It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of club captain Danny Stevens. At around 1.50pm on Saturday 14th June 2008 Danny lost his life when he was thrown from his motorcycle on the A5013 near Great Bridgeford . He was pronounced dead at the scene. The thoughts and wishes from all concerned with Eccleshall Football Club are with his family at this very difficult time.

Danny made over 250 appearances for Eccleshall. He came to the club through Eccleshall U18s run by Barry Lowe, Dave Lee and Kev Stevens. Despite being only 16, he was selected for the 1st team for the first game of the 1999/2000 season after showing well in friendlies, in fact scoring in the friendly v Alsager.

He made his competitive debut v Vale Juniors at home 14/8/99. We won 2-0 with goals from Dave Smith and Chris Morris. The team was: A.Beesley, N.Holland, A.Bratt, P.Brice, D.Smith, A.Toothill, G.Pointon, D.Kinnersley, C.Wallace, C.Morris, D.Stevens. subs: K.Reid, N.Broad, P.Hough.

Despite his young age Danny played many games that season as we finished runners-up in the Senior League. He was man of the match 30/8/99 as we lost 1-0 away to Brocton when K.Warrilow, M.Askey and P.Hollins were added to the team mentioned.

Danny helped us win the Staffordshire Senior League in 2000/01 before leaving to join Stone Dominoes in NWC2. He was a part of their promotion success to Div1. One of his best games for us was Abbey Hulton away 31/3/00. We won 4-1 with two 17 year olds (Danny and Craig Holland) in centre mid. They ran the show and we won 4-1 with goals from Craig(2), Darren Alexander and Paul Hollins. The Eccleshall lineup: D.Able, P.Cox, G.Spruce, C.Holland, P.Carr, D.Cutler, G.Martin, G.Pointon, D.Alexander, D.Stevens, P.Hollins. Subs: M.Devaney, S.Davis, R.Askey.

Danny and Craig were also instrumental in our 4-2 win at home to Hanley Town 18/08/01, Craig scored 3 and Danny 1(his 1st competitive goal for Eccy 1st's). T. Buckley, S.Hassell, R.Notice, A.Challinor, D.Kinnersley, R.Jones and P.Wright were in the team also that day.

Following a short and successful spell at Stone Dominoes, we were able to entice Danny back once we were promoted to the NWC and he has been with us ever since. Former manager Robert Askey remembers a cracking goal he scored at Nelson in a 4-1 victory. Another notable memory that season was that Danny played at centre-back as we beat the previously undefeated Cammell Laird 1-0 (Russ DeMatteo goal) at home 12/2/05. Team was: D.Able, T.Buckley, L.McMann, D.Kinnersley, W.Glover, D.Stevens, P.Griffiths, R.DeMatteo, A.Garrett, R.Notice, S.Millington. Subs: L.McKinney, A.Griffin, M.Gleave.

Richard Marsh, secretary Eccleshall F.C. describes Danny as, ".. a credit to himself and his family and always conducted himself in a proper manner on and off the field. His friendly manner made him a likeable person to all at Eccleshall Football Club and he was respected in the dressing room by his fellow players......... The coming seasons will be empty without his smile. He will be greatly missed but always remembered."

Mark Askey, departing manager Eccleshall F.C. added, "When I became manager 3 seasons ago I appointed Danny as my captain. He had all the qualities I was looking for in a captain. He was 100% reliable, he gave his all in every game he played, he was as brave as a lion on the field and a lovely natured lad off the field. I know how proud he was to captain the side and he literally stuck his chest out every time he lead the team out. Everyone at the club is shattered by this terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with his family."

Current Eccleshall manager Dave Dale stated, "My deepest sympathy to all family of Danny. Danny was dependable, reliable and a great help and insperation to all the younger lads who came in to the team. Danny it was a pleasure to know you and be part of your team. God Bless."

The funeral will take place at 11.30, Monday, 23rd June, 2008 at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall. Those who have been involved with Danny during his time with Eccleshall Football Club are asked to meet at 10.45 at the ground in time to greet Danny as his hearse is scheduled to visit Pershall Park on the way to the church. The Stevens family have requested no flowers but contributions to Eccleshall F.C.are welcomed. The club will use the funds to provide a lasting memory of Danny at the ground.

Daniel Thomas Stevens 12/01/83 - 14/06/08

Comments (including those from the guestbook):

"Devastating news that such a nice young man has been taken from us. Danny was a great man and a great friend who gave nothing but 100% in everything he did. It was an honour to have known him and called him a friend. He is going to be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time." - Dale Kinnersley, former team-mate, 16/06/08

"Footy will never be the same without Danny. Great lad and friend who leaves a big big void; not just in many peoples' lives but at this club." - Russ Dematteo, team-mate, 17/06/08

"Very hard to believe that Danny's great sense of humour will not be at Pershall Park each saturday. A wonderful young man whose presence will be sadly missed by all. A good player and above all, a good friend. Rest in peace, Danny." Chris Phillips, Eccleshall F.C., 17/06/08

"Danny will be sadly missed." - Bob and Luke and family, 18/06/08

"Very sad news, a great person and will be missed by everybody, my thoughts are with his family. RIP Dan." - Adam Chalinor, former team-mate, 16/06/08

"Sorry to hear the sad news. A good lad and great footballer. Thoughts are with his family. Thinking of you." - Steve Hassell, former team-mate, 17/06/08

"Unbelievably sad loss of a lovely lad, a great footballer and a very good friend who will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this devastating news." - Tim Buckley, former team-mate, 16/06/08

"So sad to hear the news about Danny today he was a great player and great person my thougts are with his family. RIP Danny." - Mark Bailey, former team-mate, 15/06/08

"Just would like to pass on my sympathies to your club and to the family of Daniel Stevens. Having played against him for both Padiham and more recently Kirkham & Wesham, even though I only knew him as an opponent he was a great competitor and a worthy choice as captain. May God rest his soul and comfort those that were close to him." - Paul Paynter, 17/06/08

" I would just like to say how sorry I am to hear the news about Danny Stevens. As the captain of Leek CSOB and playing in centre midfield I came up against Danny many times and I always thought what a good, solid player he was but also what a nice lad he seemed. Whenever I think of Eccleshall FC I think of Danny Stevens. I'm going to miss our battles in the middle of the park and shaking hands before the game. RIP. Please pass on my sympathies to everyone at the club and especially Danny's family." - Danny Hyde, Leek CSOB, 17/06/08

"I cannot start to tell you how sad and upset the news about Danny made me feel. To lose someone so young is terrible and my thoughts are obviously with his family at this time. Please pass on my feelings to everyone at the club." - Dennis Vickers, Norton United F.C., 17/06/08

"I'm very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your skipper, Danny Stevens. Football pales into insignificance for many at times like these but can also be a major source of strength for those who were involved with him at the club. You have the best wishes and condolences of us all at Holyhead Hotspur FC and I'm sure between his family, friends and your club, you will give him the send off he deserves." - Paul Nutter, Holyhead Hotspur Committee, 17/06/08

"Tragic news. Absolutely unbelievable. Danny was a great lad who will be missed by so many. Rest in peace, Dan." - Richard Jones, former team-mate, 17/06/08

"My thoughts are with Danny and his family and of his team mates at this sad moment in time, such a polite person and a great footballer who will be sadly missed." - Ian Williams ex Chairman of Ashton Town 17/06/08

"What else can you say that hasn't already been said; genuine, honest, loyal, committed and funny the list is endless. He will be sadly missed." - Paul Hollins, former team-mate, 17/06/08

"I came up against Danny over the past couple of seasons as an opponent of Ashton Athletic. He was extremely competitive and a winner who took pride in his club but always played with a smile on his face and came across as a really nice fella. My thoughts and sympathies go to all his family, friends and the Eccleshall Club." - Steve Rothwell, Ashton Athletic 18/06/08

"Such a sad loss, words cannot descibe how empty this has left many many people who knew Danny. Our deepest of sympathies go out to Kevin, Pauline and Aime." - Kevin, Kim & Philip Carr 18/06/08

"I will never forget you Danny Stevens. It was an honour and a privilege to have called you a friend. A truly sad day, my heart and thoughts go out to your family. Genuinely gutted." - Paul Brice, team-mate 18/06/08

"So sorry to hear about Danny. Such a nice and freindly lad who will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his family. A loss to everyone who knew him." - Chris Morris, former team-mate 17/06/08

"This is a sad sad loss. He was an inspiration to the young players at the club and a deserved captain.
What a character to have around, it won't be the same without you Dan. My sincere thoughts are with the family." - Andy Garratt, team-mate.

"On behalf of the fans at Rocester FC I would like to pass on our sincere condolences on the tragic loss of a young life. We last visited Eccleshall in the Staffs Senior Cup Semi Final last season. For Eccleshall to have reached the semi final having played against much more fancied opponents, was due in no small part to the influence and leadership of Danny Stevens. We hope that in time, the hurt will heal and that the memory of Danny will act as a bond that unites and strengthens the club with his legacy being the motivator for future success of which he would undoubtedly have been incredibly proud. This news is incredibly sad and should cause us all to reflect upon what really matters in life. Our heartfelt condolences to Danny's family and to Eccleshall Football Club." - Andy Nicholls Rocester Football Club.

"Top man, top player. It was a privelage to have known a genuine top class lad. You will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to the family." - Mark Niklin, team-mate 18/06/08

"Devastated to here of the recent news of Danny. Liam and myself have only known Danny for one season, and Liam really looked up to him as an inspiration on the field, and was really looking forward to the forthcoming season, Danny was a great person and captain and will be greatly missed. All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time." - Martin Kerrigan, 18/06/08

"I was only fortunate enought to play with danny towards the end of the season...he was a great lad... a great player who everyone looked upto...You were a credit to yourself and this football club and will be sadly missed by many ... RIP mate." - Elliott Jackson, team-mate 18/06/08

"Having played for Eccleshall and Woodseaves for a number of years, I think I can call Danny a true friend. He was a pleasure to be around and a credit to Kev,Pauline & Amie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this devasting time. RIP mate, love Coxy Jane Emily & James." - Paul Cox, team-mate 18/06/08

"I feel privileged to have known Danny. He was not only a team mate from my time at Eccleshall but a true friend. He was great company and a top lad both on and off the pitch, especially off the pitch where we always had a good laugh. I think I speak for everyone involved in singing his praises as Danny was one of the most genuine people you could ever wish to meet. My thoughts go out to his family as I know he will be greatly missed. R.I.P. mate, I will always remember the good times." - Darren Alexander, former team-mate 18/06/08

"A true clubman, Danny was Eccleshall through and through - he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. God Bless, Danny - Rest in Peace." - Jim Tunney, former Eccleshall FC chairman 18/06/08

Eccleshall FC All-Star 11

If you recall last week, Ex 1st team manager Rob Askey posted what he considered to be his all-time side on the guestbook. It drew condiderable attention and much conjetcure from both past and present fans / staff.

By popular demand, we have created your opportunity to vote for your choices to represent Eccleshall in our very own 'All-Star 11'. We will go through the squad, position by position. Feel free to email me directly with any suggested choices you may have. Happy voting!

Richard Johnson is currently running away with the voting. The poll will close this week, so last chance to cast your vote, if you haven't done so yet.