MANGOTSFIELD United FC has paid tribute to former player Scott Hendy, who died after being assaulted in Pilning.
The club will hold a minute’s applause before tomorrow’s home game with Wantage Town.
A charity match next weekend – which the 46-year-old former central defender had been due to play – will now be a memorial game and fundraiser to support his family.
The club’s board and committee issued a statement, which said: “All associated with Mangotsfield United are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Scott Hendy over the last weekend.
“Scott was someone who was held very high regard within the club and his loss is felt by all who knew him and enjoyed watching him play.
“Scott was well known in the local football community and was a very gifted non-league player.
“During his career he would have three spells at Cossham Street and it was in his second spell that he would be part of the Southern League Division 1 title winning team.
“His career also seen him secure the same title at Clevedon Town, and have spells at Bath City, Yate Town and Backwell United to name a few.
‘More than just a great player’
“More than just a great player, he was a great person and was well thought of by fans, managers and teammates alike.
“Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are all with Scott’s family at this difficult time.”
Scott had three stints with Mangotsfield, from the late 90s to 2005.
The club is encouraging fans to join them in paying their respects with a minute’s applause in remembrance and celebration of Scott before tomorrow’s (Saturday March 9) game at Cossham Street, which kicks off at 3pm.
The charity match at Cossham Street on Sunday March 17, which will now take place in memory of Scott and raise money for his family, kicks off at 12.30pm.
The club is also planning a more permanent memorial to Scott at Cossham Street.
Scott played seven games for Yate Town during the 1996-97 season.
Yate Town issued a statement which said: “As a club, Yate Town are deeply saddened about the death of Scott and we will be helping with a donation to pass onto to his family.”
An online fundraiser set up by a former teammate, Geraint Bater, has raised more than £13,000 to support Scott’s family.
He wrote: “Scott was loved by everyone who met him, he was funny, genuine and the life and soul of any party. His sense of humour was legendary and his loss will be felt from all over Bristol, such was the reach of his infectious personality.”
*Avon & Somerset police said a 29-year-old man from Pilning, George Baylis, has been charged with manslaughter after the incident in which Scott was fatally injured, in the car park of the Kings Arms pub, off Redwick Road, Pilning at 12.15am last Saturday.
