More than a thousand people turned out to remember an “inspirational number one fan” who died after he collapsed last weekend.
Kings Langley FC were playing their first match, yesterday, since the tragic death of club sponsor and fan Matt Allcock, who died aged 46 last Saturday following a game in Weymouth.
Yesterday’s fixture against Staines Town was billed as a memorial match for Matt, and fans and well-wishers didn’t disappoint turning out for a game where off the pitch mattered more than on it.
Kings Langley FC announced it was “proud, honoured, and humbled” to announce an attendance of 1.072 and described the day as “truly historic” for the club”.
@KLFCofficial great day for mat , an unbelievable crowd turned up , such a nice day to honour a dedicated fan , I hope we did well for his beautiful family # upthelango
— Andrew Stratford (@ajstratty) January 26, 2019
What a day yesterday was @KLFCofficial to see so many people turn out just shows how good of a man he was! Was an absolute honour to be involved in! Matty you will be missed but never ever forgotten! ❤️❤️
— Jorell Johnson (@JorellJohnson) January 27, 2019
The scoreboard at the Sadiku Stadium read 1972, 20, and 19 to honour Matt while the crowd chanted ‘There’s only one Matty Allcock”. Players wore special shirts as they warmed up too.
1972-2019 one matty allcock❤️ @KLFCofficial pic.twitter.com/yXZdFVhwlU
— Josh Wilkins🇬🇧🐝 (@Joshwilkins1881) January 26, 2019
🙏🏻❤️ @KLFCofficial pic.twitter.com/qehKZZRTye
— Josh Wilkins🇬🇧🐝 (@Joshwilkins1881) January 26, 2019
Special shirts honouring Matt were worn before the game kicked off. Credit: Ben Fullylove
A minute’s applause was held for father-of-two Matt before the game kicked off – a match which would see Kings run out 3-1 winners in the Southern League fixture.
Meanwhile, Watford FC fans also paid tribute to Matt, who was a Hornets seasons ticket holder. A banner was unveiled in Newcastle for the FA Cup tie which read ‘RIP Legend Matt Allcock’.
RIP Matt Allcock @WatfordFC vs @NUFC #legend pic.twitter.com/5I0Zn0GsfU
— FC Unicorn (@FCUnicorn95) January 26, 2019
Fans who attended were given the chance to pay what they liked with donations going towards Matt’s family. A Just Giving page has raised nearly £8,000.
Kings Langley FC thanked everyone at Staines Town describing them all as “superb and a credit to the club”.
Big respect to the players, officials & committee of @StainesTownFC who came to us today in difficult circumstances & were superb all day. You are all a credit to your club.
— Kings Langley FC (@KLFCofficial) January 26, 2019
THANK YOU.
On Monday, Kings Langley paid a heartfelt tribute to Matt as other tributes poured in as friends and family reacted in shock and sadness to Matt's death.
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