Derek Ufton RIP
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            RIP Derek0
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            So sad, RIP Derek. Like many before me on here, I had the pleasure of seeing Derek play both for Charlton and Kent
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            RIP Derek, club legend.0
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            RIP0
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            RIP Addick. Your next match Charlton 12 Millwall 0.0
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            Sad news , RIP, A true club legend.0
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            RIP
 I met him at a Kent game many years ago - lovely man - and he was very happy to learn that I am a Charlton fan - more than happy to talk about his career0
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            Such a sad loss. Back in the 90's I was working as a steward for the club. It was early in the day (a couple of hours before the crowds were let in) and Derek approached me as I stood by the tunnel and just started chatting to me. Soon he was reminiscing about his playing days and I could visably see his eyes glaze over as he recalled events. This lasted for about 10 mins, before breaking off mid sentence, saying "anyway, I'm sure you don't want to hear my old tales", said goodbye and walked off. He couldn't have been further from the truth, as I would've been happy to listen to him all day.A Gent of the highest calibre, R.I.P 14 14
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            RIP0
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            RIP he really helped me once at Kent cricket ground & gave me amazing tickets to charlton, a great man.0
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            RIP to a club legend and a true gentleman.0
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            RIP0
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            RIP.0
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 Derek also contradicted the old saying ‘never meet your heroes’. Meeting him just cemented that status.NornIrishAddick said:It's refreshing, these days, to think of sporting heroes being legendary as much for their decency off the pitch as their excellence on it.
 RIP Derek and condolences to his family and loved ones.
 PS quite pleased there's no game, so the news can have the prominence on the site it deserves.7
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            So sorry to hear this. Derek was the oldest surviving England International. In February I posted a poem my mother in law wrote and slipped in my birthday card. Some years ago I'd told her a story about the stained glass window dedicated to Derek's mum at St Paulinus church, Crayford. Sarah Ufton was one of the Crayford WVS women killed by a doodlebug in 1944 whilst registering evacuees. I told her that Sarah's son was a CAFC legend. It inspired this poem about the great Huddersfield game. I posted it here as I was really touched. As a tribute to Derek, Crayford's CAFC legend, here it is again.Derek Ufton and Pete - two Crayford lads (a poem for Pete’s Birthday) Two lads were born in Crayford, thirty nine years apart Both loved the game of football, each took Charlton to their heart Derek was born in twenty eight and Pete in sixty seven. Both proud of their Crayford roots each loved the Charlton eleven Pete often appears at Charlton, up in the stands he is found at practically every home match at his beloved Valley ground. Derek also appeared at Charlton a player of great renown. Pete would have loved to have been there when Charlton played Huddersfield Town. The year was nineteen fifty seven, a cold day in December A day that players and fans alike were going to remember. Derek, the captain, got injured and left his team to their fate With the captain gone and only ten men Charlton’s prospects didn’t look great. Huddersfield Town was winning five-one with twenty seven minutes to go but Summers came to the rescue And it looked like being a draw. It was six-six ‘til the eighty ninth minute When Charlton scored one more and Charlton’s ten men were the winners, seven-six was the final score. Charlton’s players were elated but Huddersfield’s players cried because, although they had scored six goals, they were still on the losing side. Poor Derek was injured and missed it and Pete wasn’t born, it’s unfair! Both Crayford lads, player and fan wish that they had been there. But it’s just as well that you missed it Pete, or you might be seventy, say so raise a glass and be thankful you’re only fifty four today. 
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            Very sad, a truly nice gentleman. RIP0
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            Top top gentleman , who was a pleasure to listen to
 RIP Derek a true gent0
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            Very sad to hear this news, I have been fortunate enough to speak with Derek on several occasions and he really was a true gent.
 RIP Derek and my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.0
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            RIP Derek0
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            Sad news. RIP0
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            RIP Derek a true loyal Charlton Legend.0
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            R.I.P.0
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            When I worked at the Woolwich, he was a regular customer and was always up for a chat, told me about the 7-6 Huddersfield game, amongst other tales.
 A proper Gent.
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            Sad news, RIP Derek0
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            RIP0
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            Lovely man who followed us home and away, quite happy to mix, chat and sometimes you had to pinch yourself who you were talking to, such were his sporting achievements. Legend is too often used these days but Derek genuinely is one. Absolute gent that will never be forgotten. RIP Derek.12
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            RIP0
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            I never had the pleasure of meeting or seeing him play but my uncles who were Charlton Athletic and Kent cricket supporters of the same era, spoke highly of him.
 RIP.0
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            That is so sad. I saw him play many times. Great sportsman, will always be remembered.
 RIP0















