Hollands & Blair pay tribute to Laurence Plummer

TRIBUTES have been made following the sad loss of Hollands & Blair club stalwart Laurence Plummer, who passed away today.

A statement from the Gillingham-based club said: “It's with the heaviest of hearts that today we have to announce that we lost our leader and great friend Laurence Plummer.

“Plum has been bravely fighting Covid over the last few weeks but a few hours ago he passed away peacefully.

“There will be many who would have had their lives touched by this special man and always for the better.

“He was a moral guide and a compass for so many of you reading this and he paved the way for many to better themselves through his love of football and his love of being around friends.

“Hollands & Blair FC was and always will be Laurence Plummer and his legacy shines bright.

“Our thoughts now are with Shirley and the family who were the biggest motivations in Plums life. His love for his family was clear to anyone who spoke with him. A proud brother, husband, father and grandfather.

“We expect more tributes to come in the days, weeks and months ahead as we try to come to terms with this sad loss.

“But for now please raise a glass of whatever your drink is because it is what he would want you to do and think of him. RIP Plum.”

Hollands & Blair manager Simon Halsey added: “Devastating news, a Blair stalwart and club legend.  RIP Plum.”

Denise Richmond, the chair of the Southern Counties East Football League, said: “The League is devastated to hear the news that Laurie Plummer (Plum) passed away today.

“Laurie was a massive support to both the formation of the Kent Invicta League and Southern Counties East Football League, serving as a club representative on both.

“More importantly he was the leader and a stalwart of Hollands & Blair FC.

“Personally, he was a good friend and supporter of the League, myself and Douglas and will be very sorely missed.”

League vice-president and referee Derek Peck added: “My sincere condolences go out to his family, close friends and all at Hollands & Blair FC.

“I will always remember Laurie as one of the genuine good guys involved in football in the county of Kent.”

Current Sittingbourne manager and former Hollands & Blair player and manager, Darren Blackburn, said: "No words, just the fondest of memories and thanks to this great man and the club he made for me and many others to enjoy during my 12 amazing years there.  Football and his lovely family have lost an absolute legend of a man.  RIP Plum and thank you."

A statement from Gillingham Football Club said:  "The club is devastated to learn that Academy Secretary, Laurence Plummer, has died after a short illness.

"Laurence had been bravely fighting COVID-19 for the last few weeks, but sadly lost his battle.

"He was a popular member of staff within our development programme and was well respected in the world of Kent Football.

"He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Shirley, his children Rebecca and Ryan, and the rest of his family, at this very sad time."

Many Kent football clubs have paid tribute to Mr Plummer and offered their condolences on their social media accounts this evening.

The Darland Avenue outfit named their main stand The Plummer Stand earlier in the year.

Visit Hollands & Blair's website: www.hollandsandblair.co.uk