Reverend Mike Pusey (10 August 1934 to 10 August 2024)
Aldershot Town Football Club is absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of our esteemed former Club Chaplain, Reverend Mike Pusey. Mike served six decades in a voluntary capacity and was a truly inspirational man to so many. He was always so genuine. Receptive but discreet. A most considered and principled gentleman who became part of Aldershot folklore for over 50 years covering both football clubs.
The greatest accolade and tribute that can be provided for Mike is the all engaging respect he had amongst the whole of the Aldershot Town community. He never uttered a cross word about anybody and was hugely popular across every faction of our football club. The most dignified and gracious individual ever to be associated with football in Aldershot. To put it bluntly he just cared so much for the wellbeing of our beloved football club. Club first at all times. A true Team player of the highest order.
He served the role as Club Chaplain impeccably and was a wonderful ambassador throughout. Whenever you were in Mike’s company it was always calming. You left his presence feeling far more positive and upbeat. He had a soothing charisma about him.
Mike originally became involved as a Shots fan in 1968 when his son, Andy, was five years old purchasing a season ticket in the North Stand. The passion for the club emanated from there. He stood on the East Bank for the original Manchester United visit to the Rec in September 1970 when 18,509 attended the League Cup tie as Richard Walden put Aldershot in front before Law, Best, Charlton et al finally won 3-1. He was there 41 years later as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side visited north East Hampshire in the last 16 of the Football League Cup. Mike, however, achieved so much for football in Aldershot between that period.
The Reverend Mike Pusey originally became Chaplain of Aldershot FC in the early 1970’s after a meeting with then manager Tommy McAnearney. He used to meet with the players on a Friday when they trained behind the East Bank and also travel with them on the team coach to away games. He served Aldershot FC for close to 20 years before the club was liquidated in March 1992; Mike was in attendance at Cardiff City’s Ninian Park for the final match which ended 60 years of Football League history and 65 years of existence.
That meeting with Tommy Mac started Mike’s involvement in an official capacity as one of the first ever Club Chaplains of a Football League team. The days of Howarth, Walker, Walden, Brodie, Jopling, Johnson, Dungworth, McGregor and so many more. Those names, as Mike’s did, became synonymous with Aldershot Football history. He was also a big fan of Steve Melledew who was Player of the Season in the club’s first ever promotion in 1972/73. Mike was always devoted to the Shots even when he moved away from the area.
As soon as Aldershot Town FC was born in 1992 Mike started to attend matches in the Isthmian Division 3 days and, when he and his wife Margaret moved back into the area from Newport, South Wales the following year he was delighted to take on the role of Chaplain again, this time for the new club after an invitation from Terry Owens and the Board of Directors. It was a great move for all. A role Mike continued with pride and distinction until retiring from the position at the end of the 2021/22 season at the age of 87!
Margaret, who sadly passed away in December 2022, was also a wonderful, dedicated volunteer to the football club and, for many seasons, was in charge of the Arthur English Guest Room on matchdays. Mike and Margaret were married for 64 years.
Mike extended his voluntary role during our Isthmian League days when he used to come into the office every Wednesday to help our small but dedicated administrative team which included Rosemary Aggett, Cheryl Pearce and Norman Penny. It was always hugely appreciated and these were good times because it was always soothing being in Mike’s company. Mike continued this weekly support to the club until the day he retired and the role expanded over the years with a significant commitment.
Mike added so much to his role as the years progressed. He was always willingly available for players and staff and, whilst of course, he had Christian beliefs, he was never one to be forceful in his views. More a lending ear, a counsellor, a friendly conversation, just being a support mechanism but with such discretion and always in confidence too. A huge talent. Always impartial but always to help. A football club can become a fractious environment especially during the difficult periods. Never in Mike’s presence. His demeanour was a huge asset. A phenomenal talent to put everybody at ease. He was immense.
He also played a huge, and often integral role, in some of the initiatives over his six decades of involvement. The instigation of the Garden of Remembrance at the EBB Stadium to the famed annual Christmas Carol Service at the Holy Trinity Church which provided the opportunity for players, officials, management, and supporters to mix and celebrate. It was through Mike’s friendship with the Reverend George Newton that initiated this hugely important date in the Shots annual calendar. An occasion that, no matter what the situation on the pitch, the whole Aldershot Town community pulls together. They were such special events over the years and Mike was at the forefront of its success.
The amount of services that Mike conducted with a Shots connection is innumerable including that of our late Chairman John McGinty in 2009. From pitch side tributes through to the many services he conducted of supporters who sadly passed away over the years. Then there was the annual Remembrance Day Services in November which have always been conducted impeccably at our club. It was Mike Pusey who made that possible. The experience, the tone of voice, the capability of how to capture the moment, the awareness of the mood of the supporters on each occasion.
In honor of his dedication to local football Mike was presented with the Aldershot Divisional Football Association “Service To Football” Award at half time of the National League match versus Yeovil Town in April 2023. Mike was also due to receive the Hampshire FA “Service To Football” Award in Southampton in July but, sadly, was unable to attend due to his deteriorating health.
The whole of the Aldershot Football Family will be forever grateful for over 50 years of dedicated volunteering where Mike made such a positive difference to so many people’s lives along the way with that wonderful talent of expression that always made people feel so naturally comfortable in his company.
A remarkable man who gave so much to so many people.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Mike’s wonderful family at such a difficult time and hope that they feel warmth and comfort knowing how truly respected and highly thought of the Reverend Mike Pusey was.
RIP Mike – An outstanding human being.
Graham Brookland – Aldershot Town Co-Founder
Everyone at the Football Club send our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family at this truly heartbreaking time.
Mike would continue to visit the Club Shop past his retirement as Club Chaplain to lend support and a much welcome chat to our Club Staff – he loved the Shots and would continue to watch his side at the EBB Stadium from his seat in the Director’s Box.
He will be sorely missed by so many at our Club.