The Gloucestershire football community has been united in grief following the passing of much-loved Shortwod United legend Jason Scrivens after a courageous battle with cancer.
Affectionately known as “Sciv”, Jason served Shortwood United in a variety of roles over many years, including player, manager, director of football and, most recently, committee member. He also previously played for Whitminster and Slimbridge and was well known as a talented DJ, performing at venues including the Queen Victoria and Kitsch.
A statement from Shortwood United paid tribute to a man who made an immeasurable contribution to the club and touched the lives of countless people throughout the football community.
Shortwood club spokesperson Jim Cunneen said: “It is with great sadness that Shortwood have learned of the passing of club stalwart and friend Jason Scrivens this morning after a battle with cancer. Jason was loved by all that knew him and will leave a huge hole in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
“Jason was part of the Wood family and stepped in as manager at a moment’s notice when the club needed him in 2018. He then stepped up to become director of football and then served on the committee up to the present time.
“Jason was blessed with a tremendous sense of humour and even through his battle with illness always had a kind word and offered help to all that needed it.
“Shortwood send our love and sincere condolences to his wife Kate, his family and everyone who knew him.”
Tributes quickly poured in from former teammates, players, managers, friends and clubs across Gloucestershire football.
Former Shortwood defender Tom Hoskins said: “So sad to hear the news today. A truly great bloke, a fantastic dad, and just an all-round genuine person. The kind of person who always had time for others and will be remembered by so many. Thinking of his family and everyone who knew him. Love you mate. A Shortwood legend.”
Lee Bowles, who played under Jason at Shortwood, said: “Can’t believe I’m writing this. Thanks for everything mate for the time you brought me to Shortwood in 2018 we had very good times at the club rest easy mate.”
Former Shortwood player Joey Tustain said: “Absolutely gutted to read this. I met Jason the year he kept the club going! Thoroughly enjoyed my season working with him in such challenging times but he never once showed anything other than positivity that proved vital in keeping the club alive and side to put on the pitch week in week out! Thoughts are with the family and the boys! Xx.”
Former Shortwood player Jim Russell said: “Saddened to read this news. Scriv always played with a smile. He had qualities that would have made many of us better players.”
John Evans, who managed Shortwood in two spells, added his tribute: “RIP Jason a lovely man and a great club servant.”
Jason Radford said: “Had the the pleasure of over 40 years of friendship through football and work, RIP my friend.”
Adding to the tributes, former Wood midfielder Finlay Byrnes said: “Always takes the good ones. Rest easy mate.”
Stroud Times editor Ash Loveridge said: “A lovely man, who I had the privilege to know and always great to deal with when reporting on Shortwood. Loved bumping into him and chatting football. My thoughts are with his lovely family, who he loved dearly.”
Jay Richings said: “Rest easy Scrivs. Lovely man with a great smile. Condolences to the family.”
Stonehouse Town FC said: “Everyone at Stonehouse Town Football Club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jason Scrivens this morning.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Jason’s family and friends, and to everyone connected with Shortwood United Football Club at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with all who knew him. Rest in peace Jason.”
Chalford FC posted: “Everyone at Chalford AFC is saddened to hear of the loss of Jason Scrivens.
“Jason was a well‑respected figure in local football, and his passing will be felt by so many. We send our sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and to everyone at Shortwood United Football Club as they navigate this very difficult time.
“We are thinking of all who knew Jason and all who shared the pitch, the sidelines, or the community with him.
“Rest peacefully, Jason.”
Taverners FC said: “Everyone at Taverners FC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jason. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Jason’s family, friends, and all who knew him during this difficult time. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.”
Richard Joyce said: “Such a positive & supportive person who brought so much energy to everything he did. I’m so sorry to hear. My thoughts go out to his family. Rest in peace Jason.”
Luke Kavanagh said: “Such sad news. A real character, someone who you always had time for once you’ve met him. Gutted to read this. Thoughts firstly with all involved with Shortwood United, but most of all his family xxx.”
Buster Davies said: “Gutted to read this. One of the nicest blokes in the Gloucestershire football scene. Sending my love to the family.”
Stonehouse assistant manager Karl Nash said: “Such sad news great chap he was! RIP mate!”
Dave Stanton said: “So very sad, Jason was and always will be a top guy, my thoughts are with all of his family and friends.”
Jason’s impact on Shortwood United and the wider Gloucestershire football community was immense. Whether as a player, manager, administrator, friend or supporter, he earned the respect and affection of everyone who crossed his path.
Jason is survived by his wife Kate, family and many friends, all of whom remain in the thoughts of those who knew and loved him.
