Charity Match (RIP Derek Dudley)

[PeterWithesShin]

Next week’s charity game on Sunday, November 19 will be Midland Legends against Romulus Veterans at Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club, Coles Lane, kick-off 10.30am.

Those confirmed include players from Villa’s 1982 European Cup-winning side: Gordan Cowans, Nigel Spink, Pat Heard, Tony Morley and Peter Withe. Elsewhere, Baggies legends Richard Sneekes and Bob Taylor will be in attendance along with Julian Joachim, Darren Byfield, Lee Hendrie and Tony Daley to name a few.

Football legends will gather in support of a former Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper who is terminally ill at the age of 47.

Derek Dudley, who spent four years at Villa from 1984-88, has been diagnosed with a severe liver illness and the former stopper has one final wish: to get ex-teammates together for a game.

One of Derek’s friends, Jon Pearson, said: “Derek’s in a bad way. He’s terminally ill because his liver has stopped working and he is currently having his stomach drained of excess fluid.

“We went to the same school together, Perry Common, and I was a few years above him.

“I was a right-back at Kidderminster Harriers and he was a goalkeeper and we sat next to each other in the changing rooms for the charity games.

“Over the past few years he’s played for the former players’ sides, playing more than 150 times. We’ve worked out that he’s probably helped raise £500,000 for different charities over the years.

“He was the first name on the team sheet – Mr Reliable we used to call him because he’d always play. That’s the type of bloke he is, he always goes out of his way to help others.

“I spoke to him recently and he’s got three things on his bucket list: to have a nice meal with his children, a pub lunch with steak and the lads to get together one last time to play a game.”

Derek lives in Rugeley with his wife Helen. He has two children: Daniel (13) and Elizabeth (11).

He was a popular school teacher at College High, Queen Elizabeth in Atherstone and The Brades Lodge in Oldbury before his health deteriorated.

As well as playing for Villa and Albion, the dad-of-two played in goal for Torquay, Telford, Worcester, Sutton Coldfield Town, Stourbridge, Romulus and Halesowen.

Next week’s charity game on Sunday, November 19 will be Midland Legends against Romulus Veterans at Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club, Coles Lane, kick-off 10.30am.

Those confirmed include players from Villa’s 1982 European Cup-winning side: Gordan Cowans, Nigel Spink, Pat Heard, Tony Morley and Peter Withe.

Elsewhere, Baggies legends Richard Sneekes and Bob Taylor will be in attendance along with Julian Joachim, Darren Byfield, Lee Hendrie and Tony Daley to name a few.

Admission is priced at £3 for adults; £1 children; family ticket £5 (two adults, two children).

Those in attendance are invited back for refreshments and an auction at The Yenton pub, Sutton Road, Wylde Green.

All proceeds will go directly to Derek and his family.

For more details about the day email jonpearson5@hotmail.com

[PeterWithe]

Blimey, I recognise him. Hope he gets a good turnout.

[brian green]

Can't make the game.  Is there a contact address to which donations can be made?

[PeterWithesShin]

Can't make the game.  Is there a contact address to which donations can be made?

Maybe try the emailing jonpearson5@hotmail.com

[tomd2103]

Very sad news as I've met him a few times and he's a top bloke.  Left out Bromsgrove Rovers in the list of his former teams though!

[brian green]

Thank you PWS.  I will try that.

[ez]

I'm hoping to get along to this. Derek Dudley was a teacher at the school i went to although not at the same time. Perry Common Comp.

[ez]

Nice to see BBC Midlands today covered this today and good to see so many former pros from villa, albion and blues there.

[Legion]

It gives us no pleasure in saying that someone has now stolen his car. If you can please forward this message to spread the word then we may have a better chance of finding it. The details are-

Peugeot 208 in black; Registration: MA14 TKN

Many thanks.

[in exile]

It gives us no pleasure in saying that someone has now stolen his car. If you can please forward this message to spread the word then we may have a better chance of finding it. The details are-

Peugeot 208 in black; Registration: MA14 TKN

Many thanks.

I shared it on Facebook and I hope many, many more do.
I'll post it on AViDS Twitter page too

[Dave P]

I've just heard that Derek passed away today. RIP and thoughts with his family.

[wittonwarrior]

really sad news.

[villabear]

Just seen this via Legion on Twitter. Very sad news. RIP Derek. Love and best wishes to his family.

[in exile]

Very sad news. Rest In Peace Derek

[Gregorys Boy]

Awful news, gone much too soon.  RIP.  My thoughts are with his family and friends.