by JON LONGMAN

HEYBRIDGE Swifts chairman Gary White said he was so glad that the club had honoured the memory of Mr Swifts, Mick Gibson, while he was still alive by the naming of a stand at the Scraley Road ground.

Tributes have poured in for Swifts legend Mick following his sad death.

In 2017, one of three stands at the Aspen Waite Arena was dedicated to Mick's loyal service to Swifts.

White said: “Too often these days, the memory of a person is honoured by such a naming after they have died.

“So it was lovely to honour Mick’s contribution to the club over more than 65 years including using his hands to build walls.

“When we invited Mick down to the ground for the unveiling, he didn’t have a clue what was hidden underneath the tarpaulin on the stand. It was a truly lovely moment.”

If the Swifts had a Hall of Fame then Mick would be the first name inscribed as he was the constant force in transforming a carrot field into a football stadium and creating a football team that has reached the FA Cup First Round three times, hosted an FA Trophy Quarter-Final and won numerous Essex Senior League honours.

Mick, 79, was still watching the Swifts in pre-season friendlies at Aveley before he was admitted to Broomfield Hospital last week.

White added: “We were deeply saddened to announce the passing on Saturday morning of Heybridge Swifts FC Life President and club legend Mick.

“Mick’s contribution to the growth and development of the Swifts over the last 65 years has been massive, having been an active member of the club’s committee from the age of only 14, following in the footsteps of his father Bert.”

Mick was born on April 1,1942 but he was no April fool and had a cheeky sense of humour that Swifts fans adored. He had a very pragmatic attitude to the game he loved and the vast number of tributes that have been posted bear witness to that.

Mick served on the Isthmian League board for more than 20 years and his contribution to non-league football can never be underestimated.

White noted: “Mick’s name is synonymous with Heybridge Swifts and as chairman for the past five years I simply could not have had a better mentor and confidante to ensure the club is protected and guided in the right way.

“Mick was chairman himself for many years, throughout the most successful period in the club’s history.”

Mick leaves behind his wife of more than 50 years, Linda, his children Sarah and Mark, as well as a number of grandchildren, including Swifts fan Max Clarke.