HERO 'STIV' MOURNED BY HUNDREDS
More than 200 mourners packed St Clare’s Church in Newton Aycliffe for the funeral of Paul Stevens last week.
Paul, well known as Stiv, tragically died while playing the sport he loved so much, cruelly and unfairly taken from us with absolutely no chance for goodbyes.
But his life was celebrated in style last week – the popularity of the man was epitomised by the huge turn-out at St Clare’s – and the superb, hugely-touching service did him justice.
As the vicar quite rightly pointed out, so many people’s lives had been touched by Stiv.
Well known in Newton Aycliffe and surrounding areas, especially amongst the local footballing network, he was a big man with a big personality.
He will be remembered fondly for not only his competitive nature on the football field, but also for his wicked and almost child-like sense of humour.
He made people smile, he made defenders cry....but away from the field, he was the biggest softie going!
He was a loving father to son Ben, eight, and a devoted husband and best friend to wife Michelle.
Lifelong friend Dave Muir paid respects to his best pal. “Where do I start?” he began. “He was more of a brother than a mate. Just about everything we did was together and we had some great times to remember, both on the field and in the pub!
“One moment springs to mind, in particular, during a semi-final match against the Grey Horse. Stiv lashed a free-kick into the top right-hand corner, but the referee made him re-take it (we never did know why!). But Stiv put it in the same spot again, and we won the match 2-1.
“That was typical of Stiv – a legend. He’ll be greatly missed always.”
Another good friend, Jay Wing, remembers their early playing career on the town with the likes of Andy Turner, Stuart Dunbar and Jason Barker playing for the Greystones at St Oswald’s Park and later with the Boys Brigade and Sugar Hill juniors.
“We had some great times and won a few trophies,” recalls Jay. “But Stiv really started to show his talents when he joined Avenue School. A local scout spotted him and he started training with Middlesbrough every Thursday night. Getting 20p and a Mars bar was a bargain for the big fella!
“One of my best memories was playing a final with Stiv at Darlington’s Feethams for Newton Aycliffe Boys Club. We had a great day, even if we were beaten 5-0!”
Another of his closest pals, Craig Murray, says he has hundreds of stories about the Big Fella, each and everyone a best seller in the making.
“I have a thousand great memories of a Local Legend,” he said. “I will sadly miss Stiv, but will never forget him. I would also like to say that it was an honour to have carried him into the church – it was the most sure-footed I have ever been, unlike my footballing carreer!”
His manager with the Sports Club, Brain Scaife, remembers first signing 17-year-old Paul and Dave Muir together 16 years ago – a strike partnership that proved to be one of the most prolific in local Sunday morning football.
“It was a long time ago!” said Brian. “But in the 16 years I knew Stiv, I don’t recall ever falling out with him. He was just a happy man and happy to be around – and he always had that cheeky grin on his face! You just never notice little things like that until this happens.”
Friend Steve Woodward added: “Big Stiv. You blessed us all with your presence and left us all of a sudden. The memories you left us with will be cherished and never forgotten. Love and miss you, big lad.”
Due to his popularity, Paul’s sudden death prompted the Spennymoor Sunday League, the league in which his team Aycliffe Sports Club play, to postpone all its fixtures on Sunday February 22. The league also plans to re-name their Invitation Cup after him.
Paul was a credit to not only his club, but to grass roots football generally.
Spennymoor League Secretary Mike Hill said: “Paul was well known in the league – and for all the right reasons. He was a great player but, more importantly, a great sportsman and gentleman.
“The league was very sad to hear the tragic news and we felt the least we could do was to postpone all fixtures out of respect for Paul. And I can say that decision was backed by every single club in the league and every referee, which just shows how popular he was.”
Stiv’s memory will live on. Indeed, everyone will have their own memories – all different, yet all special. For many, it will be his friendship; others, his love; and for goalkeepers, picking the ball out of the net!
Above all, he will be remembered by all he knew for his loud personality, his sense of humour and his infectious zest for life.
Paul Stevens – a top bloke, a tragic loss, but never forgotten.
Related links;
PAUL STEVENS CUP
FITTING TRIBUTE TO LATE PLAYER - report
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