Football's tributes to Balchie: Terrific ability on pitch - and a great man off it

The football community's tributes to Paul Balch have been heartfelt - and huge in number.
Paul and his old Bexhill Town teammatesPaul and his old Bexhill Town teammates
Paul and his old Bexhill Town teammates

Paul, who has passed away six months after being diagnosed with brain cancer, played for Sidley United for many years, winning the County League and John O’Hara Cup double in 2000-01.

He also played for Bexhill Town and Langney Sports (the former name for Eastbourne Borough), Lewes and Hailsham Town, among other clubs.

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An extremely fit player, he was also a very decent runner and clocked some terrific times in the Hastings Half Marathon. He was very popular and tributes came from across the sporting community following his passing.

Harrow, Crowhurst Cup winners in 1990-91  Paul is shown between his lifelong best friends who he went to Silverdale School with, Heath West and Wayne FarrierHarrow, Crowhurst Cup winners in 1990-91  Paul is shown between his lifelong best friends who he went to Silverdale School with, Heath West and Wayne Farrier
Harrow, Crowhurst Cup winners in 1990-91 Paul is shown between his lifelong best friends who he went to Silverdale School with, Heath West and Wayne Farrier

Hastings United FC said on Twitter: “All at Hastings United are deeply saddened by the news of Paul Balch passing. Our thoughts are with his Sharon, Grace, Imogen, Max and all of his family and friends at this sad time. A very inspirational man. Rest in peace.”

Hailsham Town chairman Stuart Fairway said: “RIP Paul Balch. Very sad to hear this news. Paul, who played in midfield for us, was an excellent player who I remember from when I first started going to the club in the 90s. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and former clubs.”

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Sidley tweeted: “We are immensely saddened to hear of the passing of Paul. A Sidley great over the years if ever there was one, terrific ability and skill on the pitch and a top-class man off it... will never forget his goal from the halfway line against Arundel. RIP Paul.”

Paul with Stamco FC, Hastings Senior Cup winners in 1989-90Paul with Stamco FC, Hastings Senior Cup winners in 1989-90
Paul with Stamco FC, Hastings Senior Cup winners in 1989-90

Hollington Utd manager Scott Price tweeted: “RIP Balchie, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.” Price told the Observer: “I played with Paul at Bexhill Town.

“I remember him as a senior player while I was merely a 15-year-old making my debut and he was the one who took it upon himself to make sure I was okay.

“He was also the first player to congratulate me afterwards after the game. That was 30 years ago and to this day it’s as clear as yesterday.

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“But that was just Balchie’s way, he genuinely was the nicest guy you’d ever meet. The town has certainly lost a special person.”

Paul always played football with a smile on his facePaul always played football with a smile on his face
Paul always played football with a smile on his face

Neil Phillips wrote: “I first met Paul 30 odd years ago while I was a young upstart making my way into the Bexhill Town first team.

“Paul made me feel like one of the lads from day one. I know it’s a cliche, but he really was one of the nicest men you could ever meet. After Bexhill , we seemed to go to the same teams (Stamco, Langney) but sadly not at the same time. But every time we bumped into each he always had that beaming smile on his face. He really was a top, top man and he’ll be sorely missed.”

Ross Standen, formerly at Lewes FC and now at Whitehawk, said: “I’m gutted to hear this, even though I hadn’t seen him since playing days finished. He was a great player and more so a great man when I played at Lewes with him. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

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Other tributes paid included this from Steve Smithers: “What a gentleman, he will be sadly missed. And I’m proud to have known him and called him a friend. My heart goes out to his family.” Trevor Ramsden said: “Such a great sportsman and person.”

Shane Ridgers said: “People often say the words ‘one of the nicest people I know’ which isn’t always true but that statement is without question what Paul was. Football, fire service, golf - however people knew him. Rest easy Balchie.”

Duncan Kneller added: “Sorry to hear this news. What a great player he was back in the day.”

Last summer there was a fundraising drive to bring in funds to pay for Paul’s treatment, brain tumour charities and St Michael’s Hospice.

It set out to raise £5,000 –and brought in £27,000.

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Now, as reported in the story linked above, his family hope many people will ensure his legacy is a lasting one by backing the campaign to secure better funding for research into the disease he suffered from.

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