Tributes paid to Melksham Town FC stalwart Mick Perrin

Tributes from across the local sporting world have been paid to footballing stalwart Mick Perrin, who died this week.

Mick devoted more than six decades to Melksham Town FC as a player, secretary, chairman and president. Last year, he received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his outstanding dedication to grassroots football and the local community.

He began as a player for Melksham Town in his youth before going on to serve as club secretary for 15 years and chairman for a further 15 years. In recent years, he was joint president of the club alongside his close friend Dave Phillips.

Melksham Town FC paid tribute, saying, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael ‘Mick’ Perrin, BEM, a beloved stalwart of Melksham Town Football Club and a cherished figure throughout the Melksham community.

“Melksham Town Football Club, its supporters and the wider Wiltshire football family extend their heartfelt condolences to his loved ones at this profoundly sad time.”

Tributes have described him as ‘a true legend of Melksham Town FC’, ‘the original Mr Football’, ‘a true gentleman, the loveliest family man ever’ and ‘a true football legend’, with other local clubs including Westbury United, Trowbridge Town and Frome Town also paying their respects.

The Western Football League said he was a “true servant of local football”.

“Mick embodied everything that is best about non-league football: commitment, integrity and an unwavering belief in the importance of clubs at the heart of their communities,” it said.

“His influence extended well beyond his own club. Mick served the Western League with distinction, including a period as vice-chairman, during which he was a steady, thoughtful and highly respected voice at league level.

“Mick’s dedication to football was rightly recognised with the award of the British Empire Medal, but those who worked alongside him know that his true legacy lies in the people he supported and the standards he set. He gave his time freely, led with humility, and placed service above recognition.

“Mick Perrin’s passing is a great loss to the League and to grassroots football as a whole, but his impact and example will endure.”

The cricket community has also paid tribute.

Spye Park Cricket Club said, “Mick was part of our success team in the 70s and early 80s, when he was a well-respected opening batsman. We send our condolences to his family and many friends in the world of cricket and football.”

Melksham Cricket Club said, “The town of Melksham has lost one of its true greats. Everyone at Melksham Cricket Club sends their love and deepest condolences to the Perrin family and friends.”