Albert Grainger
Albert (Bertie) Grainger 1934-2023
The Grainger family recently announced the sad passing of Bertie aged 88.
Not many of you will know of Bertie or those of you that do, the memories will be distant.
Bertie moved to Felixstowe from London to take up a position with B.T. in 1968.
He was signed to play for Felixstowe for the season 1968/69 by the then manager Dave Ashford.
He was 36 years old at the time & went on to play one more season before retiring.
Having played at a professional level he was a standout player with Felixstowe F.C. who were at that time in the Essex & Border league.
Phil, Berties son, has fond memories of visiting Dellwood with his dad during the 1980’s & particularly the warm welcome his dad always received at the club bar.
Bertie enjoyed a spell at Millwall reserves, but his favourite time as a footballer was during his National service days when he was picked to play for the Combined Services Representative team.
During his time as player with the CSR he often played with or against the international players of the day, but his proudest moment & the one that gave him most pleasure came when he was invited to play for the Football Association representative side.
During the late fifties & early sixties Bertie played for Tooting & Mitcham F.C. who competed in a very strong Isthmian League.
In 1959 they reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup and played Nottingham Forest at home.
The game was drawn 2-2.
In the Tooting side that day was Albert Grainger, who scored the opening goal.
A video of this feat can be seen on Tooting’s website.
Tooting lost the replay 3-0, whilst Forest went on to win the FA Cup playing against Luton Town.
Rest in peace Bertie, from everyone who remembers you, here at Felixstowe.
Dave Ashford
Club President
Albert's funeral arrangements are:
Tuesday 10th October at 11:15 am.
Seven Hills Crematorium
The wake will be at the Orwell Hotel afterwards.
Picture- Felixstowe Town 1969
Back row- Ashford, Hollis, Topple, Pelling, Sayers, Warburton, Grainger, G. Brewster.
Front row- Harrison, Harrell, Gould, Osborne, Cooke.
