Man of the Match & Matchball Sponsor: Tony Hobson
Today’s Man of the Match & Match Ball Sponsor is Tony Hobson.
This is a gift from his three children to celebrate his 80th birthday (20th February).
Tony is joined at the game today by his wife of over 50 years, Carol, his son Tony & family who have travelled from Reading and his two daughters Louise & Mandy & their families, who both still live locally in Weymouth. We thought it a very fitting gift to help dad celebrate reaching 80 as the club has been, and continues to be, a massive part of both Tony’s and his families lives.
“Dad began playing for Weymouth making his debut on 8 October 1958 and enjoyed 18 seasons at the club, clocking up 1076 games, many of them as captain, and many before substitutes were introduced!
“He has been an avid supporter since then, holding a season ticket for many years, until recently being inducted into the Terras Hall of Fame and being given his ‘Golden Ticket’.
“He enjoyed many of the nearer away games – us making him run back to the car in that pouring rain after our brilliant away win at Salisbury last season – after me telling him to leave his waterproof trousers in the car!”
All three of Tony’s children have life-long memories involving the club, including being at the Rec – Tony Jnr clearly remembers being ball boy when dad was managing the reserves with Clarky. Mandy has many fond memories of trips with the supporters clubs with her two nans, including the FA Cup slaying of Cardiff & being on the broken down train on the Cambridge trip. She’s a season ticket holder to this day.
Tony can always be found in his usual spot in the Babs Stand with his mates Graham and Buzz, daughter Mandy and various grandchildren.
To finish with a quote from author Reed Markham:
“The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family”. We’d also like to add, ‘and his football club!’
This quote sums up Tony Hobson perfectly – He is not only a much-loved husband, dad and grandad but also a great role model and ambassador for Weymouth Football Club both as a player and now a supporter.
“Happy Birthday Dad and Come On You Terras!!”
Mascots:
Harry Stocker: One of today’s mascots is Harry Stocker who is the great-grandson of Weymouth legend Phil Stocker,
Phil stocker played for Weymouth from 1955 as an armature then transitioning to full-back around 1957. In his career at Weymouth FC, Phil Stocker made 614 appearances (25 as a substitute) and scored 45 goals. Phil stocker has just been entered into the Weymouth FC hall of fame.
Today Harry Stocker can be seen wearing Phil Stocker’s shirt number 3 with pride in memory of his great-grandad Phil Stocker.
Alex Billington: Alex is 6 years old and attends Shute Primary School near Axminster East Devon. He plays for his school and trains every Saturday morning. He comes today with his Dad Craig and Grandad Brian who has supported Weymouth FC for over 30 years.
Archie Green: Archie is 10 and plays for Hungerford under 11’s, his favourite team is Reading.
