Yeltz to mark former star's passing

Halesown Town are holding a minute's silence before Tuesday night's match against Kidsgrove Athletic in tribute to former player Neil Moore.

Moore passed away aged 51 in hospital last Thursday and his funeral has yet to be arranged.

The popular right back and father of two played for the Yeltz in the 1980s, making 186 starts after being signed by then manager Paddy Page in August 1985.

The Yelz star is best remembered by supporters at the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club for his heroics in three of Halesowen's last FA Vase Finals appearances, including their 3-0 victory over Southall at Wembley in May 1986.

A sales manager, who lived with his family in Brierley Hill, he was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football, cricket and boxing.

Moore's family, including his wife of 21 years, Nicola, will be at Tuesday's game as supporters mourn her family's loss. She told the Halesowen News website: "Neil really enjoyed his time at Halesowen Town. He made a lot of friends through football who he stayed in touch with."

Moore's former team-mates paid tribute to him as the club prepared to mourn his passing with supporters.

John Woodhouse, who captained the 1980s Vase side, said: "Neil was a very good player - one of the best we had at that time and probably never really fulfilled what he was capable of. He was also a smashing chap to know and got on really well with everyone."

Former team-mate Mark Penn, also paid tribute. "Neil was one of the boys, a real character and was good in the dressing room. As a player he really had the potential to play at a higher level. He was a great talent."

A Halesowen Town spokesman said: "It is with deep regret that Halesowen Town Football Club hears of the passing away of our former player Neil Moore. Our condolensces go to Neil's family and friends at this very sad time."

Donations are now being collected in the player's memory for the intensive care unit at Russells Hall Hospital where he died. They can be made through funeral directors J.T Brookes & Co of Brierley Hill.