Chairman leads tributes for sad loss

Ashford Town chairman Mark Jenner has led the tributes that are currently pouring in for one of the club’s former reserve team players, who lost his fight for life with bowel cancer last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Brave Barry Cunningham was a much-loved player at The Homelands and his loss has touched many at the Ryman League Division One South club.

“Barry has been in hospital the last few days but with little hope he was allowed home on Saturday,” said Mr Jenner, speaking on the fans’ forum at www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

He recalled: “We had the testimonial for Barry fourteen month ago when he was first diagnosed with bowel cancer and he has spent the time since doing as much as he could, while he was still fit and able.

“He was turning out for Owen (Jenner) at Ashford Dynamos as recently as October in the Sunday League before his illness became too much.

“To me Barry epitomised the local lad with talent and personality who would do anything to wear the green and white shirt of Ashford.”

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