” MARK WATKINS TRIBUTE “
” MARK WATKINS TRIBUTE ”
By Dave Sugarman
For those who were unable to be at the Cardiff City Stadium yesterday, the following is the Mark Watkins eulogy which was printed in the club’s matchday programme and read out at half-time:
Cardiff City Football Club lost one of its most passionate and popular supporters last Saturday when Mark Watkins passed away suddenly at his home in Caerau, aged 51.
In December 1973, at the age of eight, Mark attended his first match at Ninian Park with his father Tony and saw City hammer FA Cup holders Sunderland 4-1. He became a Canton Stand regular during the 1975/76 campaign and remained a fanatical Bluebirds follower for the rest of his life.
IT specialist Mark was a man of many talents, including author, disc jockey, photographer, quizmaster and radio presenter. Published in 2012, his book ‘Our Ninian Park’ contained over 250 photos taken at the club’s old ground while he documented the final year of its existence.
Mark served on the Cardiff City Supporters’ Club committee for 25 seasons and took on a variety of roles during that time, such as membership secretary, treasurer and newsletter editor. He also worked behind the counter in the club’s shop, as a steward on coaches to away games and as host of the GTFM Bluebirds phone-in.
Alongside his wife Irene, Mark travelled all around Europe supporting the Welsh national team. Countries he visited included Azerbaijan, Lichtenstein and Macedonia, and he was present at all six Wales matches during the Euro 2016 finals in France.
A well-respected and much-loved figure among his fellow football fans, Mark was renowned for his friendly, fun-loving nature, his infectious enthusiasm and his willingness to help others. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.