He was Evergreen through and through

Tributes have been paid to Barry Frankham, who devoted much of his life to Evergreen Football Club, after he died earlier this month.

Barry spent a large amount of time at Evergreen Football Club, first arriving when his son Kevin started playing for the South Way based side.

Barry occupied several positions at the club including chairman and physio for the first and reserve team. The roles complimented Barry’s day to day job as a physiotherapist at Barnet Football Club. He was also a driving force in the club’s annual Christmas lunch for pensioners.

Gordon Wallis is general and first team manager at Evergreen and worked closely with Barry over the years.

He said: “I was devastated when I got the phone call. He had a big affinity with the club and his death has left a massive hole.”

Gordon worked with Barry in 2004 when Evergreen were promoted to the Herts County Premier Division for the first time. They also won the Herts Intermediate Cup.

He commented: “Barry was part of the management team. He was by far the most knowledgeable physio, always had time for everyone and was a proper clubman. He would even phone players up to check they were following the treatment he had said. He was Evergreen through and through.

“I last saw him around weeks ago and he would drink socially at the club. He was still offering advice and looking at players coming back – his advice was sound and sped up the recovery. I don’t think I ever saw him have a bad world with anyone. My thoughts are with his wife and family –  they should be proud.”

Kevin Frankham, who played at Evergreen,  said his dad was a kind hearted good bloke.

He commented: “Most people got on with him. I played football  at Evergreen  from the age of seven or eight and he was always involved with the club. When I stopped playing, we’ve always been up there to meet up and socialise with everyone up there. He just had such a wide group of friends.”

Nik Allen, founder of My Local News, knew Barry through Evergreen.

He said: “You couldn’t wish to meet a nicer guy. He was great company at the bar and had lots of stories to tell you about his time at Barnet.”

Barry leaves his wife, Christina, brother Alan, son Kevin, daughter Lynn Wilson, grandchildren Tia and Kane, daughter in law Ta and son in law Paul