All of us at Phoenix FM were very sad to hear of the passing of Nigel Harris, one of Billericay Town’s biggest supporters over the last four decades. Mark Kettlety offers his own tribute, which will also be distributed at the Boxing Day match v Thurrock. RIP Nigel.
I sit here with a very heavy heart on Christmas Eve penning this tribute to our friend and fellow Billericay Town FC supporter Nigel Harris, who was sadly taken from us on Friday night/Saturday morning.
It is always difficult to express sufficient words on occasions like this but to say we were shocked is a vast understatement and myself having to break the news to many people on Saturday was probably the hardest task I have ever had to do. It was felt by the whole club just hours before our big game at Burgess Hill Town. From the owners of the club, Management staff, players and supporters, everyone found the whole day sombre and emotional and I have no idea how we managed to pick up the 3 points following the news.
As the Boxing Day Match Programmes were already printed, I decided to publish this 4 page tribute, although I could easily have filled 40 pages, such is the heartfelt loss within the club and the town as a whole.
At the time of writing, I do not know any details of funeral arrangements until I speak to Nigel’s family, but please check the club’s website and social media for news of this.
What we do know is that we will be holding an official wake at The AGP Arena clubhouse very soon. Again details will be issued in due course.
As a mark of tribute, we will have a minutes applause in the 57th minute (Nigel’s age) and we thank you in advance for joining in with us.
God bless and thank you.
Mark Kettlety
More tributes from players, staff and fans:
NickyHayesPhotos
My highlight on a sad day for BTFC losing one of our own special fans was a selection of Billericay supporters singing “One Nigel Harris, there’s only one Nigel Harris” ….Nice Touch guys…RIP Nigel.
Danny Hazle
RIP Nigel Harris, billericay legend and a non league supporter. That one’s for you today. Great support from our fans today.
Paul Jennings
Very sad today to hear of the passing of our friend Nigel. He made me laugh many times both intentionally and unintentionally and he will be sorely missed. I raise a glass to him tonight with a tear in my eye. Cheers Nige!
Nigel Howe
RIP Nigel, miss u mate
Billy Bricknell
RIP Nigel
Neil Goliath Grove
R.I.P. Nigel…
Joe Varty
Sleep tight Nigel. You’ve left a huge void in many peoples lives. Keep shining bright wherever you are now mate @BTFC will do you proud
Jake Robinson
Would like to dedicate my part in today’s win to Nigel Harris. A lovely man who I enjoyed speaking to every home game in my short time at Billericay. RIP Nigel.
Rob Debenham
Lovely words Jake. He was an iconic figure around the club for years. Well loved.
BTFC Unofficial
I remember a home match he wasn’t at, it was the main topic of discussion. When I first started going to New Lodge I stood with Nige, Keith and the lads. Happy days.
Ricay Fan Zone
Always put a smile on people faces. Every home/away game I’ve been he was there absolute legend and a true blue.
Izzy Unite
So many stories shared today about Nigel. He will be missed by so many. But thinking about him will always put a smile on my face. So many stories. So many memories.
BTFCNorge
Completly shocked and devastated hearing about Nigel Harris’ death. It will be strange walking into the clubhouse on my next visit and not seeing him around. Small in height, but a giant as a supporter. R.I.P. Nigel.
Jack Williams
R.I.P Nigel. A genuinely nice man and friendly face at every game. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Billericay Town FC
Today’s Match is dedicated to Nigel Harris who sadly passed away last night. One of the true supporters who’s hardly missed a game since the 1970’s. You will be sadly missed by all at Billericay Town our deepest condolences go out to all his friends and family.
Neil Gardener
RIP Nigel! What a lovely man! Who loved his club! Always see him in the high street. Loved talking about his team. Very sad day
Jon Read (Chelmsford City FC)
Terrible news, a real shock. Nigel helped @OfficialClarets during the groundshare and I got to know him a bit. Lovely man, passionate about grassroots footy who will be sadly missed by many.
Chelmsford City FC
The thoughts and prayers from all at Chelmsford City Football Club go to Nigel’s friends and family at this time.
HarryParker’sOpFund
R.I.P Nigel Harris, taken too soon mate, makes you realise how short life is.
Harry Wheeler
Owed the fans that 2nd half performance. Players showed good character and made sure the job was done so we could complete our objective of staying top at Christmas. That one was for Nigel Harris, everyone at the club will miss you.
Mark Baker
Totally shocked to hear about Nigel..certainly had blue blood, truly loyal fan. Always remember him when I was a kid watching the game up the front with us! Great memory of Nigel performing Eminem’s ‘Slim Shady’ on the karaoke at the old White Hart pub quiz. RIP Nigel.
Mark Mattholie
Today was for you little Nige. Will be sadly missed. RIP
Jamie O’Hara
R.I.P mate will be badly missed
BTFC Unofficial
Shocked by today’s news. Little Nigel was one of the faces at the club and the place won’t be the same without him.
Andy Cosias
I’m absolutely gutted at the loss of a lovely lovely man RIP mate
BillericayPatriot
Such a sad day but so many funny memories. A true blue legend
Danny Hazle
2-0 down 3-1 down. Unbelievable character to come back and win 4-3. RIP Nigel Harris, Billericay Towns number 1 fan. Will be missed by all the at the blue family. In honour of this man we go on to win the league for this man. Everybody to come Boxing Day and sings his name from the start of the game, as you did today, Great away support from the fans today, our 12th man. Top at Xmas, that’s where we stay
Jane Mapp
Such sad news can hardly believe it. The photo below speaks 1000 words
Gary Howard
Can’t believe it Danny Hazle, well done today, RIP Nigel Harris
Chris Payne
I’m stunned to hear about Nigel, very sad news. He truly was the No.1 fan.
Tolo B Mas
Yes me too Chris Payne, proper non league fan he will be missed. I’m sure the club will do something special for him
Sherrie Louise Earl
Still can’t believe it, RIP Nigel billericay just won’t be the same without you. Xx
Jacci Line
So sureal… we have lost a large man in our town.
Antoinette Smith
So shocked, such a sad day. xxx
Scott 父Kettlety
I’m gutted! truly gutted!
Natalie M Smith
Sad news x
Robin Francis
What a shame, he was always on FB posting something about his beloved BTFC. Small clubs need the Nigel’s of this world. R.I.P fella.
Patsy Clark
Bless him will be sadly missed x
Kim Redwood-Lee
Just makes you realise how special the people in our lives are. We take too much for granted x
Joe Lane
RIP Little Nigel Harris. Always had an opinion on all things Billericay Town FC. Will be sadly missed by all us Blues. Will raise a glass to you this day. Joe and Jan
Keeley Thain
“he’s always a blue, he’s always a blue, little Nigel, we won’t forget you”
Ian Thain
Would always say hello and have a smile… top geeza! Can’t wait for the Boxing Day game and the 57th minute… Keeley said it all!!!
Graham Millar
Very sad for us all
Trever Pressman
Still can’t absorb the shocking news. He would always joke with me if I had got a cab to the ground! Xx Nigel
Danny Hazle
Absolute Billericay legend
Paul Chatting
I’m absolutely gutted by this sad news. RIP Nigel
Neil Matthew Wiltshire
Being closer to 60 than 50 I have seen far too many of my peers from Billericay days leave before their time, but few have hit me as hard as the news today that Nigel Harris passed in his sleep last night at just 57 years old. A true Ricay legend, not just at the football club, he was loyal beyond words to his club and a huge part of life in the town – show me anyone who ever walked down the high street and claims they never bumped into him and I will show you a liar !! It’s taken a while but I have found this photo taken at Bromley in 2007 which is Nigel all over – RIP little fella.
Nigel Howe
RIP Nigel, what a great and funny guy always a true blue and glad the boys got the 3pts for u today
Lisa Parker
Sad to hear of his passing..,such a crusader for the community of Billericay, may he rest in peace
Paul Bakewell
Lovely fella.
Alan Symes
RIP Nigel Harris you will be missed at Billericay
Dilly Wiseman
Very sad. RIP Nigel xx
Shaun Legge
RIP Nigel
Steve Lewis
Where to begin with this one…somehow Billericay Town without little Nigel Harris doesn’t seem right. So many funny stories over so many years. Hope they win today for him. RIP mate
Katie Wood
RIP Nige. Always a character! Woody and Kate x
Ben Waine
A big part of the club and town
Kirsty Jo Barnett
No way when did that happen? RIP Nigel Harris x
Rhys James Mills
Billo legend
Rob Appleby
I assumed he was invincible. What a great character, will be sorely missed i’m sure
Debbie Mayne
Ah, sorry to see this
Mark Thomas
Heartbreaking. Simply cannot believe it
Rob Debenham
Shocking
Graham Haylock
Shocked
Matthew Stenning
A true Blue Army legend
Helen Jennings
So sad, so many memories… RIP Nigel x
Paul Oxley
Dreadful news.
Paul Marshall
RIP Nigel Harris
Chris Terrell
Still can’t believe it, gutted
Steve G Jones
Really sad to hear the news of Nigel
Russell Burcham
RIP Nigel Billericay Town Legend
Robert Mason
In the crown with the boys at the mo in tears
Sonja King
I’m in complete shock, so very very sad
Sharon Lynn Kent
Nigel passed away, so sad – a true blue fan
Carole Johnson
I’m so shocked and sad! Richard has known him since school, he often messaged bits of gossip and what was going on. He loved being in contact with all us old Mayflower crew from school…. he’ll be so missed
Lynn Pullin
Little Nigel? He was in my infant class, I can’t believe it, what a shock
Steve Unite
A little fella with a lot of friends. Will be sadly missed. RIP.
Mick J BTFC U23
You will be greatly missed at the club .RIP Nigel
Mark Kettlety
God bless little man. xxxx
