Football mourns Wokingham’s ‘Big Roy’

By Andrew Batt

GLOWING tributes have been paid to the man who put Wokingham Town on the footballing map.

Roy Merryweather, who was involved with the club for many decades, died last week at the age of 81.

As manager, he guided the club into the Isthmian Premier Division, the semi-finals of the FA Trophy and the FA Cup first round for the first and only time in their history.

Merryweather’s association with the club began during the 1960s as a goalkeeper after spending time at Chelsea.

He became the club’s manager in 1975 and continued in the role for more than 20 years, making him one of the longest-serving managers in English football.

He also took on the role of full-time general manager in September 1977. At the time he said: “The club has been a part of my life for several years now, and I want to see it grow and become a great success.”

Town merged with Emmbrook Sports in 2004 to become Wokingham & Emmbrook.

Club president Mark Ashwell said: “In a week when football is providing so much joy, we remember the life of ‘Big Roy’ who gave so much to local football, and especially to Wokingham Town.” Many former players and supporters took to social media to express their sadness.

Darren Barnard featured for Town as a youngster. He went on to play for Chelsea, Barnsley and Wales.

He said: “Roy gave me my first opportunity of men’s football, learning my trade at Wokingham Town. He was a huge figure in local football and will be sadly missed.”

Merryweather also served Slough Town in various capacities from 1998 until 2016, and recommended current managers Neil Baker and Jon Underwood.

Underwood said: “I was really sorry to hear this news. I came through the youth set-up at Wokingham Town and got to know Roy and his family well. They were lovely people who made it a real family club at that time and I loved my time there.”