Halstead Town FC remembers Shaun Bailey

Halstead Town FC dedicated this year’s Football Fiesta to Shaun Bailey, who died of a brain tumour in March aged 54.

An estimated 150 people came along to the event which saw a Chairman’s XI play a Youth Secretary’s XI in a friendly held in Mr Bailey’s honour.

The match started with a minute’s applause for the former manager, as well as former Halstead Gazette sports editor David Osborne who died aged 81 in September 2016.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw and was eventually settled on penalties where the Youth Secretary’s XI came out on top and claimed the Dave Osborne Shield.

Members of Mr Bailey’s family, including his brother Mick, wife Kristine and mother June, were present on the day to hand over medals and the shield to the winning team.

They also stayed to watch the FA Cup Final which was shown on screens around the stadium, off Rosemary Lane.

Youth secretary Carl Pearson said: “We had an awesome day on Saturday and the event was very well attended.

“It was strange in many ways because it was about having fun.

“But it was quite an emotional day remembering Shaun and having his family there.

“It was great they could come though.

“On behalf of the club we would like to thank everyone who attended and for their generous donations which after the recent events at the club shows a true community spirit in Halstead.”

A total of £700 was raised on the day and all proceeds will go towards the Shaun Bailey Foundation.

The club has also auctioned off memorabilia and it is hoped profits will also go to the Bailey family.

Mr Bailey played for Colchester United’s youth teams and around the amateur leagues of north Essex.

He played for Halstead Town FC between 1993 and 1996 and went on to become manager in 2000.

Later in his career he moved to America and became a successful soccer coach before being diagnosed with the tumour in 2014.

Once funds are available, Halstead Town FC has plans to renovate its stadium and name a stand after Mr Bailey.