A ST HELENS man well known in football and cricket circles on the Island, Alan Poplett, has died at home, aged 70.
Mr Poplett, debilitated by rheumatoid arthritis, which he had battled for 40 years, moved to the Island in 1987.
Through finding his son, Darren, a football and cricket team, he got involved with Ryde Cricket Club and the successful Gurnard Youth FC, as a committee member and joint manager.
Mr Poplett, of Greystoke Walk, started as an umpire for Ryde Cricket Club, when his condition allowed, and later, a committee member for 25 years.
He was always involved in helping the club, often socially. He was one of the colts’ section organisers for a decade.
Mr Poplett was a life vice-president of the club, was awarded the honour of Clubman of the Year in 1991, served as chairman the past three years and as vice-chairman before that.
He joined Seaview FC’s committee and was joint manager, winning the Island Cup final and reaching the Hampshire Cup final in 1996.
He became club chairman in 2000 and continued in the role for 15 years, helping the club to get new changing facilities.
Born in Dovecot, Liverpool, Mr Poplett had a great passion for football and was a life-long Liverpool fan.
His family moved to Surrey and, at Carshalton Secondary Modern, he played for the school football team, which included Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney.
During his working life, he was employed by Foster Transformers and Venners Time Switches. He married Lynda in 1969 and played for various football teams.
One of his team-mates introduced him to local cricket, and, during this period, aged 31, he was forced to give up playing sport — but took up umpiring and got involved with the running of football and cricket clubs in Kent.
He leaves his wife, Lynda, son, Darren, daughter, Lisa, and five grandchildren.
Mr Poplett’s funeral will take place at the IW Crematorium, Whippingham, at 2.15pm on Tuesday, June 6. A wake at Ryde Cricket Club will follow.