THE FORMER CHAIR at Pershore Town Football Club has been recognised for his longstanding service to the organisation.
Tony Bradstock, who has been involved with the club since it was formed in 1988 was honoured last Saturday (July 4) by having the newly refurbished bar named after him.
Tony, who served as chairman for 14 years, still helps out most weeks at That Carpet Place community stadium on King George’s Way and is also the life president.
The club’s bar which has undergone a significant refurbishment during the closed season is now known as the Tony Bradstock bar or Bradstocks.
The bar, which was officially opened by the mayor of Pershore, Coun Julie Hemming, has been extended and the improvements include new draft beer pumps, four dart boards, flooring, tables and chairs.
Her speech outlined the importance of volunteers to all organisations not least of all grass roots football.
“The new bar needed a name and the committee had no hesitation in putting forward Tony which was unanimously voted in at our last meeting” said current chair Jason Neville.
“He is a guiding hand and helps around the club most if not every week.
“It is a thoroughly deserved accolade for someone who has spent nearly 40 years supporting the football club.”
Tony, aged 80 and a keen supporter of non-league football, told the Observer that the naming had been a “complete surprise”.
He did, however, have an idea something was up as his wife Stef told him they were to get to the ground early. Seeing his family there in including great-grandchildren he grew suspicious.
“It was a nice surprise to have my work acknowledged and for the club to do that,” he said “but I am not one for making a fuss.”
After the unveiling in front of Tony’s friends and family, attendees joined the 400 or so spectators watching the opening pre-season friendly between Pershore Town and Worcester City under sunny skies.
“The game finished with a 0-3 win for Worcester City however the real star of the show was Tony Bradstock,” added Jason.
