Hayes Are Served Up A Double Dose

IT has been a troubled week for Blue Square Bet South Hayes & Yeading following the death of former chairman Phillip Spurden – and after the Conference warned them they may face expulsion.

Spurden, who was a player, manager and chairman of Yeading before the merger, passed away last week aged 64 after a long illness.

He was a key figure behind the coming together with Hayes, and was heavily involved in the new club and the building of their new home at Beaconsfield Road.

But a delay to the club’s new ground – to be called the Sharda Glass Stadium – and the lack of communication from club officials has frustrated the Conference, who have told them they seven days to satisfy the league about their plans  for next season or face expulsion.

United, currently groundsharing at Woking’s Kingfield, Stadium have to have an agreement in place by March 31– next Sunday – Conference general manager Dennis Strudwick confirmed.

He said: “The club knows exactly what they have to do. “I don’t know what is happening as they haven’t told me a thing. I need someone at the club to reply as soon as possible.

“They can’t have membership if they do not tell us by next week where they will be playing, it is as simple as that.”

Doug White, the chairman of neighbouring Bedfont Town, led the tributes to Spurden following his death.

He said: “I think the club’s issues with the Conference pales into insignificance after this terrible news.

“He was a wonderful and very popular man that lived for football. My club owes him so much.

“He discovered DJ Campbell don’t forget, and was instrumental in the merger, making a great sacrifice because he knew it was the best thing for football in his area.

“He will be sadly missed by so many people in the area.”

His funeral will take place on Thursday March 28 at 12pm at St Mary’s Church, Beaconsfield.