Felixstowe & Walton United FC

Seasiders President pays tribute to Eastern Counties League official

" I was extremely sad to read of the passing of a good pal from the past in Merlin Saddleton from the Eastern Counties League. I served on the ECL Management Committee alongside Merlin for several years. I found him to be a very friendly, helpful & knowledgeable gentleman. Always immaculately turned out. When I was having battles with the Authorities to obtain Floodlights, in order to remain in the ECL, Merlin gave me good & expert advice. He was a very fair and unbiased man who represented the ECL magnificently. His knowledge & memory was brilliant. I once told him that aged 20, I played for Wisbech Town in a pre-season trial game. Their manager was ex Wolves & England player ,Jesse Pye. Unfortunately, I broke my arm & the next time I saw Merlin at a League Management Meeting at Diss Town F..C, he produced newspaper cuttings of the match. 

Rest in Peace Merlin and thank you most sincerely for your knowledge & advice which assisted in our Club's development."

Dave Ashford 

President. 

Felixstowe & Walton United F.C.