The club is sorry to have to report the very sad loss of committee-man and hard-worker Chris Musk who will be sorely missed after his untimely death this week. Chris, 53, died suddenly on Sunday while in hospital to undergo tests relating to an acute illness.

Chris, only 52, has been a tireless worker for the club for many years and regular supporters will know him well from his position on match days at the main gate where he would try and sell spectators a programme or a Golden Goal ticket. But behind the scenes he did much more, including looking after the club’s waste-paper collecting, running the Club Shop, organising boot-sales and generally helping to keep the ground looking a bit tidy: he could turn his hand to most practical things.

Club secretary Brian Smith said: “We’re going to miss him. He was my right-hand man on match days apart from everything else he did. He will be irreplaceable but I’d like to thank everyone who rallied round on Tuesday to help out at the match with Fakenham.” Chris was honoured with a first-ever minute’s applause at the Wellesley before Tuesday’s game.

The loss of Chris does bring into focus the club’s great need for more help on match days. With things now looking good on the pitch and with fund-raising, the club’s greatest need right now is for more helpers on the ground – serving refreshments, on the gates, running the club shop, etc. “With more helpers, there is more we could do on match days,” said Brian, “but we are limited by the tiny number of helpers we currently have.”

These appeals usually fall on deaf ears but with the ambitions the club now harbours, help of this sort is more vital than ever – unless more help is forthcoming the club will be in a serious situation on match days. There is at the moment barely a handful of people trying to do everything - how can I make it any clearer? The contrast with St Neots, who we recently visited in the FA Vase, was stark – the Saints had, for example, stewards in abundance, almost falling over themselves in their numbers!

Anyone who is able and willing to offer help should contact Brian on 01493 656099 or at any home match.

Gerry Brown, Thursday 2nd Oct. 2008.

Additional News

Tony Collins of Diss Town has contacted the club to say he has information about Chris.

Apparently, Diss Youth/Reserve player Ray Barrett is a nephew of Chris who has two sisters living in the Diss area. Chris was born in Diss but his mother now lives in Dorset. The hospital has been informed and so arrangements can now be made.

More as soon as we know it.

Gerry, Monday 6th October 2008.

I spoke to Tony and Ray when I went to Diss for Tuesday's match. A cremation service is to be arranged after Chris' sisters visited Yarmouth on Tuesday. They went to his address and also the Wellesley ground where he spent so many happy hours. A great many people are interested in saying a last farewell to Chris and we will keep you posted asap.

Gerry, Wednesday 8th October.

We have learnt this afternoon that a cremation service for Chris will take place at Gorleston Crem next Wednesday (15th) at 1.20. A cortege will start from the club (time to be advised) and return there for afterwards in Legends Bar. All his many friends are invited to both. Flowers (c/o Brundish) or donations (c/o Brian Smith, GYTFC) are welcome.

Gerry, Wednesday 8th October.

The undertakers have advised that due to the road problems around Yarmouth they will not be leaving for the Crematorium from the Wellesley at a specified time but they will pass the ground on their way to Gorleston (time unknown). They need to be sure of being there in time to keep their 'slot' so will make an early start. All those wishing to attend are therefore requested to make their own way, again bearing in mind possible delays on the road.

Gerry, Monday 13th October

A strong following from the club was present at Gorleston Crematorium to join with Chris' family to say their final goodbyes to a great club servant. The service was led by Rev Arthur Bowles, fittingly a former player for Great Yarmouth. Thanks to all who sent flowers or donations.

Afterwards friends and family gathered in Legends where an album of photographs of Chris at the club was presented to his two sisters by Brian Smith.

Gerry Wednesday 15th October