Paul stood for everything that is good about the game. A man who put his heart and soul into the club he loved, played for and looked after, and he earned every plaudit he was ever given. The reason I got into coaching football was Paul Neale, who one Autumn morning in 1997 put his arm around my shoulder and cajoled me into doing more than just watching from the touchlines! 19 years later…!
There are many reminders of Paul around the club – little “Nealerisms” that still remain. His legendary dry wit and one-liners, some of which are still written up in the store in his own hand.
Paul was always looking to give something back, and this year we will be presenting the first Paul Neale Award which is dedicated to Paul’s memory. This is awarded to somebody who best embodies the spirit of the club, someone with ‘blue blood’ running through their veins and someone of whom Nealer would have been proud.
Nealer was a man whose flame still burns bright and will never be forgotten. He retains a place in our hearts and I, like so many other folk was sad but proud to pay my last respects and mark his passing at his funeral in December.
Good on you Nealer – thanks for the memories, and for all you did for our club and for the Jarvis Brook family. As Paul himself would often say about others, he was “a tidy old boy.” May your memory live on.
Graham Hodges
Chairman, Jarvis Brook Sports Club