It is with great sadness that we inform fans of the passing of a well-known and well-loved face at the Fleet, volunteer and long-term supporter Harry Houckham.

Harry, who moved to Devon to be nearer his family in 2022 but who still followed the club’s fortunes and returned to games since then, was perhaps best-known as the ultimate salesman in his role as our roving programme seller for many years.

In addition to this role, he was also the voice, the smile and the face behind the 50/50 draw, helping raise much-needed funds for both the club and the supporters’ trust – and usually able to coax another pound or three out of even the tightest of Fleet supporters!

In years gone by, when the club relied upon fundraising efforts of this nature, Harry helped bring much-needed money into the club through his amazing voluntary efforts; many thousands of pounds would be a mere estimate of the likely total he was responsible for – and that was just a small part of his contribution to the long, loyal and unquestioning support he gave to the club.

Before Harry’s move to Devon, he was given a pitchside send-off by staff, players and fans, taking a lap of honour around the pitch alongside Fleet CEO Damian Irvine and receiving a club shirt bearing his name.

In his time in Devon, he played bowls with his local club Torbay where he was – as in his time at Stonebridge Road – a hugely active and popular participant.

Everyone at the Fleet will keep Harry in our thoughts and we send our sympathies to all of Harry’s many family and friends.