The grassroots football community has been rocked by the death of much-loved football administrator Allan Boulton.
Allan, who served Forest Green and more recently in his role as secretary at Brimscombe & Thrupp, passed away peacefully on Thursday at the age of 56.
A true football man, Allan was a coach driver for KB Coaches and was behind the wheel for National League South outfit Weston-super-Mare and had also driven for Forest Green and Gloucester City.
Tributes have flowed for Allan, who will be missed by so many. Brimscombe and Thrupp chairman Neil Long, said: “Unfortunately, the club has been hit with some terrible news overnight as we have sadly lost our secretary Allan Boulton. A massive loss to us all, he was an amazing person and a great clubman. He will be truly missed by everyone. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Weston-super-Mare boss Scott Bartlett said his side had lost a part of their team: “Our friend, colleague and coach driver, we have shared some incredible journeys together over the years and will miss him. Through the highs and lows of football, Allan was a consistent friend to us all. We have lost part of our team. RIP Allan.”
Stroud Times editor Ash Loveridge said: “Allan was a true football stalwart. I loved our football chats at Costa Coffee and he will be a huge loss. My thoughts are will his son Scott, Allan’s parents and all his friends in the football community.”
Colin Peake, former head of matchday operations at Forest Green, paid tribute to Allan, after taking him under his wing during the early days of Rovers’ progress through the non-league pyramid: “Allan was a thoughtful and caring person, who came across as someone you always felt comfortable in his presence, whether work related or socially.
“Often, whilst seemingly taking things in his stride, I’m sure deep down there were many things in football he may have found frustrating, but he never showed it and reacted to difficulties or set backs in a professional and respectful manner.
“During my time at Forest Green Rovers I had the pleasure of welcoming him into the senior administration team, and though his duties mainly involved the youth and ladies section, he deputised for me on many occasions and proved himself more than capable, not only in my absences, but importantly ready to step up and fill my shoes. That sadly never happened for following the club changing hands, we both moved on. Crossing the valley to Brimscombe & Thrupp, Allan proved what an asset he was for their development and stability.
“Having in recent times passed the official baton on to his son Scott, he had remained in the background, a valued and pivotal member of their ’off field team’, to freely offer sound advice and guidance. He was a shrewd signing.
“I, and many others who knew Allan so well, can only speak with one voice. We are truly saddened by his sudden passing. The local football family will join with me in sharing his loss, along with his blood family, friends and colleagues.
“May I on behalf of us all, extend our deepest condolences to all affected by his death, especially when he had so much more to give through his his abundance of warm nature and compassion for others.”