Tributes Flow for Legendary Walsall FC Reporter Paul Marston at 90
The Midlands journalism and football communities are united in grief following the passing of Paul Marston, a revered reporter who dedicated decades to covering Walsall FC. Marston died at the age of 90 on Wednesday, February 25, after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that spanned news, sports, and theatre.
A Life Devoted to Journalism and Family
Paul Marston's wife of 66 years, Jennefer, paid a moving tribute to her husband, describing him as "wonderful" with a good sense of humour. "We travelled all over the place," she recalled. "He loved travelling, going to the theatre, and time with family. And reporting especially on Walsall FC, including for the national papers and theatre reviews. He was very well thought of. They valued his opinions."
Marston was a family man at heart, adored by his three daughters, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His daughter, Derinda Fullerton, said, "Dad was the centre of every family event. He was a wonderful role model to us all, with his boundless energy and zest for life. I can’t imagine birthdays and Christmases without him."
From Aldridge to the Press Box: A Storied Career
Born in Walsall borough in October 1935 and raised in Aldridge, Paul Marston's journey into journalism began after National Service, where he played football for the South Staffs Regiment. He started as a junior reporter at the Walsall Observer, initially focusing on news before a colleague invited him to cover Walsall FC, igniting his passion for football journalism.
His career flourished as he moved to the Express and Star and then the Birmingham Evening Mail, where he became synonymous with Walsall FC coverage. Marston's face even appeared on posters around Walsall proclaiming 'Read Paul Marston in the Sports Argus', cementing his status as a local icon.
Notable highlights from his career include:
- Reporting on the 1966 World Cup in England, including West Germany’s 4-0 win over Uruguay at Hillsborough.
- Securing an exclusive interview with Alex Ferguson after the Manchester United manager returned his call.
- Covering Walsall matches for over 50 years, retiring from news reporting in 1996 but continuing match coverage until age 80.
A Multifaceted Talent: Theatre, Golf, and Community
Beyond football, Paul Marston was a keen theatre enthusiast, writing reviews and meeting celebrities like actor David Hasselhoff. He was also an accomplished golfer, winning the Masters championship at Great Barr Golf Club in 1988 and the National Football Writers’ golf tournament in 2002.
His connections to Walsall FC ran deep, with friendships among managers and staff. The family cat was named after former manager Tommy Coakley, and his daughter Bianca became a season ticket holder, often joining him in the press box.
Heartfelt Tributes from the Football World
Walsall FC expressed deep sadness on social media, stating, "Everyone at Walsall Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Marston. Paul was a local journalist and reported on the Saddlers, both home and away, for over 50 years."
Former colleagues and fans echoed this sentiment. Michael Beardmore, who took over Marston's role, called him "THE Walsall reporter for 30 to 40 years". Neil Morris noted, "What he didn't know about Walsall wasn't worth knowing," while Simon Richards described him as "a treasure" in journalism.
Paul Marston celebrated his 90th birthday in October with a cake featuring a golf club and Walsall badge, surrounded by family. His funeral will be held at Streetly Crematorium on Friday, March 20, at 10am, as the community remembers a man whose dedication and warmth left an indelible mark on Midlands journalism and sport.
