The founder of Oxhey Jets is “absolutely gutted” after a stand for disabled spectators named in memory of a former player was vandalised.

The Tom Lake Memorial Stand at the club’s ground in Altham Way was targeted on Sunday evening, with seats and a flagpole destroyed.

The stand is named after Pte Tom Lake, a member of the Ist Battalion, Then Princess of Wales Regiment, who was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on November 20, 2011.

Pte Lake played for the Spartan South Midlands League club and the stand was open by his mother, Carol, at a special Remembrance game held in her son’s honour last November.

Jets general manager John Elliott said: “It’s very personal with Tom. He was a Jets player and every year we go to a great trouble to make sure he’s remembered.

“The parish council have built this lovely stand as well and named it after him. I’m absolutely gutted. It’s a real kick in the teeth.

“It hurts you more than a value. Half a dozen new seats, a new flagpole is £200 to £400, but it’s not that, it’s the fact they’re willing to do it. I’m fuming.”

Watford Observer:

Some of the damage that was caused

The attack has been condemned by Watford Rural Parish Council, which paid for the stand.

Chairperson Cllr Joan King said: "Watford Rural Parish Council were shocked and saddened to hear of the recent vandalism at the Oxhey Jets ground.

"We funded the stand to help those with disabilities in the parish watch our local team and were honoured when Private Tom Lake’s family allowed us to put his name to it.

"To damage this stand, that means so much to everyone, is beyond belief.

"We know that, wherever you are, there will always be a small minority that seek to cause harm and distress by these cruel acts of stupidity, and we hope they now realise how much this stand, and this football club mean to our community."