Blake: Let’s give Bognor Regis stalwart Jack a top honour

By Jon Couch

LOYAL SERVANT: Jack Pearce has spent 52 years at Bognor

HUMBLED Robbie Blake says mentor Jack Pearce should be celebrated by Bognor Regis Town.

Pearce, 72, stood down from his second spell in charge of the Rocks last week having undertaken various roles at the club for the past 52 years.

Now Blake, his assistant of four years who takes over sole charge at least until the end of the season, says legend Pearce – who also doubles up as vice-chairman of The FA and chairman of the National League – should be honoured in some way at Nyewood Lane.

“Jack Pearce, for this football club, should be celebrated,” Blake, the former Bradford and Burnley striker told Sussex World.

“The bigger picture is just what he has done or this football club. He’s been at the forefront to ensure that this club, with the ground in the fantastic shape it is, is on a great footing – he is an amazing man with so much knowledge of the game.

“He is so trusted within the game and we’re very fortune throughout the years – 52 years he has been at the club now – to have such a special guy to be associated with this club.

“Now it’s about celebrating him and appreciating him and having that respect for him. He has touched everyone in this dressing room in terms of his heart and his commitment and he has always given players the chance to play.”

Pearce signed off by saying: “I’m 73 and old, but I’ve never lost my enthusiasm to want to make people play football. That is the only pleasure I get any more.

“I’m the vice chairman of the FA, I’m the chairman of the National League and I’m a director of the Football Foundation and the job I best enjoy doing is managing Bognor Regis Town Football Club – and that’s the job I’ve just given up.”