Dave Worrell RIP

Dave Worrell RIP

We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of legendary Blues striker Dave Worrell.

Dave joined Stortford from Hertford Town at the start of the 1978/79 season, making his Blues debut on 12th August 1978 in a Herts Charity Cup 1st Round tie at Hitchin Town.

He soon became a Rhodes Avenue favourite and notched four goals there in a 5-1 hammering of St Albans City on 14th October.

Dave was the top goalscorer for the Blues in his first season with 22 goals and again was the leading marksman the following campaign with 24 goals when his side narrowly missed out on promotion.

The next season, 1980/81, saw the Blues secure promotion whilst embarking upon a memorable run to the FA Trophy Final that culminated with victory over Sutton United at Wembley Stadium. Dave made an appearance in that famous final, coming off the bench to replace Ian Smith.

One particularly impressive display during that cup run saw Dave enter the action with the Blues trailing 2-1 with just three minutes remaining in a 3rd Round tie at home to Alvechurch. A stunning cameo saw the game turned on its head, with the popular forward netting the winning goal to make it 3-2 in Stortford’s favour just seconds from time.

Dave was again the top marksman for the third time in four campaigns the following season, 1981/82, with 28 goals.

He will also be remembered for his exploits in our famous FA Cup during the 1982/83 campaign, including netting a late winner at Reading in the First Round.

Stortford, of course, progressed to the 3rd Round that season before bowing out of the competition after an epic battle with Middlesbrough that went to a replay. Dave featured in both of those incredible games.

Dave’s final match for the club came on 7th May 1983, when he was part of the team that beat Wokingham Town away in a League game 1-0.

Dave featured on 218 occasions for the Blues in total, netting an impressive 103 goals.

Everybody here at the club would like to extend their deepest condolences to Dave’s family, friends and former team mates at this sad time.

We will pay tribute to Dave ahead of our opening home fixture of the campaign against AFC Sudbury on Tuesday 12th August.