In memory of

In Memory of Iain Prior

Everyone connected with Yate Town FC were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Club Secretary Iain Prior, who passed away on 31st March, two days before his 59th birthday, after a very brave battle against pancreatic cancer.

Iain was already known as a very efficient Secretary at St. Nicholas F.C. when he accepted the invitation to become Secretary of Yate Town F.C. in June 2018, succeeding Terry Tansley in this role. Our Club quickly became even more aware of Iain’s quiet efficiency and attention to detail and he soon became an integral and much valued administrator of Yate Town F.C. His first season as Secretary was marked by promotion to the Premier Division and the necessity to organise two play-off matches at very short notice.

The subsequent two seasons saw the impact of Covid decimate normal life, and increased Iain’s workload even more, but every obstacle was overcome with minimum fuss and typical Navy efficiency.

Iain bore his illness with typical quiet dignity, but was forced to hand over his responsibilities to John Herbert in February 2023, although he continued to take great interest in our fortunes. Iain was proud to serve the Royal Navy for many years, and more recently worked for the Ministry of Defence. In addition to football, he took a keen interest in other sports, particularly rugby union and cricket. He is survived by his wife Alison, children Alex, Aiden and Kirsten and young grandson Rory, to all of whom we offer our deepest condolences.

'Iain was a former manager of youth teams for St Nicholas FC for many years, also overseeing our hugely successful boy’s development squad, working with new managers, many of whom are still involved in the club today. He then inevitably became involved in the running of the club and became our club secretary from 2012 to 2018, whilst at the same time helping manage our very successful ladies’ team. He was absolutely fundamental during his tenure as Secretary to ensuring the club remained compliant and moved forward – the club would not be as successful as we are today without Iain’s drive, hard work, determination and most of all his passion for the football club. Iain wasn’t about club rewards, but the fact he won numerous club awards shows how the club at the time recognised his dedication and all-round commitment. The club owes him a great deal, and already have plans in place to ensure his memory lives on, he will be very much missed, a true gentleman and all-round great person.'

Yate Town FC have decided to have St Peter’s Hospice as their charity of the season for 2024/2025 in recognition of all the support that they gave Iian and his family.

Iain Prior 1965-2024

In Memory of Martin Durnell

Martin was born on 17th November 1945 and went on to play for Bristol Rovers Junior sides in his teens, and in fact played for Bristol Rovers A against Yate YMCA in the only Bristol Premier Combination match ever to be held at Eastville Stadium, in January 1965. His teammates that day included Vic Barney and Wayne Jones whilst the Yate team contained Derek Holehouse, Terry Tansley and Dave Pearce. Rovers won 4-2 with Yate skipper Doug Bird unfortunately scoring two own goals whilst Phil Ramsay and Micky Burns netted for Yate.

Martin joined Yate Town in the mid-seventies and made Yate's record number of County League appearances, 314 in total, as well as helping the team beat the previously all-conquering Greenway- Almondsbury team in the last "proper" GFA Senior Amateur Cup Final at Eastville in 1978.

After a period as Yate's Reserve Team Manager, Martin became our Youth Team Manager in 1989 and he was superb at developing young players, teaching them the true values of the sport, and helping their development both on and off the field.

In November 1998, a critical time for us, he volunteered to become Club Manager, in succession to John Freegard, while continuing his role with the Youth team, despite knowing that our financial situation was grave. His first match in charge was at Newport I.O.W. and his final game was against Blakenall in May 2000. Because of poor finances, the club used 53 players in League matches that season, and were inevitably relegated. Despite these problems, Martin's teams, assisted by Danny

Iddles, always tried to play good football, retain their discipline and enjoy their games; the fact that they won the "Fairplay" Award for both seasons Martin was in charge, showing they usually succeeded and is indicative of his values.

Martin was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet, a lovely man, loyal servant to Yate Town and a true friend to many. He will be missed by his family forever.

Martin Durnell 1945-2025

Tribute written by Terry Tansley

A minute’s silence was held for Martin prior to kick off before the game against Bracknell Town on 22nd November.