Imagine finding out a minute's silence was being held at your
former football club to honour your life; reading your obituary in
your local newspaper; and learning that your death had also been
noted in a matchday programme.
That is precisely what happened to Tommy Farrer when Northern
League Division One club Bishop Auckland FC - who have been
established for over 123 years - decided to pay tribute to the 86
year-old's contribution prior to a non-League game against
Newcastle Banfield last week.
Bishop Auckland have a rich history, boasting ten FA Amateur
Cups, together with multiple regional honours. Farrer played a key
part in some of that success as he featured in three Wembley
finals.
Farrer is reported to have said he was surprised to hear about
his death, but preferred to play down the mistake as he wanted to -
according to the Press Association - "let it die."
Farrer is currently enjoying his retirement in Maidstone, Kent,
along with his wife of 65 years Gladys. They first heard of the
mistake when a club official phoned to offer Gladys their
condolences.
"We are not upset, but we did think it was a bit of a joke at
first," Farrer said.
He went on though to mention how he was "touched" at being
described a legend.
One memorable career moment for Farrer was when Auckland played
a barefoot team from Nigeria in 1949.