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In Memory of Steve Ratcliffe

In Memory of Steve Ratcliffe

Hilton Harriers23 Jan 2014 - 12:57
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We Pay Our Respects To All The Ratcliffe Family

January 22nd 2014 marks the date of the passing of our colleague and friend Steve Ratcliffe who passed away after an extended stay in hospital.

Steve has been associated with Hilton Harriers for over 18 years with both of his sons playing right through up until the mens teams and one of his sons, Matt, still playing for the men’s side. Steve’s early career was as a referee at a high standard but as his boys got older he started coaching more, working first with Martin Moylan, then with Doug Belfield helping coach the teams through to U18’s. Several years ago he then selflessly stepped forward to help the club out when we were looking for a manager to take over a team and he has been with the current U18 Colts ever since, showing massive commitment to the boys. Steve took this in his stride and had so much passion for the team. He was also in the middle of completing his Level 2 coaching award, again striving to improve his coaching for the benefit of the boys.

All of our thoughts are with his family, especially his sons Matt and Laurence, who have also given so many years’ service to our club.

The club will be looking at some form of lasting memorial to Steve appropriate to the game he loved and all Hilton Harriers teams will commemorate his memory with a minutes silence for reflection before their next game.

MESSAGES FROM FAMILY, FREINDS & PLAYERS...

MARK ALLEN & KEV BATES - I only knew Steve as a fellow coach but in the 12 years or so… that I have known him in this capacity; he has always shown superb humility and always been willing to offer sensible guidance and help when asked without imposing his views unnecessarily. His commitment to the Hilton Harriers has already been commented on many times but there is a simple reason for this…everybody that he came into contact with, recognised this and felt compelled to share their thoughts. I know all connected with the club are saddened with the loss of Steve and from me personally as well as all from the U18 (golds) are equally saddened and our thoughts are very much with his family.

DAVE BULMER - When I had to give up managing the team in December 2010, I put the call out to the Harriers, and Steve was straight on the phone.
He took the squad , breathed a new vigour into it, a fresh approach to training, and introduced new talented lads to push on to the next level. It was difficult for me to let go completely, and when I regained my health Steve always made me welcome at training and matches, and always spoke with immense pride in the lads. It was a real privilege knowing Steve and being there through his development of the team and the success he brought. He was even brave enough to organise a trip to Skeggy for the squad last April which they and we really enjoyed. The awards night at the Assembly Rooms last year was a great night, and he told the lads to remember nights like this.
They will Steve, we all will. RIP

NICK WATSON - If I had to describe Steve in 2 words they would be commited and passionate. He was 100% commited to Hilton Harriers and this was because of his passion for football, and I believe this passion reflected in our football. When he first joined, it looked hopeless because we were struggling to simply field a team. But we could see how much he wanted us to succeed, and we listened when he told us to ask players to join, and that's exactly what we did. At the beginning of that season, we were just hoping to have a sub for each game, but seeing the commitment that Steve had to the team, we realised that he deserved much more, and we delievered; winning the league the season after. I believe that we won for him, just to see his face on the last game of the season as the final whistle blew. The sound of "We Are The Champions" coming from his phone. It was such a big turn around from the season before and I believe that we won league that season for Steve, to thank him for the energy he put into our team. The thing was we regrouped after the off season with a more limited squad and instead of saying "Well done for last season" he said "Who wants to win the league again?" That's why Steve had so much respect around the Hilton set up, because he was so eager to succeed. Another thing I would like to say about Steve, on a more personal note, is that he's made me appreciate football more, and shown me how important it is. He's shown me that football isn't just a game, and I imagine this is the same for most of the lads in the squad. Thank you Steve for all that you've done for me, Hilton Harriers Under 18s, and Hilton Harriers in general. RIP. x

JACK WILSON - As a player it was amazing to have such a great guy as our manager. He was always there no matter what training or games. He was always so relaxed and let us do what we wanted on the pitch and there was a massive amount of respect from all players and parents for what he has done for all of us, the players and the club. As a group of players I'm sure others will agree at times were not the easiest to control but there was always one man who would stand and talk to us and knock some sense back into us. A lot of the time we have been in difficult situations as in being 1-0 down at half time and he would have words and that would make a change. One other thing is i will never forget Sherwin away last year we won the league and we were all celebrating on the pitch and there he was walking over with his phone playing "we are are the champions ". In my eyes and in everyone else's at Hilton Harriers he was a TRUE legend

R.I.P Steve.

JACKIE & STEVE HANLEY - Our thanks to Steve for just being there for our lads,always there wether it be getting a lift whilst he couldn't drive,or training going straight from work! Taking them from losing most games to winning the league last year! He always had a smile and such a kind nature! As parents we are very grateful to him for his dedication and our thanks and thoughts go out to his family,the team and the club.

LEWIS HANLEY - This man was no doubt about it the best manager I have ever played under, I've played for many different managers but by far the best is Steve. What stood out about Steve as a manager was his commitment to us as players even though he didn't have a son playing in the team. He wouldn't ever cancel a training session due to work or anything unless he had to due to unplayable conditions. If players needed picking up for training or matches he'd go out his way to pick players up no matter where they were or how far out the way it was. In training he'd always come with a different technical idea of how to improve our playing ability. Many opposition managers had complimented our team about our quality of passing and keeping the ball, all that was down to Steve in training sessions making us pass the ball with a good tempo. Besides him being a great manager he was also one of the nicest people I've met, he understood every individual player and new there best position, he'd also let us players have an input on what we thought could improve us as a team. I feel lucky and honoured to have played under such a good man and top quality manager. The best memory I have of Steve is winning the league last season in our last game. His reaction showed his passion and commitment he had towards our team. He came onto the pitch with a massive smile on his face and made sure he shook everyone's hand and congratulated us all. Then best of all gathered us all round and played 'we are the champions' off his phone.
RIP Steve, I appreciate everything you've done to improve our team and me as an individual. Hopefully we'll make you proud and win the league once again.

Once again RIP Steve, will miss you x

MAX BULMER - Steve was a great and genuine man. Steve took it on himself to take over our team so that we could carry on playing football. Steve had no relation to our team but he still did it out the goodness of his heart, he took our team to win the league and become champions, he was so proud and it showed just how much it meant to him. All of the players from our team are gonna miss him and its gonna be hard playing without him on the touchline but were gonna finish this season and win the league for him.

Rest In Peace Steve, were all gonna miss you.

ALEX WALKER - Not many people have so much passion and commitment for a team when no one of any relation plays in the team, but Steve was different. Steve was so proud of us all and the way we played football. Over the time Steve was our manager every one of us in the team would agree that we became better players. He was such a kind man who would always go the extra mile for us all. He will be missed by all of us and our main aim now is to go on and win the league to make Steve proud. Heart goes out to all his family and friends. We will all miss him.

R.I.P Steve x

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