Tony Kempster

[Lloydie]

Sad news if true, I know we have all used his site on this board many a time

http://www.thefootballforum.net/forums/ ... pic=166235

[Posh]

I can confirm it is true. http://health.tonykempster.co.uk/. Please note you can also leave a message for him on the site.

A man who has done a phenomenal amount for non-league and almost single-handedly helped create clear cases for restructuring, how it should be done and the arguments against.

His site is unique and a phenomenal service to tens of thousands.

Really sad news that he's been told its now terminal but as anyone can see he's been fighting it for a long time with courage and tenacity.

[RedRedWine1]

Though I don't know Tony personally, he and the service he provides through his site will be missed. I know of no other football sites that covers the game in such vast detail and it a usual point of call for statto's like myself. Its testament to his determination and devotion that the site has continued throughout his illness. Reading the comments left on the site by fellow users of the site, it seems sad that the website will disappear for good at the end of the season. If all the seasons of Tony's work were left on the web, it would still represent a valuable database that contains many usefully pieces of information and would represent a lasting and fitting tribute to Tony's passion.

[Duffman]

Sadly Tony Kempster died yesterday peacefully at his home.

http://health.tonykempster.co.uk/

The BBC have a great tribute to him on the website aptly titled "Goodbye Mr Non League".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2009/06/09/nl_tonykempster_feature.shtml

[Posh]

Sad news. A huge fan of York City who was much loved across non-league football. Despite providing such an invaluable service to football (particularly in regard to re-structuring of leagues) it was only ever supporters who recognised his work, in public at least, through donations, visits to his site and the engagement he had with fans. His Football Supporters Federation Award was well deserved. I just hope the FA, Conference and others will mark his passing. Truly a one-off and the statto in me loved his site. Farewell Tony.

www.tonykempster.co.uk

[shrimper]

Tony was very active even before websites existed. I remember him ringing us up to check things like the first name of a Morecambe player who'd been drafted in as a first team sub for a midweek game at Netherfield.

It'd usually go something like.... "..was that the same J.Close, Jamie, who played for the first team last season against Burscough in the Lancashire Junior Cup first round..?"

Always very polite, modest (always introduced himself as if no-one had ever heard of him) and grateful for any help with what was clearly a passion.

Brilliant bloke.

RIP