News

Dave Fretwell – Your Tributes

Your memories of and tributes to Shots fan Dave Fretwell, who died on 28 June, have been both numerous and fulsome in their respect for one of the Club’s most dedicated supporters. Here are a few of the best.

Everybody at the Club echoes their sentiment. RIP Dave From Harlow.

Paul Blundell: So sad to hear the news. Dave, even in poor health, always got to the programme shop first for his copy. Armed with his trusty mask and oxygen canister, I could always count on him rolling three quid my way, literally, always going on the floor off the counter. Always chirpy, always there, a true supporter. The club and us have lost a goodun. Paul and Ben Blundell’s thoughts are with his family at this sad time. God bless and R.I.P.

@KevShots

Over 40 years a Shots supporter have been many ups and downs

Home and away you’ve travelled to many different grounds

Rain, sleet, sun or snow you’ve gone along to cheer

The red and blue army that you held to your heart so dear

To the ones so close to you, your family and your friends,

I send my condolences as a Shots supporter

Our love for our Club never ends

 

Ian Morsman: A true Shots fan, will long be remembered. Rest in Peace

John Stenhouse Campbell: Sat with / near Dave for years. He loved his bonnet with all the football enamel badges on it – weighed a ton! SHOUTY DAVE was never one to duck from an argument. We had many conversations over the years. The Rec will not be the same now with him not in his usual seat RIP Dave from Harlow.

John Hodges: Such a shame, thoughts are with Dave’s family. Not sure the North Stand will be quite the same

Jeremy Howard: I was very saddened to hear of the passing away of Dave. I sat in front of Dave for many years and always appreciated Dave’s friendship and humour. I also saw Dave at many away matches across the country, which always amazed me as he had been ill for some time. I remember Dave telling me that he had first started supporting the Shots over forty years ago, when he been stationed in Aldershot during his time serving in the Army. One memory of Dave I’ll never forget is when he took on the ‘Crossbar Challenge’, gamely striding onto the pitch and having a good crack at the ball! Also his cap full of badges was something he was very proud off and loved showing to the kids at the matches. The other memory of Dave is his strong vocal opinions and humour, which he was never afraid to share with the current Shots manager or the referee!

Gav Denison: Really sad news. Always friendly and loved the Shots, either away from home or sitting in front of the press box. RIP

Andy Duff: Saw Dave a few times but only got to sit down and have a chat once. It was clear his passion for the Shots shone through, a great supporter and the Club will be a bit worse off without him. Keep shouting from a distance Dave. RIP

Trevor Best: Never really knew the guy, but knew of him and his passion for the Club. We now have an extra keeper tipping the ball onto post and bar. Have a safe journey Dave

Headley Shot: One of the most loyal fans the Shots ever had. He travelled the length and breadth of the country, often non-stop, in support of the Club he loved. I knew him a little and found him a cheerful and optimistic man who shrugged off his poor health to pursue his passion. He will be sadly missed by many. RIP Dave.

Steve Jenks: God bless you Dave, the most loyal, true fan you will find. The world is a worse place to be with your passing. Condolences to all Dave’s family and loved ones at this desperately sad time. RIP

LowerbourneShot: Didn’t always share his views, but like all of us we only want the best for Aldershot Town FC. Dave offered, in our relegation season, to come and pick me up to go to Cheltenham. Nothing special in that except we didn’t know each other, and for that he always had my respect. Once again RIP Dave.

MargateShot: A very nice man. My son is a season ticket holder and we live near Bromley. Two seasons ago I put a plea out asking if someone could give him a lift to the Boxing Day match as there were no trains and I was working. Dave contacted me and offered to pick him up and bring him home and would not take any petrol money for it. I have spoken to him a couple of times since then and he was Aldershot through and through. Will be missed.

Richard Petty: Very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. Dave’s commitment to the Shots and his dedication in travelling to games both home and away despite his ill health was amazing and an inspiration particularly in those bad old days when away travel to some games seemed more like a punishment than a pleasure. I was fortunate enough to have many enjoyable conversations with him over the years and I held him in the highest regard and always valued his observations and suggestions that he made. Rest in Peace Dave, today is now a very sad day seeing this news.

Mike Wray: Just seen this sad news and can only really echo what’s already been posted. One of the true “great Shots supporters” out there and was privileged to have met him many times. Always happy to chat about the Club and his time in the RMP, and I’ve fond memories of, despite his poor health, he’d never let it get the better of him if there was a game to get to! If there’s one thing he’s doing in heaven right now, it’ll be trying to sort out his season ticket so as he gets the best view from up there. Rest in Peace Dave.