An outpouring of emotional tributes has been paid to a young dad and footballer who died at just 35 after a battle with cancer. Jack Skinner, a player and coach at Sutton United Football Club in Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield, passed away on Wednesday, June 3. He lived nearby and had been an integral part of the club for many years.
Football Career and Return to Junior Coaching
Jack played for Sutton United’s first team before turning out for Boldmere St Michael’s, also in Sutton. He later returned to run a junior team where his son played for several years. Sutton United chairman Pete Lugg described Jack as a 'player, coach, and legend' at the club.
In a tribute posted online on Friday, June 5, Mr. Lugg said: “Sutton United family, I have some very, very sad news. This one is going to hurt so many of us. One of the nicest guys you would ever wish to meet has so sadly passed away. Jack Skinner was taken by that terrible disease cancer which has affected so many of us. He was 35 with his whole life in front of him. Jack has been an integral part of our club for many years playing first team for several years then playing higher at our good neighbours Boldmere St Michael’s before returning to his home where he played for several of our teams and ran his lad’s team in our junior section. We will obviously pass on funeral arrangements as soon as we get them and will soon be announcing future events in Jack’s memory. You were a legend at our club Jack and will now be up there with the rest of the good guys. Sleep tight mate, Pete.”
Community Reaction and Tributes
Mr. Lugg told BirminghamLive: “Jack was a local lad who played in the senior first team and came back to play senior football. He then ran a junior section team which his son played for. It’s a bit of a shock. It’s very raw with us. I lost my brother four years back to the same thing. And we also lost Jamie Hunter who was a manager and coach at Sutton United as well. We have spoken with the family and will definitely do something to remember Jack.”
Others posted loving tributes to Jack on Sutton United’s page. Abby Cartwright said: “Devastating news this week. Jack was a fantastic human being and his Puma boys adored him. He will be so missed by everyone who knew him.” Matt Gough said: “God bless you Jack Skinner. You will always be remembered as a truly wonderful person and an even greater team mate. You will be truly missed by us all. Thoughts are with you and all your family. Big J will be watching over you no doubt.” Sally Burke said: “This just such sad and awful news. Sending much love to Keith, Caron, Natalie, Kirsty and all the family. Our thoughts are with you all. Remembering all the fun times we shared together. RIP lovely Jack.” Ellie Albutt said: “The kindest, most genuine man. One of a kind.” While Lyndsey Devaney added: “Shook me to my core hearing this! To the whole family I’m sending so much love. I grew up with you and your family from primary school days and I cherish the friendship we all had. Sending so much love and support your way.”
