Ebbsfleet United are extremely saddened to announce that our maintenance manager Chris Pilkinton passed away tonight (Friday) at Darenth Valley Hospital.
Chris, 71, battled a short illness on his return from holiday recently and was admitted to hospital a week ago.
Pilks’ time at the Fleet hardly needs any introduction: he was a huge, larger-than-life personality at the club and spent most of his days post-retirement keeping Stonebridge Road shipshape and in top working order.
As maintenance manager since 2010, and in his time on the board and as chairman of the Fleet Trust, Chris was well-known, well-liked and greatly appreciated by all fans and officials at the club.
Born locally in June 1945, Chris attended Whitehill School and Gravesend Boys’ Tech, moving into the field of electrical engineering and optical fibre cables – expertise that would stand him in great stead when he turned that knowledge to good use at the Fleet.
It goes without saying that staff and supporters at Stonebridge Road will have their own numerous warm memories of Chris. His loss creates a huge hole at Stonebridge Road – in his professional capacity, obviously, but much more so in what he brought to the club as a person.
Everyone at the Fleet wishes to extend all our sympathies to Chris’ many family and friends at this time.
RIP Pilks.