Hundreds mourn football chairman

Tony Dunning's dedication earned him the title "Mr Pickering Town"

About 350 people have attended the funeral of the chairman of a non-league football club in North Yorkshire.

Tony Dunning, chairman of Pickering Town for 19 years, died suddenly from a heart attack on 11 October, aged 65.

Mr Dunning, whose funeral was held in Pickering on Wednesday, was described as a gentleman who "illustrated all that's good about non-league football".

Alan Brenkley, Dunning's friend for 20 years, told BBC Radio York: "He was probably the best friend I ever had."

Mr Brenkley, chairman of the parent Pickering Recreation Club, of which the football club is part, added: "He did all the little things, even sweeping the dressing rooms out.

Tony was a gentleman. He illustrated the camaraderie and all that's good about non-league football Former BBC Radio York reporter Andy Hutchings

"He had the ability to get people involved and created a great aura of loyalty around him.

"He sold the raffle tickets, ran the weekly draw, and would go and turn the floodlights on and turn them off, it was marvellous."

Keith Usher, secretary of the Northern Counties League club, added: "It was a great loss. It (the club) was his life.

"He had a butcher's shop in the town and it was like an extension office for Pickering Town Football Club.

"His passing will leave one big hole which we will have to fill, and we will do in honour of Tony."

Andy Hutchings, who was BBC Radio York's non-league reporter for 23 years, covered one of Dunning's first games as chairman.

He said: "I just remember how warmly he received me. He just worked so hard the whole time.

"He just wanted to be sure that reporters and officials had a sandwich and a coffee. There were no airs and graces with him.

"Tony was a gentleman. He illustrated the camaraderie and all that's good about non-league football."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version