Lye Town Football Club to name trophy and changing rooms after super fan

The football club in Stourbridge Road has announced that from next season the coveted trophy will be named after 88-year-old Adrian Bridgwater, known as Ted, who died on April 21 after a four-year battle with cancer.

Mr Bridgwater, a lifetime supporter of the club, was born just a stone's throw from the grounds and as a child would often travel on the players' coach to away games.

A minute's silence was held at Lye’s away game with Quorn FC on April 26 in memory of him and Lye Town FC chairman Brian Blakemore announced at his wake on May 7 that the club would ensure he is not forgotten.

Mr Blakemore said: "We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Adrian. 

"He was a regular visitor to The Sports Ground and his presence will be missed.

"Supporters are the lifeblood of any football club and to have actively supported a club for some 80 years is a remarkable achievement and one we felt worthy of some formal recognition."

As a child, Mr Bridgwater attended King Edward VI Grammar School in Stourbridge, playing rugby for the school and for Stourbridge Rugby Club, as well as when serving for MI8 in Cyprus and the police force in the 1960s. 

A lifelong love of sport also saw him playing football and cricket. He also enjoyed weight training and in the 1980s became the 37th fastest marathon runner in the country in the over 40s age group, recording a personal best of two hours, 57 minutes.

As late as this February, he could be found using the exercise equipment in Mary Steven’s Park before enjoying his morning coffee in the café.

He is survived by his son - Black Country artist Tim Bridgwater, daughter Debi Massey - a former Beacon/BBC radio presenter, and son-in-law - author David Massey, as well as four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. 

Son Tim said: "Words are inadequate to describe the impact that a courageous, resolute, caring man had on my life."

Daughter Debi added: "He remained strong and positive in the face of adversity for all of his life. Tributes have poured in speaking of his kindness, good humour and integrity."

Son-in-law David described him as "stoic and immovable in suffering" and he added: "Loyal and devoted to his friends and family, Adrian’s love was a gold that you did not have to dig deep for."

Mr Bridgwater's father Sam ran a running club based at Lye Town FC in the early 1950s and the family's links to the club don't stop there. Ryan Bridgewater, Manager's Player and Players' Player, in 2023/24 season is also a relative - despite spelling his surname slightly differently.

Following a Just Giving fundraising campaign, the family are donating more than £1,000 to the club to help with preparations ahead of the next season when Lye Town FC (The Flyers) will be playing in the Midland Football League Premier Division.

Anyone wishing to add to the donation can contact chairman Brian Blakemore directly.