fan has been posthumously recognised as the best supporter in Non-Leaguefootball.
Matt Allcock was voted the William Hill Fan of the Year at The National Game Awards.
The 46-year-old collapsed and died in January just hours after attending the Southern League club’s league fixture at Weymouth.
Matt’s prize was collected by best friend Stuart Waggett, brother Daniel Allcock and club committee member Danny Perman at Chelsea. “For us as a family and to the club this means an awful lot,” Allcock said.
“It has been a very difficult few months. This is a recognition of Matt’s infectious personality and how much people loved him.
“We have had all kinds of support from other teams in Non-League.
“It’s been brilliant and wonderful as part of the whole Non-League experience even though it’s been a terrible series of events. The way everyone has come together has made it easier.”
Waggett added: “Matt used to follow Watford but got disheartened with modern football. He went down to Kings Langley – a local village team – and just loved every part of it. He loved the players and sense of community around the club.
“He got more and more people down to watch them. He was a good guy with our fans but also with away teams and their supporters as well.”
Kings Langley honoured Matt at their fixture with Staines Town just days after he died.
The scoreboard at the Sadiku Stadium read 1972- 2019 to honour Matt while the crowd chanted “There’s only one Matty Allcock” during the game.
The club’s players also wore special shirts to honour their number one fan as they warmed up for the match, which they went on to win 3-1 in his honour.
Kings Langley finished the season in sixth in the Southern League Premier Division South, just outside the play-off places.
And despite Waggett’s club not getting the promotion he, and Matt, craved, he has seen the true community spirit in Non-League football since his best friend’s passing.
Supporters from clubs across the country chipped in as more than £10,000 was crowdfunded for Matt’s family following his passing.
“I’ve been watching Non-League for three years now and everywhere you go it’s phenomenal,” said Waggett.
“Every club and supporter across the country, all the volunteers, just make it brilliant.
“Everyone probably has a person like Matt at their club.”
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