Heybridge Swifts FC former players and managers

Season Tickets now available for 2022-23 - early Swift prices pre June 30th. Contact: Chris Daines - (Twitter)

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Former Swifts Manager Tony Marchi passed away on Tuesday. Thoughts with his family, friends and former playing colleagues.

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I've taken over Mick Gibson's role to secure Match Ball Sponsors for all of our home games this season - if you would like to sponsor one for £50 please contact Chris Daines or tweet him . Thanks all.

Been asked to provide bit of info on former player Eddie Nash.
Great guy on/off the pitch, "Nashy" was very popular with the fans. Scored our second goal in the Essex Senior Trophy Final which we lost to Witham Town 3-2 in 1985/86.
I remember how devastated he was after we lost 0-1 at Thatcham Town in the FA Vase in 1985/86 - we thought we had a good chance of progress that season.

Great photo from Swifts’ Essex Senior Cup winning side of the early 1980’s showing 3 great club legends, back row from left: Mick Gibson, Quaff Gill and Dennis Fenn. All together again “upstairs”. Let’s make them proud of the club they worked so har for: 🖤🤍🖤

We are deeply saddened to inform all of the passing in the early hours today of Heybridge Swifts FC Life President and club legend Mick Gibson. Mick passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning with family by his side in Broomfield Hosital after a short illness.

Mick’s contribution to the growth and development of Heybridge Swifts over the past 60 years was massive, having joined and been an active member of the club’s committee for a total of 65 years, from the age of only 14, following in the footsteps of his father Bert before him. Mick’s influence and drive and the friendships he created through the club over the years, literally building the stadium, will live long in the memory. Mick also served on the Isthmian League board for over 20 years and his contribution to non league football can never be under estimated.

Mick’s name is synonymous with Heybridge Swifts FC and as chairman for the past 5 years I simply could not have had a better mentor and confidante at my side to ensure the club is protected and guided in the right way. Mick was chairman himself for many years, throughout the most successful period in the club’s history. It is now incumbent upon upon those of us now running the club to make sure we look after it and move on to higher achievements, always retaining the great family feel throughout it, encouraging local people to participate and socialise in this wonderful game of ours.

We are only too pleased that we were able to recognise in some ways Mick’s massive contribution to the club’s fortunes by staging a testimonial for him in 2016 and naming a stand after him a year later. That will remain the Mick Gibson stand for as long as the club is in existence. Mick’s health had deteriorated in recent months and it was sad that the lockdown prevented him from seeing any competitive games since last season, although he was able to attend 2 recent pre season friendlies, but clearly was not well at the time.

Mick leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Linda and grown up children Sarah and Mark, as well as a number of grandchildren, including Max Clarke who is a big fan of the Swifts and I am sure will keep the family connection for many years to come. Mick also leaves behind his Heybridge Swifts family and the wider football family around the non league scene who knew and loved him and whose lives were enriched by being in his company.

Mick Gibson: Born April 1st 1942. Died August 7th 2021.

Former Burnley and Reading legend Glen Little finished off a great career at the Swifts, starring In the 16/17 season at the age of 41. Here he is showing a clean pair of heels to 2 AFC Dunstable defenders in an FA Cup tie. A great character off the pitch too.

Great photo from when a Swifts veterans side were invited to play at Rod Stewart’s house back in around 2002 against the Vagabonds. It was a great day out and Rod joined us for a few beers in his local after. I think we got a draw that day. Some great lads there like Keith Hull, Robbie Nihill and Gary Armstrong plus many others. See how many you can recognise.

Please see if you can help with this one below:

1975/76 - never saw them play but some great players amongst these.

Our third ever highest goalscorer with 144 goals in 274 games. Reunited with the shirt I give you Terry Butcher.

Twitter User - check out this fundraiser for Swifts and our partner Club Springfield Road FC.