(Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson and president Alan Turvey)
Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson has led the tributes for league president and former chief Alan Turvey, who died on Sunday morning.
Alan worked tirelessly for the Isthmian League for almost 60 years in various guises, overseeing its development from an amateur league to the fully professional set-up it is today.
He was also vice-president of his hometown club Basingstoke Town.
Alan started his career in football when he set up Essex side Wickford Boys in the 1950s before becoming a referee in 1959 and going on to be a top flight official in the old First Division.
His connection to the Isthmian League actually dates back as early as 1961 as a referee before joining the league ranks in 1978 as fixtures secretary.
After a rapid promotion to League Secretary the following year, Alan was appointed chairman in 1982, becoming president after 20 years in the hotseat.
Alan was one of the FA’s 150 Grassroots Heroes who were presented with a specially minted medal by his Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.
Recently, Alan had undergone two operations for a heart problem and was moved to his local hospital in Basingstoke from Brompton 24 hours before his passing.
“We have today lost a great Isthmian,” said his successor Robinson. “Alan worked tirelessly for the League from 1978 when he became a Divisional Fixture Secretary, and he oversaw the development of the League for over 30 years from 1982- during which time the League moved from an amateur league to the fully professional league it is now. He will be sadly missed by his many friends in football.”
A friend of Alan’s and Basingstoke Town FC chief executive David Knight added: “I served on the isthmian league board under him for nearly ten years.
“He was a former FA Councillor. He was also heavily involved in our local community, a former chairman of the Isthmian league, our club president and not only a great supporter of the team but he worked so hard behind the scenes of our club. Alan, lived locally in Old Basing with his wife Margaret and was a dear friend to many, especially here at Basingstoke Town. He was a huge support to us. He will be sorely missed.
“It is a sad day for our football club and for the wider football family but our thoughts and prayers are of course with Margaret, and Alan’s family and friends.”
All Bostik League games will observe a minute’s silence for Alan before their games on Saturday.
