RIP - The Warrior

Mon 17 Oct 2022 - 07:50AM

Martin 'The Warrior' Warrillow RIP

We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of long time supporter and friend of Tamworth FC, Martin Warrillow, yesterday. Martin has been involved with the club for many years and he loved the club so much, that like Blackpool rock, you would find the name of Tamworth FC running right the way through him. Martin leaves behind his wife Carmel and at this desperately sad time our love and prayers are with her and their family. Martin has recently been in hospital and after a short fight against sepsis sadly passed away on Sunday,

Martin has been incredibly brave over the past number of years and took on the name ‘The Warrior’ after overcoming a serious stroke, He made it his passion to support the cause of stroke victims and travelled widely to give talks about how he overcame his stroke and used it as a way of showing people that with determination you could overcome anything, He also used his talent as a journalist to write in magazines and journals to spread his message. A post on Facebook yesterday spoke powerfully about his inspiration to others: “He taught me so much about living with life after a stroke. He was inspirational in his determination to carry on sharing his message, a journalist to the end. Rest well now our Warrior.”

His love of Tamworth FC goes back to 1986 when he joined the Tamworth Herald as a young journalist. Not knowing anybody in the area, the Sports Editor, a certain Sam Holliday, invited him to go to see the Lambs with him - the rest they say is history, as like a lot of us who venture down the Lamb once and get hooked. Martin worked at the Herald and then the Birmingham Post and was a part time reporter on Tamworth games when Sam wasn’t available. He was also instrumental in the 2001 Lottery Funded history of Tamworth FC book and the celebrations that surrounded it. The picture below was taken of Martin enjoying the Tamworth history display at Tamworth Library.

Since his stroke Martin has continued to attend games and everyone enjoyed reading his thoughts about the games on Facebook as soon as he could get on line after the match. His most recent outing to the Lamb was just 2 weeks ago to witness his beloved Lambs beat Barwell 4 -1. What was also special was that he spent it with his closest friends, including Sam Holliday who was visiting for the weekend. He saw Tamworth go top of the league, wouldn’t it be great to be top of the league on the last day of the season just for Martin!

We will remember Martin at the game against Hitchin Town on Saturday, and as a tribute, the programme will include his personal story about his love for Tamworth FC, which he wrote for the History of the Lambs book. It is a fascinating read so make sure you get your copy.

You have left us far too soon Martin and we will miss you. RIP The Warrior,