Bob Tyler Awarded Top Honour By Essex County FA

Chelmsford City Ladies & Girls FC send warm congratulations to Bob Tyler, for his great work at Barnston AFC and his great supporter of our club and he welcomed us at Barnston AFC, where we played for a number of seasons.

On Thursday 29th July Barnston AFC Chairman Bob Tyler attended an awards night that was hosted by the Essex County FA. Bob had been nominated, and informed he would receive, a long service certificate.

However, on the night Bob was actually awarded the Essex County FA Merit Award. This is the highest award given out by the county FA to football club volunteers. This award was given to Bob as a reward for the 43 years of non-stop service that he has given to Barnston AFC.

Bob joined Barnston in 1967 and took on the role of manager of the reserve team who had a poor season conceding some 150 goals, so it was out with the old and in with the new. Bob recruited a number of young talented players locally to improve the team.

In 1969 Bob was appointed 1st team manager and club secretary, taking over a team from which most of the original players had retired or moved away. So a lot of team building had to be done, this took a while to take effect but in time the team improved.

In the early 60s Bob started a youth team at under 15s in the Chelmsford League. But, it was the next season at Under 16s when he had possibly one of the best teams in the district. Runners up in the league and the cup, coming 2nd only to Witham Town. Three of Bob’s players were chosen to represent the league team, and did so admirably.

Around 1975 the pitch was sold for building and moved to it’s present site at High Easter Road. The pitch was covered in stones. Bob worked all hours, often along, to clear the playing surface by hand. He then started on the clubhouse building, which was completed with help from family, friends, players, and their families as well as many volunteers.

An extension was the next project he took on and this was completed, again with much help from many people. He then applied successfully to join the Essex Intermediate League as ground status was now in place, and football fortunes began to change.

Bob this week stood down as chairman of Barnston AFC, and was replaced by John Farrow. But Bob is still the club secretary treasurer and fixture secretary. Bob has been honoured with the prestigious Secretary of the year award twice for the Olympian League, plus the patrons award.

Bob continues to work tirelessly for football, and in particular Barnston AFC. A true pro-active supporter of the game.