IT WAS with deep sorrow and regret that Slough Town announced news that Kevin McGoldrick had lost his brave battle with cancer on Wednesday.

McGoldrick, 61 and a father-of-two, had been suffering from cancer for 11 months and died in Ealing Hospital.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the man affectionately known as Super Kev. His family used his Twitter account to post: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our hero.

“Super Kev really was a warrior in his fight with cancer.

“We are so grateful for the support of Slough Town Football Club, the fans and football family.

“We are now going to plan a send off to make him proud. We would love you all to be there with us.

A statement from the football club read: “We are devastated by the loss of Kevin. He was a fundamental part of the club for so long and much-loved and respected by everyone who came into contact with him.

“The outpouring on social media reflects the affection and respect for him across the whole football community.

“As individuals, we all have our memories of our own relationships with the nicest man you will ever meet. We will all miss his smile and his positivity in all things.

“Our thoughts are with his family and we offer our heartfelt thanks to them for sharing Kevin with us for so many years.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Kevin McGoldrick was given a guard of honour for 30 years of service in December 2015.

McGoldrick began his role as club physio on December 10, 1985 when Slough played Orient in a FA Cup Second Round replay at Wexham Park.

He was given a guard of honour by players and staff from the club to mark 30 years of service in December 2015, and in July 2017 was awarded a testimonial match at Arbour Park.

McGoldrick was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement award from Get Berkshire Active in February 2016.

Slough Town joint-manager Neil Baker told the Observer: “Kevin was one of the first people we met when we came into the club five years ago and we knew he was an absolute gentleman straight away.

“His heart was so true but he didn’t like the limelight or thanks because he got embarrassed by it.

“Kevin was an absolute gentleman and a credit to his family. It is a massive and extremely sad loss of a professional and personal friend.

“He was a special man and it is a massive pleasure to have known and worked with him.

“Kevin felt he needed to be at games even when he was seriously ill. He even apologised to me from his hospital bed for not feeling 100 per-cent at a game. That is just a measure of the man.

“We will now try to get promoted and dedicate it to Kevin because we know he would love that.”

Baker added: “The football club meant everything to Kevin. All he wanted was for the club to get the exposure and not him. He was so proud of our club and that’s all he cared about.

“Kevin wanted everything done right by the football club and loved everything he did. You will not get a person like that anymore.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Kevin McGoldrick was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award from Get Berkshire Active in February 2016.

“He was an excellent physio and someone we could rely on. He was always willing to help and would always do what he could for you.

“Kevin put a lot of time and effort into this football club and that is just a measure of the man he was.

“Football and his family meant the world to him, I’m just so pleased we were able to honour him with a testimonial this year.”

Ex-professional striker Lloyd Owusu began his career at Slough Town and kept in contact with McGoldrick even after he retired in Australia.

He told the Observer: “I knew Kevin as a young 10-year-old going to watch Slough Town many years ago, and the first time I meet him you just knew what a beautiful man he was.

“Luckily for myself I got to play for the team and Kevin looked after me from day one, helping me out when I was injured.

“Even after my professional career I always kept in contact with him. He is such a humble man who would do anything and go out of his way to help anyone.

“Even when I was hear in Australia and had problems with injuries , I would give Kevin a call or send an email, and he would get straight back to me with some advice.

“He goes out of his way and is a real special man who is going to be truly missed.

“My Condolences go out to his family and his loved ones. My thoughts and blessings are with him and the family.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Kevin McGoldrick (centre) with Slough Town joint-managers Jon Underwood (left) and Neil Baker (right).

“I just want people to remember what a great man he was, and the great things he did for Slough Town in particular. To be at a club for 32 years, that is loyalty, and that is the kind of guy Kevin was.

“I’m going to miss him and love him to bits.”

Former Slough manager Steve Bateman tweeted: “A very sad day with the passing of super Kev McGoldrick.

“I feel privileged to have worked with him at Slough Town as player and manager, and counted him as a dear friend. Gone but never forgotten.”

Alex Moore had been working with McGoldrick at the club for the past five months. He tweeted: “Absolute pleasure working with Kev for the last five months. (The) most friendly, caring and hard working men within football.

“He taught me loads in such a small amount of time and gave me the break into the industry he loved, which I will be forever grateful.

A date for his funeral is yet to be confirmed. Slough Town are also hoping to raise £5,000 to helps towards his funeral expenses.

Over £1,800 has already been raised and donations can be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/superkev

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