Death of Mansfield football stalwart Ivor

Ivor, who played semi-professionally with Gainsborough Trinity when he was in his 20s, was forced to quit his duties with the Chad Mansfield & District Sunday League three years ago due to ill health.

But Ivor, of Mansfield, was given a Loyal Service award for his 20 years with the league.

He was a member of the league’s management committee and his last club saw him secretary at Ladybrook, having served as secretary for Woodhouse FC Emerald 95, Emerald 99,

Coopers, Top House, Mansfield Portland Arms A, New Ram A and Spot on Woodhouse.

After finishing playing, he took up management with Woodhouse Colts.

But when he married wife Marleen in 1990, he formed the Bowl in Hand Football Club, whose home pitch was on King George Playing Fields.

“I think we were eventually sponsored by every pub in Mansfield,” said Marleen. “We had a lot of names changes.”

The couple had two sons apiece from previous marriages and five grandchildren between them.

“I think half of Mansfield are coming to the funeral,” she added. “He was a very popular man and he will be sadly missed.”