On Friday, 22nd August, we learned of the death of one of this club’s most committed supporters, Stuart Nadal.
Stuart’s support of the club, as Wellington Town, Telford United and AFC Telford United, covered more than six decades, right up until his passing at the age of 78.
Both home and away, Stuart followed our club with a dedication that was widely recognised, amongst fellow supporters, board members, staff and volunteers, and of course by the players.
Stuart held a proud and never to be repeated record of attending every FA Trophy tie played by the club since the inception of the competition for the 1969/70 season, a phenomenal achievement.
Stuart may not have always agreed with the club or how things were being done; however, those feelings stemmed from a desire for the club to be the best it could be. His backing for the players that took the field didn’t waver – if they wore the Lillywhite shirt, he’d want them to succeed.
Stuart made countless friends through a shared interest and passion for our club, friendships that lasted until the day of his passing. He passed his love of the club to his son, Michael, who continues to support the club despite making his home in Lancashire, and who is here today as we pay tribute to Stuart.
We received many warm recollections and tributes to Stuart on social media. Michael paid his own tribute to his father, and we share some of his words here:
“Stuart Kenneth Vaughan Nadal died peacefully on Friday evening in hospital with mum at his side.
Despite having health challenges in the last few years after his heart attack seven years ago, he treated every single day as extra time and enjoyed his life in the only way he knew.
Dad loved us with all his heart; I know that from chats we’d had in the last few weeks.
He valued simple manners and respect and had a tremendous work ethic. He represented Wellington Cricket Club as a player and vice president, and also GKN Sankey in his earlier years.
His support of this football club went beyond the realms of normal behaviour, but he had an immense loyalty to the club he loved.
He will be greatly missed, but the pain has now gone, and he’s reunited with his mum and dad.
Thank you to everyone who has already reached out to us and shared memories. Please continue to do so; it helps us to smile and remember what he was all about.”
Stuart has a commemorative brick at the SEAH Stadium which simply says ‘Nadal’s’- Pride and Passion’, and the symbolism of this feels appropriate. Stuart was a brick, the sort of person our football club exists for and because of. We are fortunate to have many of them, but each is unique. Stuart was unique, and we will miss him.
We’d like to express our sincere condolences and pass on our good wishes to all of Stuart’s family, to his friends, and to anyone who enjoyed his company, particularly when it came to supporting the Bucks.
Finally, we’d like to say ‘Thank you, Stuart’ – for an interest in a football club that became a lifelong commitment. When we lose supporters, perhaps a tiny part of us is lost too, but we are grateful that he found something here that kept him coming back; that means as much to us as any victory on the pitch.
Funeral Details
A message from Michael:
The time since Dad passed away has been difficult; however, the kindness, stories and support has been so helpful to us all.
Dad (Stuart Nadal)’s funeral will be on Friday, 26th September at 12.30 pm at Telford Crematorium, and followed by a wake at Wellington Cricket Club.
Family flowers only.
Stuart was incredibly appreciative of the care he received 7 years ago when his life was saved by a local person and a defibrillator.
We are still researching the best way to support the purchase and location of a local community defibrillator in Wellington to help save more lives.
Therefore, any donations will support this. 🤍🖤
