The club is greatly saddened to have learned of the death of a true Fleet stalwart in Alan Bond, 84, who passed away in the early hours of this (Wednesday) morning after a period of illness.

‘Bondy’ was a larger than life, loyal servant of the Fleet for many years plus a good friend and companion to so many involved in the club.

‘Commander’ Bond as he was affectionately known to fans was caretaker throughout the Nineties and into the new century before retiring from formal club duties in 2004. His was a role at the club that while described in the one description of ‘caretaker’ encompassed so much more – and actually resembled more of a modern-day operations manager!

One of those characters who forms the beating heart of any non-league football club, his work behind the scenes alongside the likes of the late Tony Pilcher and Harry Houckham was crucial to the day-to-day running at Stonebridge Road, whether it was keeping the stadium shipshape, helping out the first-team in support of the management staff or ensuring matchdays ran smoothly – and much, much more.

He helped out on away travel for a time and ran his own quiz nights at the club to help fundraise for pre-season tours of the West Country for the team. And aside from raising money that way, he also dipped into his own pockets on many an occasion to help keep the club afloat during the many lean years of the past.

Despite dealing with several health hardships in recent years, Bondy was always in touch with his friends from the club and formed a unique bond (pun intended!) with many managers and players as well as fans.

He was a particularly important character behind the scenes for the side that won promotion from the Ryman League to the Conference in 2002/03 and formed a close relationship with the likes of manager Andy Ford, Jimmy Jackson, Craig Wilkins and club secretary Roly Edwards.

In 2002, he received the Mick Baines Memorial Trophy (the precursor of today’s Bruce Sewell Award) from the Supporters Association for his outstanding contribution to the club.

But perhaps the last word should go to Andy Ford who worked so closely with him more than a quarter of a century ago. Writing after the memorable Ryman League title-winning season, Ford said of Bondy, “Congratulations go to the first team but there is a backroom team, too, who do a fantastic job for the players. Always – and I mean always – going above and beyond the call of duty is Bondy. The help he gives us all is given freely and without question. There is no-one else quite like him, he is always on hand when needed and I know how much this football club means to him. It gave me the utmost pleasure that we could win the league and achieve the success he deserved on his 60th birthday.”

Everyone at the Fleet extends our deepest sympathies to Alan’s family and friends on the passing of a genuine club legend. Once we have funeral details, we will of course pass them on so that those amongst our supporters who wish to pay their respects to Alan can do so.