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General Category => Altrincham FC First Team => Topic started by: Mrs Warbouys on August 10, 2020, 11:44:21 AM
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I’m sorry to have to bring this devastating news to people. But sadly our good friend Mark (Ecky) passed away this morning. He was peaceful and pain free and Jane was with him. Jane has asked if I could let all his friends that she does not know aware of the sad news. I realise this is an impersonal approach but it’s a swift way of letting as many people as possible aware. This is devastating, and so hard to get your head around especially so quickly after the loss of Martin. Rest easy mate, I’ll miss the daily daftness greatly. And a great unsung volunteer at this football club
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Absolutely gutted at the death of one of my very favourite people.
He was my grandson's godfather, and it's only seven years since he was with Martin and I at Anfield to watch Ciaran in a schools tournament. Now there's only me left from the three of us. It's so unjust.
He put up such a courageous struggle for so long that I always clung to the faint belief that he'd somehow come through it, but it was never really going to happen.
Rest in Peace mate, you were loved by so many people, and your memory will live with all of us for the rest of our lives.
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Devastating news remember all the away trips on the coach and the many conversations we had Another very sad day for AFC
RIP Mark
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Terrible news.
RIP
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In tears..
Ecky is a legend..a giant in SAFE and continued contributing as a supporter with the coaches despite this horrible F*#ing illness that just wouldnt go away.
I am deeply upset at this news...respected the guy so much....loved his upbeat ironic hospital ward tweets....Xmas isnt xmas till he gets his card to Jane and ??????
Heaven Alty will be cheering mind.
RIP Ecky a more decent funny genuine guy you will never meet.
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Awful news, RIP Ecky
My deepest Condolences to family and friends
:'(
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Absolutely gutting. One of the most genuine people you'd ever meet.
The only person who could put a 7-0 defeat to Crawley into some sort of perspective. A person who would think nothing of driving to Dover on a Tuesday night.
His hatred of the Fleetwood cod will always stay with me.
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Heartbreaking news. Mark was a friend but also a massive supporter of this football club - his contribution to Altrincham can't be underestimated. We've experienced such highs over the last few months but also the devastation of losing Mark, George and other stalwarts recently contrasts sharply. Difficult to put in to words. RIP Mark and much love to your family :'(
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So sad to hear that this lovely man a left us R.I.P Ecky
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Tragic news. Such a lovely funny guy who made some very long coach journeys to some dreadful games fly by. RIP Ecky, I guess you've won our game of ill top trumps
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such terrible news... this man has given so much to the club over the years, an absolute legend with a heart of gold, RIP
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I remember Ecky, Beez and a few of us London lot on the Tuesday night Trophy tie down at Bognor, the one we’re they thawed out the pitch with car headlamps. Pitch like an ice rink & we lost. Obviously. Round a few pubs in the town centre beforehand, collectively questioning our sanity but all knowing deep down we wanted to be there. Ecky must be known to every Alty fan of the last 30 years & gave so much of his time & effort to the club. Fitting at least that the last game we played before his passing we went back to the National. An absolute diamond of a bloke, RIP Ecky.
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Very sad news indeed. R.I.P. Mark.
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What terrible news. RIP and thoughts with Mark's family and friends.
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Such terrible news at a time when there are so many positives at the club.
Words cannot describe how unfair things are - such a good guy.
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Shocked another loyal fan gone.
Very sad news indeed,Condolences to Marks family
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A lovely lovely man. His deep and abounding love for this football club was obvious for everyone to see.
Taken from us way too soon, and there's another space on the terraces and on the coach that cannot be filled.
Rest In Peace Mark - and thank you for everything you have done for this club we all love
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went and found Ecky's Gateshead car story and hope it's appropriate to paste it in tribute below..says so much about him...
Story comes about due to my hopeless addiction for watching Alty and a bit of a tight boss.
Its the Bob Lord trophy circa 93-94(?), Gateshead v Alty. Always the worst cup in the days before we knew the presidents cup etc. We are 3-1 down from the first leg and always get beat at Gateshead, basically if I had a house I would have put it on us losing again.
My boss won't let me leave until 5 o'clock, but undeterred I jump in the Maestro (B124 UNE)on me own and head off as fast as I can. Absolutely flying towards the A1, weaving like the red arrows and when on it I just put my foot to the floor. The car would do 94 if you put both feet on the accelerator although the shake from the steering wheel make your teeth knock together and you knuckkes went white due to gripping the steering wheel so hard but on I went.
Didnt have a clue where i was going but headed for Gateshead and had an atlas and some programme directions. As I approached the town (still doing 94) I was map reading with it on my knee whilst driving (it may have been me who invented Police, camera, action and the quote of "look at this idiot map reading at 90 in a built up area"). Only slowing for speed cameras I headed for the international stadium.
I arived to find the car park full due to a big event at the sports centre bit of the ground, so dumped the car in the middle of the car park and ran in. Still in messy painted up work gear I ran to the top of the steps and, as if he had been waiting for me, the ref blew the whistle and the game started. It was as bad as expected and we lost 3-1 (agg 6-2). The game seemed to last ten minutes and before I knew it I was back in the car and ready to go home again. I remember standing with Andy A both in our own cars on our own laughing at how much petrol we had used and how it might be an idea to communcate next time.
Setting off back and coming down the M62 (I think) fog started to roll in off the fields next to the motorway and I could not see a thing. I remember thinking that this is what suicidal people must feel like.
As I attempted to drive the radio was getting quieter (no FM on it, just MW/LW with big preset button on the front and only fast forward on the tape) so I kept turning it up and I was getting more and more tired. Then the lights started to dim on the dashboard and the radio went off. Now I know nothing about cars at all you see. So I carried on and really just wanted to get home and never wake up again.
Made it to Washway Road and by now everything has gone off, no dashboard lights, heater, radio nothing. I only realise by the fact that everyone is flashing me that I have done the last 60 miles without lights. So as 50 people tell me to put my lights on and I try and tell them they don't work but i'm not arsed (whats the hand signal for that?) , I plod on down Washway Road.
There is a terrible knocking sound from the engine as well that i had been masking by having Atlantic 252 on very loud.
I have had to slow down so its about 1 o'clock now and I'm just trying to make it home without passing any old bill and I get as far as Barrington Road lights and just pray that there are not any coppers in sight. As I fly through the lights the first car is obviously the police. I try and belt it round the corner past the George and Dragon but before long the blue lights are flashing and he pulls me over into that little road next to the Cresta.
Trying to act surprised when he said I had no lights on, I went the front of the car and scratched my head. When I opened the bonnet I realised that the fan belt had melted.
As the copper and his mate had a good laugh at the Maestro, and refused to believe it was MOT'd, I just sat there wondering whether I was officially mad. After issuing my producer, they left. I thought sod it, I'm still driving home not realising that when I turned the key there was no ignition and I was stranded.
Five minutes later they came back and said I couldnt leave the car there as it was on double yellow lines!! As I lost it and said I wouldnt have been there if they hadn't stopped me they went off laughing. I kicked the car and called me Dad who reminded me I was in the RAC and asked why i had woke him up at half two when they worked 24 hours a day.
RAC took an hour, home at 4, up at seven and its one of the few times I have thought that watching City/United must be easier than this.
RIP mate
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Terrible news. Mark really helped me get into watching Alty. I remember him driving me and Jack Jolly to midweek games at Runcorn and Curzon Ashton in about 2010. A really warm and funny guy who was also in charge of me at one point when I worked at Cotton Traders.
Glad he got to see us promoted.
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So unbelievably sad.
I was lucky enough to spend a couple of hours in his company about a month ago and, as ever, I was humbled by his courage and wonderful humour in the face of the most adverse situation one can possibly imagine.
One of the funniest, bravest and all round nicest people you could possibly wish to meet. It's been a privilege to call this man my friend and I am grateful for all the happy memories over so many years.
RIP Ecky x
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Such terrible and tragic news at a time of such positivity for the club.
As much as I'm gutted for him that he didn't get to see us give the Conference another shot, I'm glad he went out whilst we were on a high.
R.I.P Ecky.
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Such sad news so gutted he is a legend of a supporter and did so much for the club
Really decent lad with a heart of gold
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What a warm friendly bloke, I chatted to him once queing for a burger at Kiddy in the 90's. From then on he always shouted over as I walked across the Golf Road Terrace to the Pop side.
R.I.P mate, I never really knew you but I'll miss the wave and shout.
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I came to know mark through Alty and Stamford park . I must have been about 14 maybe and him 12 ? Another giant is lost to us. He fought so hard . So brave . RIP mate . It's hard looking at old photos as you get older and seeing those you grew up with watching Alty leaving you
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Just really sad. Too many good one's are being taken before their time. Absolutely loved this club and just a true gent. My thoughts are with his family. Alty lose another huge fan. Gutted.
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went and found Ecky's Gateshead car story and hope it's appropriate to paste it in tribute below..says so much about him...
Story comes about due to my hopeless addiction for watching Alty and a bit of a tight boss.
Its the Bob Lord trophy circa 93-94(?), Gateshead v Alty. Always the worst cup in the days before we knew the presidents cup etc. We are 3-1 down from the first leg and always get beat at Gateshead, basically if I had a house I would have put it on us losing again.
My boss won't let me leave until 5 o'clock, but undeterred I jump in the Maestro (B124 UNE)on me own and head off as fast as I can. Absolutely flying towards the A1, weaving like the red arrows and when on it I just put my foot to the floor. The car would do 94 if you put both feet on the accelerator although the shake from the steering wheel make your teeth knock together and you knuckkes went white due to gripping the steering wheel so hard but on I went.
Didnt have a clue where i was going but headed for Gateshead and had an atlas and some programme directions. As I approached the town (still doing 94) I was map reading with it on my knee whilst driving (it may have been me who invented Police, camera, action and the quote of "look at this idiot map reading at 90 in a built up area"). Only slowing for speed cameras I headed for the international stadium.
I arived to find the car park full due to a big event at the sports centre bit of the ground, so dumped the car in the middle of the car park and ran in. Still in messy painted up work gear I ran to the top of the steps and, as if he had been waiting for me, the ref blew the whistle and the game started. It was as bad as expected and we lost 3-1 (agg 6-2). The game seemed to last ten minutes and before I knew it I was back in the car and ready to go home again. I remember standing with Andy A both in our own cars on our own laughing at how much petrol we had used and how it might be an idea to communcate next time.
Setting off back and coming down the M62 (I think) fog started to roll in off the fields next to the motorway and I could not see a thing. I remember thinking that this is what suicidal people must feel like.
As I attempted to drive the radio was getting quieter (no FM on it, just MW/LW with big preset button on the front and only fast forward on the tape) so I kept turning it up and I was getting more and more tired. Then the lights started to dim on the dashboard and the radio went off. Now I know nothing about cars at all you see. So I carried on and really just wanted to get home and never wake up again.
Made it to Washway Road and by now everything has gone off, no dashboard lights, heater, radio nothing. I only realise by the fact that everyone is flashing me that I have done the last 60 miles without lights. So as 50 people tell me to put my lights on and I try and tell them they don't work but i'm not arsed (whats the hand signal for that?) , I plod on down Washway Road.
There is a terrible knocking sound from the engine as well that i had been masking by having Atlantic 252 on very loud.
I have had to slow down so its about 1 o'clock now and I'm just trying to make it home without passing any old bill and I get as far as Barrington Road lights and just pray that there are not any coppers in sight. As I fly through the lights the first car is obviously the police. I try and belt it round the corner past the George and Dragon but before long the blue lights are flashing and he pulls me over into that little road next to the Cresta.
Trying to act surprised when he said I had no lights on, I went the front of the car and scratched my head. When I opened the bonnet I realised that the fan belt had melted.
As the copper and his mate had a good laugh at the Maestro, and refused to believe it was MOT'd, I just sat there wondering whether I was officially mad. After issuing my producer, they left. I thought sod it, I'm still driving home not realising that when I turned the key there was no ignition and I was stranded.
Five minutes later they came back and said I couldnt leave the car there as it was on double yellow lines!! As I lost it and said I wouldnt have been there if they hadn't stopped me they went off laughing. I kicked the car and called me Dad who reminded me I was in the RAC and asked why i had woke him up at half two when they worked 24 hours a day.
RAC took an hour, home at 4, up at seven and its one of the few times I have thought that watching City/United must be easier than this.
RIP mate
He did like a mechanics bill!
Mark was the big guy I could spot to check if I was heading to the right end.
We certainly are on a bad run on the terraces.
He will be sorely missed by all.
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Terrible terrible news. I know that Mark and I were about the same age. I remember seeing him about the terraces when we were just kids. I didn't speak often enough really with Mark but he always came across as a thoroughly lovely guy. Gone much much too soon. Another one I will be looking over my shoulder to find at future matches.
Rest in peace Mark.
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RIP sending thoughts to all family and friends
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Awful news, always such a lovely and devoted fan and tremendous supporter of the club. I know he has been fighting hard for sometime but this terrible news is still hard to take in.
RIP Ecky we will all miss you greatly.
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So sad to hear this news, Mark was a lovely popular fellow with all Alty Fans. I enjoyed his postings on this website, always the voice of common sense and reason.
A very sad loss to the club as we have all lost a dear friend. Though I am much older than Mark and were part of different supporters groups, we always chatted whenever we met up at the ground, or for away games.
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Sad news indeed big man big heart, I got to know Ecky more when i took over as Chief steward and i used to ask him for his advice
on big games or even the smaller games if there was problems he was the one to approach me to sort things out.
his courage via his funny tweets about his treatment made us all laugh.
RIP Mate condolences to Jayne and your family.
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Condolences to Mark’s family.
I didn’t know him personally but I’d like to express my appreciation not just for his role in organising the away coach but also his annual effort in helping to cobble together the supporters team for that most important season finale that was the staff vs the supporters game. RIP
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Sorry to read this news. A great club man and a memorable and entertaining forum poster, who was never short of something to say (this coming as a non-Alty fan). My sincere condolences to both his family and his fellow Robins. The guy will be missed.
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Such devastating news and such a fantastic lad. He didn't need any reason to be friendly to you other than that you were a fellow Alty fan, and his devotion to the club was incredible.
To me Mark was as much a leader as Kingy, Carmody or Parkinson. If it wasn't for Mark and one or two others the club would have died in the 90s and several times since, but it was his passion and his determination to represent the club home and away on the terraces, behind the scenes and to the board that helped to keep the fires burning through some very dark days.
This is the saddest news I have heard in a long time - I will miss him as will everyone - and my heart and condolences go out to all of his family.
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Every now and again you hear some news where you just exclaim without thinking, "God, no!"
A real and true pillar of the club who will be deeply missed by us all. He is the 2nd great character and figurehead I have known who has lost his life within the week; truly heartbreaking.
I know he had so many close friends at the club (and beyond) and I offer those and his family my deepest condolences.
R.I.P. an Alty legend
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My sincere condolences to his family and friends (and, in particular relation to the latter category, those contemporaries of his who have over three decades of memories of standing alongside Ecky on numerous terraces around the country).
Most of us simply blend into the Altrincham FC fanbase. Ecky transcended it.
From his countless efforts in the cause of SAFE in the 1990s to organising more coaches than Geoff Goodwin, via a spell as the supporters' representative on the board and the club's commercial manager during those testing times in the Unibond League when HMRC hovered over the club like a famished vulture, he certainly witnessed a range of highs and lows. Consequently, I was so pleased to hear that he was able to enjoy the Robins' recent triumph at Boston United.
His insightful and entertaining posts on the Alty forum were always worth reading and his trenchant wit managed to raise many a laugh and lift spirits during some dark times. If anyone could cheer you up in the Noel White Suite after a home defeat against Bamber Bridge on a Tuesday night, it was Ecky.
As a habitual main stand dweller, it was when he became the match announcer from the confines of the press box that I got to know him much better. His informed viewpoint on the latest developments at the club was always worth eliciting.
In more recent times, I can only express my admiration for the manner in which he conducted himself during the various torturous treatments for cancer that he endured. His text messages and tweets repeatedly exhibited his resilience, courage, dignity and that indefatigable sense of humour.
In fact, the only time that I ever saw Ecky raise the white flag was when he was confronted by the largest portion of fish and chips that I have ever seen in my life at Eric's chippy in Shildon in September 2012.
Even though logic told you that this day was sadly inevitable, you still harboured the hope that some new medical procedure would be unearthed and his sheer fortitude would prevail to defy the odds yet again.
A great Alty FC character and, above all else, a thoroughly decent, intelligent and funny man whom it was a privilege to have known.
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This is the news I was dreading to read on the forum..
Mark (Ecky) Eckersall.. a true stalwart of Alty FC. Probably the most popular lad on the terraces. The guy was red and white through and through. A most articulate lad when commentating or summarising on Radio Robins be it a top of the table clash a reserve game or a Cheshire senior cup match.
As an exile now living in Shropshire I would make a bee line to Mark be it a home or away game just to have a chat with him.
His passion for Alty is unequalled and he will be greatly missed by so many.
I remember him putting an arm round me when I lost my Wife back in Mar 2017.
Sleep easy big man. You have been taken from us far far too early fella.
Condolences to his Wife, family and friends
Ray & Jan
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Some lovely tributes here, what more can be said?
Such a sad day for anybody connected with Alty. A genuine, kind hearted man and one of the funniest people I've ever met. Was an absolute honour to call Ecky a friend over the last 25 years.
To me, he simply was Mr Alty and had red and white striped blood running through his veins. Every high, every low, Ecky was there, a constant, calming figure, often amongst chaos
So many wonderful stories to be shared another day.
I'm just so pleased that Ecky was able to watch Alty get promoted last week, i know how much it meant to him to see us back where we belong. As we all were, he was over the moon.
Rest easy my mate. Wherever you are, I hope you and Martin are having a right laugh. I'll be raising a glass tonight.
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I feel so sad right now, I find it hard to believe (although we knew it was coming). Ecky is a great friend, all the times we’ve had (Alty and non Alty) seep into one big collective memory of enjoying being in his company. I don’t know what to say. Luckily there are literally hundreds of people here who can do so.
Life will move on eventually I suppose, although by God 2020 is testing my patience on that score, but this, yeh this right now makes it difficult for me to imagine an Alty without Ecky being present. Maybe that’s because I haven’t known it any other way for the 30 odd years I’ve known him. I’m generally loathe to say these things but I don’t think it’ll ever quite be the same again.
I’ll treasure an evening myself, Ecky, Hughesy and a couple of others spent at the ground in the 90s after we’d heard news that winding up was on its way. I don’t think it was 95, it may have been a slightly later one. We climbed in and just spent ages sat and stood in the corner of the pop side looking out at the ground talking about all the things we’d seen and done at our home. I’d trade so many things to have those chats again.
God speed mate. We love you. X
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A pleasure and a privilege to call him a friend. Not much more I can add to what has been said about him. Some great memories include
Sitting in the dugout when we got back from Stoke, looking around the ground and chatting about away end being full of Oxford, Exeter etc
His stag do at Doncaster races and Brickhouse
Numerous coach journies to random places, including him driving a minibus (or in his car as it was for Grantham)
The pre-season game at Whitchurch when I left my car at his, and I had a few too many and couldnt drive.
But one memory that stays with me was when he told me he couldn't attend my wedding as he'd recently found out about the cancer. I was gutted he couldn't come, but my heart sank when he told me that.
I know we've lost some big characters in recent years, but there will never be another Ecky
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Very sad news. R.I.P
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So upset to hear this, it really never will be the same again watching Alty, but I know he'll have been happy what the club has become now. Some of the best memories of Mark are when things were not going well and his generosity and fortitude shone through. I was going to recount the Gateshead story so I'm glad Jezza did as I'd forgotten half the details.
Instead I'll recount a couple of incidents that give a measure of the sort of man he was. The Gateshead story reminded me of when the same thing happened to me driving to St. Albans with my brother and the engine started knocking and I turned the tape up. Eventually the engine disintegrated near Crewe, and, like an idiot, I decided to plough on and get a taxi the rest of the way as I'd promised to take Paul there. I arrived late, and was allowed onto the supporters coach on the way back. I was going to pay Ecky but he refused, saying "you've spent enough today".
Some years later, after I'd stayed away from games for a couple of years and frankly behaved quite badly, he made a point of welcoming me back to Moss Lane when he saw me.
The time I sat next to him on the way back from Irthlingborough in '97, he had a bottle of vodka (the last match before drinks were banned on the coach!) and he said "everyone on here are heroes", and insisted it wasn't just the vodka, that he meant every word - and he's been as good as his word to Alty supporters over the years, where his passion for his club and his fellow supporters has always been obvious.
He was a hero himself for this club, a terrace leader always trying to get a chant going and keeping the passion alive through some very dark days. He was the sort of supporter, and man, that we could all aspire to be.
RIP Ecky
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Gutted. I remember going on many random away days mainly in the 90s, Alfreton, Gresley, Colwyn bay, Morecambe ( I think we lost 7-0 once) and Ecky was omnipresent, always positive and friendly. Although we didn’t know each other that well, he always recognised me and we knew we were part of the Alty family. Top bloke. Rip Ecky
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RIP Mark (Ecky) always had time for fans and guided a lot of younger generations though the ranks, a really top man and will be missed greatly. Always remember his enthusiasm on the supporters coaches through the unibond years.
To many legends have been lost the last few years, maybe a legends stand should be named with their names permanently at moss lane.
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Such sad news. His voice and presence will be missed greatly.
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Lovely email in to the club from Alasdair Park, a friend of mine, that I thought I'd share.
Dear The Altrincham Family,
I was deeply saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of our great friend and beacon of positivity Mark Eckersall. I was informed by my best friend Andrew Flynn and did not want to understand the words on my phone screen. A moment where the world stopped turning.
I find it hard to comprehend the scale of the loss for The Golf Road End and for the club at large. Mark was irreplaceable, a Giant of a man with a gravitational pull. You were happy simply to oscillate in his orbit for a few hours on a damp October afternoon in Stafford, Darlington or Nantwich.
I believe it to be a loss that will not only be felt at Moss Lane, but in the North West Non-League Scene at large. 'Ecky' was the embodiment of all that is good about Non-League Football. Since I moved to Vienna in 2018, a Rapid Wien Season Ticket has made top-level football far more affordable, but the levels of the pyramid in England have been hard to replace. The grounds, the coach and train journeys, the view at Matlock, the smelly terrace farts, passive smokes and pints. Of such memories is the textile of life sewn.
I often had the privilege to be Mark's companion in the coach seat next to him, a deliberate ploy on my part because it would make the afternoon immeasurably more enjoyable. Through the tears yesterday the stories all came flooding back. The Phoenix Nights quotes, the Max and Paddy impressions, 'We've got them by the b**ls here' when we were 1-nil up and looking for a second. Steve Coogan impressions were a particular favourite ‘WELCOME TO BIG SCHOOL’, regaling us with The Vauxhall Motors and Tottenham FA Cup stories for the umpteenth time or reenacting Brian Flynn’s far from neutral commentary of James Lawrie’s Play-Off Final winner, “IT’S JAMES LAWRIE, IT’S JAMES F***CKIN LAWRIE”.
It was Ecky's humour that will abide, the soundbites that flowed over the top of our heads from the back of ‘The Golf Road’: "It's liquid, It's liquid", for when we were knocking the ball about with aplomb or the time-honoured "He's just kicked that!", when a below average opposition defender somehow succeeded with a raking Juan Sebastian Veron style 50-yard raking ball with backspin. Talking of the number 50, "50p HEAD!" will remain a classic, for use when an opposition header was about to clear a high ball forward unopposed and Ecky somehow believed comparing his head to the heptagon-shaped coin would somehow lead to a misjudgment and an Alty throw-in, which it admittedly did on many an occasion.
The moment that meant the most to me was Wimbledon Away which looking back must have been Saturday March 6th 2010, a 1-1 draw to leave us top of the Jack Jolly patented ‘part-time mini-league’ in 14th place in the Conference National. I was being egged on to start songs that afternoon and in my youthful exuberance attempted to start one I'd thought up myself:
A-L-T
R-I-N-C
H-A-M
WE'RE ALTY FC!!
Understandably, nobody joined in but high on my right hand side I heard 'Good Parky, Good Parky, I like that'. My 15-year old self was thrilled to get such a vote of confidence from the conductor, the main man, Big Bird. The soundtrack to that afternoon was Ecky imploring our wide players to win a sneaky penalty with the booming instruction 'BOX AND DIVE BOX AND DIVE!!' from the back of the stand at Plough Lane. Mark was never one for cheating, but the winning of questionable penalties on the quest to stay in The Conference was never high up on the list of sins. The match ended 1-1 and the equalizer did come from the spot.
Darlington Away the season after is also an afternoon for the ages. Damian Reeves, as so often in his time in WA15, had put us 1-0 up in the closing stages as we edged towards a patented Smash and Grab Raid on the Road. From then on we all, Ecky included, started celebrating Free Kicks and Goal Kicks as if we had stretched our barely deserved lead. “OURSS, IT’SSS OURS THAT! YASSS’”.
As any football fan can empathise, time slips on interminably as in a vacuum as soon as your team have the lead, your life flashing before your eyes in the six minutes of added time. “SIX MINUTES, WHERE’S THAT COME FROM REF, IT’S QUARTER TO BLEEDING TEN AND I WANT TO GO HOME?!” Ecky made those times of stomach somersaults so much more bearable.
In recent times the club has had to say goodbye to many integral individuals. The Golf Road End in the Sky will now welcome a man we all loved and whose memory we will forever cherish. Mark, enjoy the heavenly Greasy Chip Butties.
My heartfelt condolences go to Jane, Tyler and Connor at this desperately sad time. Thank you for allowing us to share our rain-sodden Saturday afternoons and floodlit Tuesdays in uncovered terraces with the man you simply called Husband and Dad.
Yours in Football,
Alasdair Park
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As people have come up with some favourite stories involving Mark, here are a couple of mine.
Ecky kindly helping with my seatbelt on an away coach, trying to get it across my girth. My excuse was that it was stuck, but I still laugh now at the accompanying cheers from the other fans as we battled to clunk-click. He came over when he saw me struggling, without being asked. Care from fellow members of the Alty Family, that's all I can say.
Ecky's rant at Dennis B, who was complaining that he did not have time for dinner as the coach departure time was too early for an away match. Said in anger he was having cow pie with the horns stuck out of the crust etc. Really funny posting, made me laugh.
Most of Ecky's postings spoke volumes of common sense, and also reflected his intelligence, and knowledge of the club and the way it ticked. He always said ride the storm during the bad times, and the good times will eventually show. I am so glad he got to see this final one against Boston.
Rest in peace Ecky, we will all miss you and the club will not be the same without you on the terraces.
Can the Golf Road end be re-named the Mark Eckersall stand? He loved standing to the right of the goals with his mates. Sorry if this is not agreeable or causes offence.
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Incredibly sad news. A lovely man, one of the most genuinely warm and positive people I’ve known, and someone who always wanted the best for the football club.
As all the tributes above prove, Ecky had a personality and presence that eclipsed everything else. He had (or made) time for everyone, regardless of generation, friendship group, or where in the ground they stood/sat. And he cared passionately not just for the club, but for every single Alty fan.
I remember when, in Lee Sinnott’s first season, I had an ‘accident’ at Harrogate on the opening day and broke both my leg and my foot. We were away at Vauxhall Motors 10 days later on the Tuesday. When Ecky contacted me to see how I was and he found out I was struggling to get there on the crutches, he insisted on coming to my house to collect me in his car after work, drove us both to the Vine to get on the supporters coach, and then got the coach to detour and drop me outside my house on the way home.
What’s special about that isn’t because it was me, but because we all know he would have gone to exactly the same effort for literally any other Alty fan. Just to get them there and have an extra voice in the ground to cheer on the lads.
I think we drew.
I first saw for myself how much he lived and breathed the football club towards the end of the 90s, during what would have been my extended summer break after leaving school post-GCSE’s or A-levels, I ended up spending at lot of my free days at the ground doing odd jobs. I hadn’t realised previously, but Ecky was driving across from work in Broadheath every day just to eat his lunch at the ground, and have a chat with Bernard, or whoever else was around. He simply wanted to be there, matchday or not.
It’s no exaggeration to say that a big part of the Golf Road End passed with him this week, but it’s a part that will never be forgotten. I know how pleased he was last weekend when we were promoted and, although it’s heart breaking that he won’t get the opportunity to see the burning ambition at the club fulfilled, hopefully he can rest easy in the knowledge that the club is heading in such a positive direction both on and off the pitch.
All my thoughts and prayers are with Jane and the boys at this difficult time.
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RIP Mark.
Top bloke true Alty legend.
I remember in our first season under parky taking me my misss and my step son to Barwell away, there first away trip, us going cross country through a farmers field and you making them feel at ease as if that was part of the trip.
True Alty Legend.
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Amazing to see he made the front page of the messenger . If you could show it him I could have imagined him saying . No way mate !! And laughing x