CARLTON WIN THRILLER AS NEWS OF RON CLARKES DEATH BREAKS !

Carlton Town were saddened today to learn of the death of Ron Clarke, long time friend of the club and Boatsy’s dad.

Chairman Mick Garton told us “Ron sadly passed away on Thursday evening, he had not been to games recently as he had been in and out of hospital, but I would like to place on record our thanks for all the donations he has made of raffle prizes and memorabilia over many years to support club fund raisers”

”I had known Ron personally for around 18 years, we sold his Nottingham Forest books including Boatsy’s famous book in our MSR Stores and Ron was one of the few people who came to see me in town without an appointment, a great character indeed and obviously the first link to me becoming close friends with his son, It’s sad we won’t seeing him holding court in the Clubhouse or on away coach again and our thoughts are with Gary, Charlie and the family, Rip Ron”

Paul Manuel from the Dorking branch of Carlton Town supporters Club had become close to Ron on his regular visits to Stoke lane and told us

“I first met Ron at Carlton Town in the Summer of 2022. My pal Gary, introduced me to his dad that day. Not quite sure what or how it happened, but we just seemed to connect. I can remember the on field action of Carlton Town v Ossett United playing second fiddle that day.
As the game was being played out, we shared a drink or two, found out we shared a common interest in football memorabilia and history and from that day a mutual friendship was forged.
We would go on to speak over the phone most days and when I travelled up to Nottingham there would always be a spare bed made up for me at Ron’s house!! I will never forget the smell of the sausages and bacon that were being cooked up for breakfast in Ron’s kitchen.
Ron was a very kind and generous man, nothing was too much trouble for him. We would chat, we would laugh. I will miss him dearly.
My thoughts go out to Gary, Julie , Charlie and Rons wife at this most difficult of times.
Rest in Peace my friend”

As news of Ron’s death spread the Millers were playing out a dramatic game against second placed Dunston at Morpeth which ended in a sensational 3-2 win to the Millers.

Tommy Brookbanks immediately announced that the win was dedicated to Ron, details of a fantastic afternoon for the Millers will follow in the next 24 hours, but one thing is for sure, Ron would have enjoyed it and been singing on the coach with a glass of Whiskey if he had of been with us on the long journey home.

In the cover photo, Ron is pictured with his Grandson Charlie.