It was with the great sadness that this Saturday the Club learnt of the passing of Dave Knight, one of our founder members, regular attendees, player and advocate of walking football in support of the Club.

Only last Saturday Dave attended the Club’s lap of honour round the Brisbane Road pitch to celebrate another Club success. I know we were really pleased to see him although for many of us it was the first time we had seen the impact of the cancer that so sadly defeated him. It was a tribute to the man that his passing was announced at half-time at Orient’s home game against Crawley.

Dave had supported Leyton Orient walking football since those early tentative days over four years ago. He had a significant role in the Royal College of Nurses promotional video on walking football where he explained how his initial scepticism was overcome. As Dave himself said of his first try at walking football, ‘I think within about five seconds I was convinced.’ He then went on to actively support the development of the Friday over 60s sessions where, after a good kick-about, he would deliberate on the traumas of the Bechetti years over a cup of tea. Dave was also a regular for the pre-Orient match walking football games. Over the years Dave played more than two dozen times in various tournaments for the Club.

Dave also played a major role in the development of the Club and it was with Dave’s encouragement and guidance that we made the bid for £2000 from the Leyton Orient Fans Trust (LOFT). I am sure Dave was an excellent advocate with LOFT and that ensured our bid was successful. It is that money that has enabled the Club to fund the coaching, buy new shirts and provided crucial evidence in our successful Charter Standard bid.

Dave was a positive enthusiast for walking football, actively encouraging players to join in the Supporters Club and on Orient fixture away trips. He claimed he moved at the same speed and tempo whether playing football or running with his running club which none of us would doubt. I had a few beers with Dave over the years on Orient away trips where we would talk about club developments, he was very supportive and always had a few ideas for the Club.

This week the Club will mark his passing with a few words and a minute’s applause at the sessions.

Len Cheston
Chairman
25th August 2019

For those who wish to view the Royal College of Nursing video that Dave featured to eloquently in follow this link: https://youtu.be/KrhlGB-nsQk

Location

SCORE, 100 Oliver Road, Leyton, E10 5JY