Derek Noades – RIP

It is with great sadness that Royston Town FC announces the passing away of Derek Noades one of the Club’s true legends both as a past player and lifelong supporter.

Derek was one of the club’s most prolific goal scorers during the early 1960’s and was without a doubt a great character both on and off the field of play whose trademark humour and gift for story telling will never be forgotten.

Derek started with the Town as a 15 year old and went in to play for 21 seasons, apart from a very brief spell with Stevenage when he was 17. He played in every position, including goalkeeper and was one of the Club’s most prolific goal scorers. In the club’s promotion winning year of 1965/66 he scored a total of 34 goals and went on to be recognised for his skills and eye for goal by being included in the League representative team.

When his playing days were over he was one of the club’s most ardent supporters rarely missing a home game in spite of very poor health in the past few years.

Royston Town FC President Alan Barlow commented “I can’t put into words what a great loss Derek is to this club. He was my source of inspiration whilst I was writing the book on the history of the club recounting to me many of the stories about games he’d played in and team mates he’d played with during the 1960’s and early 1970’s He had a way about him that would always make you laugh and he was what I would describe as one of the most lovable rascals I’ve ever come across”.

RIP Derek Noades.