Our friends at Carlton Town FC who play in the Northern Premier League East Division at step 4 have had a rough few weeks, not only have they had two break ins recently with mindless vandalism that is very costly for the non-league club they have also lost a club legend with the passing of their president Roger Smith.
Roger pretty much devoted most of his life to the club who were originally known as Sneinton Football Club until they became Carlton Town in 2002.
During the 80s Roger played for the Millers and also managed the team and then went on to be the chairman into the 90s, after a break from football Roger then returned to the club in 2004 taking up the roll of president of the football club.
Talking to both Mike Garton the current chairman and current team manager Tommy Brookbanks it is clear that Roger was not only in their eyes a legend but also an inspiration to others, Roger gave 110% commitment to Carlton Town with an unwavering passion for the development of the football club as well as giving financial support where needed.
It’s people like Roger who are the true heroes of our beloved game, without people like Roger there would be no football in our local communities, a place that becomes a hub and a lifeline for the locals which is something that is unfortunately overlooked far to often.
Carlton town gave Roger the send off he so rightly deserved as you will see from the video and pictures in this article.
Roger was 77 when he passed and he certainly won’t be forgotten at Carlton Town as they are proposing to name the main building at the ground after him which is a fitting accolade for a man who gave so much to the club.
One quirky story about Roger was his love of the finest sausages and he was very insistent that the very best sausages were served on match days which have become legendary at the club, I myself was fortunate enough to meet Roger on one of our visits and he ensured I had a sausage in a roll, and no disputing they were top drawer!
Our thoughts are with Roger’s family and everyone at Carlton Town at this very sad time, may he rest in peace.
Thank you Roger.
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