Tributes to Town fan who died at match

GRIEVING friends have paid tribute to an ex-goalkeeper who suffered a fatal heart attack while cheering on his beloved Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Tributes have been paid to Matthew “Jock” Wilson, of Sudbury, who collapsed and died on Saturday from a heart attack as he stood in the upper tiers of the North Stand.

Mr Wilson, 78, was a long-time fan of Ipswich as well as having had a career in the 1950s as a dedicated goalkeeper with his home team, Sudbury Town FC, and later with nearby Long Melford FC.

Ron Wilson, who followed his father into the business of roofing, said he would remember him as an unstinting sportsman with a large family.

He said: “He did a lot for Sudbury Town. He was a hard man who followed all football and was heavily involved in Sudbury Town.”

Danny Crosbie a former director of Sudbury Town and a director of its successor, AFC Sudbury, said: “He was a very well known and friendly guy - I am sure given the choice he would have wanted to die watching football.”

Arthur Kemp, who played alongside Mr Wilson at Long Melford FC, said: “He was rugged not a finesse player. He liked confrontation, a melee, and the back chat but you could rely on him.

“He was Scottish by birth and a hard man who was not put off by others. A good team man and one of the old school.”

Mr Wilson had been unwell for some time but did not allow his health to prevent him from following sport. He also worked as a retained firefighter and managed a builders' supplies yard in Sudbury.

Terry Baxter, spokesman for Ipswich Town, said: “We are terribly sad to hear the news of this incident. Our thoughts are very much with Mr Wilson's family and friends at this time.”

Mr Wilson leaves a wife, Diane, and ten children, including a stepdaughter in Australia and two foster children.