Tributes paid to Frickley Athletic fan

John Uttley, who followed Frickley at home and away, died on November 7 of a heart condition aged 59.

Mr Uttley, who lived in Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, was known among fans for his camper van, which he used to drive to matches and was adorned with football flags and badges.

The dad-of-two was a regular face at Frickley’s Westfield Lane ground but also further afield in the non-league football circuit.

Supporters held a minute’s silence before kick-off at Frickley’s Tuesday night match against AFC Fylde in Mr Uttley’s memory.

Mr Uttley’s son John, 40, said: “He loved his football and enjoyed a laugh, a joke and a drink.”

Fellow Frickley supporter John Longbottm said: “He was easy to get on with and used to do quite a bit of work helping out at the club with painting and other jobs in the close season.

“He was a willing helper.”

A funeral will be held today at 2.15pm at Herringthorpe Crematorium in Rotherham.

A statement released by Frickley Athletic FC said: “The club were saddened to hear of the death last week of regular supporter John Uttley.

“John was noticeable by his distinctive camper van in which he travelled to matches and was always parked up outside the ground well before kick off at both home and away games.”