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Garry Cortez's best friend to fill his football boots at North

Garry Cortez's best friend to fill his football boots at North

Wednesday 17 January 2018

Garry Cortez's best friend to fill his football boots at North

Wednesday 17 January 2018


Colin Kimber is taking over as President of North for the rest of the football season, after his "best mate" Garry Cortez died, shortly before Christmas.

Mr Cortez had been a hugely popular member of the Northerners AC Committee and an integral part of the Guernsey FA football leagues for many years before his death.

In the weeks after Mr Cortez died the club hosted his funeral and wake and announced plans to commemorate his life through a permanent memorial at Northfield.

However, the club also had to replace Mr Cortez on its committee as he had carried out various duties for North over the years. To cover his coaching duties, the club has announced that Mr Kimber will be at the helm for the rest of the season.

In a statement posted online, the club said North AC's Child Welfare Officer and Vice President has become President for the rest of the season but a new permanent club President will be elected in the summer. The decision was made at a club committee meeting, with members agreeing Mr Kimber offered the best chance of continuity for all concerned.

Mr Cortez's wife and fellow North AC Committee member, Anne Cortez, said: "It has been a difficult few weeks since Garry sadly passed but the club must move forward and keep up the great work Garry had instigated during his presidency. Colin is at the heart of all aspects of the club and is a dedicated and passionate Northerner so is well place to maintain proceedings."

Mr Kimber has been described as one of the longest serving members out of North's current officials and the club says he has dedicated a huge amount of time helping the 'chocolate and blues'.

Mr Kimber himself said: "My best mate has passed away and it's been such a sad period for us all but Garry would want us to keep this place at the top of the local game so I hope, together with everyone involved, we can do this. We are current Corbet Cup, U14 and U15 champions at youth level, we performed better than any local team at the BWCI, we have more qualified coaches than most and we promote inclusivity and football for all at all age groups. The future is looking good and I'm proud that I will be able to play a part in maintaining our success".

North field

Pictured: North's pitch, picture from the club's Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Guernsey Police are still investigating an alleged attempted break in at Northfield on the morning of Mr Cortez funeral.

Rangers football club also reported a break in on the same day, Tuesday 19 December. A spokeswoman for Guernsey Police said officers are still investigating both incidents and anyone with any information should contact them on 725111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

 

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