NEIL Jenkins, a former Wellington footballer who lived at Lillebonne Close, has died after a long illness at the age of 72.

Very much a family man, Neil leaves a widow, Shirley, two grown up children – Richard and Sally – and three grandchildren.

He was one of three brothers to play for the Wellington club, the others being John and Peter.

Neil’s first involvement with Wellington went back to his early teenage years as a spectator watching Wellington first team and Reserves. In 1962 Neil had his first opportunity to play in an organised game for Wellington when the Under 18 team of the year folded due to lack of interest. A group of 14 and 15 year olds, which included Neil, approached the club offering their services so the team was able to continue and Neil’s association with the club started.

On reaching the age of 19, Neil became a regular player for Wellington first and Reserve teams who, at that time, played in the Somerset Senior and Taunton & District leagues. He continued to play for one of Wellington’s three teams up to his mid-30s, at which time he became the manager of Wellington’s third team (Wellington Rovers), a post he held for a number of years.

In 1974 club members embarked on a bold project to extend their clubhouse by building a function room, skittle alley, kitchen and toilets, all with volunteer labour. Neil was one of these volunteers who, over a two-year period, completed the project.

Neil never played for any other club, was a regular committee member since 1980 and membership secretary for five years during that time. Throughout this period he served as volunteer bar staff once or twice a month.

n Mike Hall, chairman of Wellington AFC, said” “With the passing of Neil Jenkins, Wellington AFC has lost another of the select few who can truly be described as a club legend.

“His outstanding commitment and contribution to the club for over half a century as player, manager, committee member and volunteer was recognised by the Toolstation Western League and it was my honour to present him with his long service award, which he accepted with his customary modesty and dry sense of humour.

“ I had not known Neil for anywhere near as long as many of my fellow committee members but I always valued his calm and considered contributions at our meetings, along with his ability to lighten the mood with one of his ready quips! Neil was true gentleman  and will be missed by all at the club – our thoughts are with Shirley and his family at this sad time.

Ken Bird, former chairman of Wellington AFC, said: “Neil loved football and particularly his favourite team, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“He gave more than 50 years of devoted service to our club, firstly as a player and then as a committee member, helping out in many ways, including five years as membership secretary and countless stints of voluntary bar work. We were all delighted when, in 2016, his work was formally recognised with the presentation of a special award from the Toolstation Western League.

“However, most of all, we will remember him as a devoted and loving family man, who was always great company and had a wonderful sense of humour. Neil will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Clive Jones, the current manager of Wellington’s first team, described Neil as ‘brilliant’.

He said: “Neil gave me my chance in senior football as a 15 year old playing for Wellington Rovers. I left Wellington when I was 20. Over the years I often bumped into Neil who kept asking when I was coming back. At the same time I tried to persuade him to stop supporting Wolves!

“He was very knowledgeable about football and I always respected what he had to say. We all knew him as Trucker. They are going to miss him down at the club.”

Tony Knott, an ex-player now living in Australia, said: “Neil was brilliant when I first got married – always helping me with things. Nothing was too much trouble.

“He came out to Australia with Shirley some time ago and it was smashing to see them both. It was so sad to hear he had died because we’re are coming over to England in April. We had been hoping to see him again.

Neil’s funeral will be held at Taunton Crematorium on Monday, January 21, at 11am.