Can Sussex readers help author tell the story of FA Cup hero Gerry?

An author is appealing to readers for information about a former Eastbourne, Hastings and Sidley football manager.
Can you help Richard Walsh with information about Gerry Boon?Can you help Richard Walsh with information about Gerry Boon?
Can you help Richard Walsh with information about Gerry Boon?

Richard Walsh wants to hear from anyone who can tell him anything about Gerry Boon, who died in 2009.

He told us: “It’s for a booklet I am hoping to publish to mark the 60th anniversary of Tunbridge Wells United reaching the first round of the FA Cup in 1961-62.

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“I was a young teenager at that time and watched all of the matches home and away, which has left a lasting impression on me and led to me producing the book, which is very much a labour of love.

“In that run to the first round, the last time the club got there, Tunbridge Wells United beat Maidstone at home, followed by Tonbridge, Eastbourne United and Crawley, all away before being knocked out at Aldershot in the first round.

“Tunbridge Wells were bottom of the Southern League Division One and had not won a league game match and yet won four on the bounce in the FA Cup.

“I am hoping to include a biographical piece and picture about each of the Tunbridge Wells United players who appeared in the cup run.

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“I have been fortunate enough to track down and talk to five of those who appeared for Tunbridge Wells and collated information from a variety of sources for most of the others,

“However I am struggling to find out very much about Gerry Boon who played as centre half in all five of the matches.

“Gerry was born in February 1934 but I have no information about him until he signed for Tunbridge Wells from Dover at the start of the 1961-62 campaign. Nor do I know where he moved to from Tunbridge Wells.

“I believe he later managed one of the Eastbourne sides at one stage before being in charge at Hastings United which is also where I think he started his career, and later managed Sidley United.

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“Sadly he died in June 2009. He was cremated at Eastbourne and the wake was held at Cooden Beach Golf Club.

"I am hoping a reader may be able to fill in some of the details about Gerry’s playing career and his management years. If anyone has a pictire of him from his playing days that would be even better.”

Anyone with details can email Richard - richard [email protected]

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