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Kevin Moore


Fitzhugh Fella

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I mentioned in another thread on Friday that Kevin Moore the Saints centre-half between 1987 and 1994 (180 games - 13 goals) is not very well. He has been diagnised with "Picks disease" which is a form of dementia. He was gone downhill very quickly since the illness was first diagnosed three years ago and he need constant supervision. He attends a day centre in Curdridge but the rest of the time his wife, Mandy looks after him. Kevin's rapid deteriation has put the family under a lot of stress both emotionally and financially and the idea has been muted to me that perhaps some sort of charity match or fund raising event could be organised to help out Kevin and his family.

 

I know some of Kevin's colleagues from his Otterbourne FC days are thinking of ways to help out and I hope over the next few days to touch base with them so perhaps we can co-ordinate any activity. I have also spoken to Tim Manns who runs the ex-Saints and they too have offered assistance.

 

This is all very early days and I have only spoken to Mandy for the first time on Friday but she was quite happy for me to release news of Kevin's illness on here and indeed was very touched to even think there were fans out there who might want to do something.

 

Due to things "hotting up" at my current place of employment and my position in the crew union the next few months will mean I will not be able to get too personally involved in organising anything right away but the purpose of this post is to a) pass on Kevin's sad news and b) alerting anyone who might want to help out in the future in anyway. My e mail address is duncan@duncanholley.co.uk

While I wont be able to answer individual questions just yet I could keep a data base of people's contact details which we could use in the New Year when I may have more time on my hands -maybe more than I want ;)

 

In the meantime if you wish to send Kevin your good wishes I will print off this thread and pass it on. Cheers Duncan

Edited by Fitzhugh Fella
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I have no idea how easy or difficult it is to get ex-pros to devout one evening to playing a benefit match

 

Bearing in mind his most famous goal was the equaliser at Wembley v Forest, we could try & get the two teams from that day meeting again at SMS?

 

Just a thought, probably impossible logistically

 

Nonetheless, terrible news

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I have no idea how easy or difficult it is to get ex-pros to devout one evening to playing a benefit match

 

Bearing in mind his most famous goal was the equaliser at Wembley v Forest, we could try & get the two teams from that day meeting again at SMS?

 

Just a thought, probably impossible logistically

 

Nonetheless, terrible news

 

Indeed - I forgot to add two things. One, the PFA have been approached and at first Gordon Taylor was very unhelpful. After some argy-bargy Kevin was sent a cheque which was to be the end of the matter. The sum involved was pretty modest ie the price of a family holiday.

 

Secondly there are people at Fulham who are aware of Kevin's situation so perhaps they may be able to help.

 

If anyone on here knows any ex-colleagues of Kevin's perhaps they could just pass on this news please.

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A good honest professional who always gave 100%.

I remember him being sat with us fans up at Sheffield Wednesday once when he was out of the team.Saints fans will rally round to help any way they can.

I'm sure Fulham would want to help out too.

All the best to Kevin,Mandy and their family.

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Serious question.

 

Can Kevin's condition in any way be connected with heading the ball?

 

We all remember what a brave player he was, how good in the air he was (for his size, let's not forget he was not a six-footer) and how much heading the ball was part of his game.

 

No doubt, there is some neurologist out there who will come forward and attribute it to be that, and if my memory serves me, I think old Derek Doogan was among those whose dementia was supposedly caused by heading the ball.

 

But Kevin - like any footballer, and especially a central defender - would accept that as an ocupational hazard.

 

Best wishes to him and his.

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Serious question.

 

Can Kevin's condition in any way be connected with heading the ball?

 

We all remember what a brave player he was, how good in the air he was (for his size, let's not forget he was not a six-footer) and how much heading the ball was part of his game.

 

No doubt, there is some neurologist out there who will come forward and attribute it to be that, and if my memory serves me, I think old Derek Doogan was among those whose dementia was supposedly caused by heading the ball.

 

But Kevin - like any footballer, and especially a central defender - would accept that as an ocupational hazard.

 

Best wishes to him and his.

 

Good question. I don't think there has ever been any firm evidence (hence the PFA being a bit sniffy?) but many think there is a link. Jeff Astle was another who's family reckon excessive heading of a heavy ball was a major consideration.

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I know that Kev loves his golf, a golf tournament would be very appropriate imho as I am aware that a lot of the ex players from that era still play regularly still.

 

How about combining it with the oft touted Forum tournament? I reckon it could be brilliant and could be held at the 9 hole at Otterbourne to keep it manageable and open to as many as possible (I'm hope I'm not betraying any confidences by mentioning that Kev lives up that way).

 

Kevin's goal in the ZDS final was a cracker, in fact it was for many the best saints day out in their lives (like me, I missed Cardiff) So cheers for that Kev. I for one would be up for playing or caddying.

 

Beers afterwards at the Forge perhaps?

 

Thoughts anyone?

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That's really bad news, Kevin can't be that old which makes it worse. All the best to Kevin and his family. He was a good player for us and a solid professional. I'd definitely go to a benefit match or be willing to contribute to a fund.

 

I remember just after he retired that he was joining a B&Q management course so he wasn't one of the "never have to work again" generation of footballers.

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We all remember what a brave player he was, how good in the air he was (for his size, let's not forget he was not a six-footer) .

 

I remember that that too, and when he came to us he'd never played at such a high level, but didn't look out of place. Wasn't he also a member of the 92 club... as a player!

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I know that Kev loves his golf, a golf tournament would be very appropriate imho as I am aware that a lot of the ex players from that era still play regularly still.

 

How about combining it with the oft touted Forum tournament? I reckon it could be brilliant and could be held at the 9 hole at Otterbourne to keep it manageable and open to as many as possible (I'm hope I'm not betraying any confidences by mentioning that Kev lives up that way).

 

Kevin's goal in the ZDS final was a cracker, in fact it was for many the best saints day out in their lives (like me, I missed Cardiff) So cheers for that Kev. I for one would be up for playing or caddying.

 

Beers afterwards at the Forge perhaps?

 

Thoughts anyone?

 

Good shout hammy!!!! How's the calf by the way???

 

Kev was a great servant, always loyal, solid and committed. will help and support anything that is organised. Best wishes to him and his family.

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Guest Dark Sotonic Mills
I was friendly with Kev in the mid nineties, did a few long lunches together etc. The last I heard he was in charge of Mospur Park (Fulham's training ground).

 

Ditto, we were both regulars at The White Horse in Otterbourne when Pete and Julie were the managers, and used to do the quiz together (if I wasn't reading it that is). He used to come in with a group including Pete McCormick (sic) and a bunch from Greenacres.

 

I feel dreadfully sorry for his family (and for any family who have a dementia sufferer to care for) and would be more than happy to support any initiatives.

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Awful to hear, very committed centre-half and always a threat to the opposition at set pieces. Remember him scoring twice V Everton in 89/90 which was a successful and entertaining season. Perhaps some of the Saints players from the late 80s and early 90s - Shearer, MLT, Ruddock, Dowie, Flowers et al be interested in participating and headlining an event - be it football, golf or something else?

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Yes I was there and remember that - a cracking left footed volley from just inside their half. Sad news and yes a good old fashioned , dedicated pro and a former club captain if I remember rightly? The club should do something really and he was one who didn't make a lot out of ther game unlike some no-mark like Marlon King. Didn't he go on to be a surveyor of some sort ?

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Indeed - I forgot to add two things. One, the PFA have been approached and at first Gordon Taylor was very unhelpful. After some argy-bargy Kevin was sent a cheque which was to be the end of the matter. The sum involved was pretty modest ie the price of a family holiday.

 

Secondly there are people at Fulham who are aware of Kevin's situation so perhaps they may be able to help.

 

If anyone on here knows any ex-colleagues of Kevin's perhaps they could just pass on this news please.

 

This would be the same Gordon Taylor that is paid around £1.2m a year for representing only several thousand members (Unison boss paid around £100k for comparison). Another snout in the football trough.

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Yes I was there and remember that - a cracking left footed volley from just inside their half. Sad news and yes a good old fashioned , dedicated pro and a former club captain if I remember rightly? The club should do something really and he was one who didn't make a lot out of ther game unlike some no-mark like Marlon King. Didn't he go on to be a surveyor of some sort ?

A Quantity Surveyor. I often had the chance to chat to him after matches at the Dell whilst my daughter was collecting autographs and I remember once discussing what the Dell was worth and how it would be demolished. He's a true gentleman and he's one of our lads so let's do everything we can to support him and his family.

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Reading this, the evening with MLT and the Big Ron updates makes me realise how much good this forum could actually achieve if we could get our act together. I'm no real help being down here to you guys doing the running around and organising, but I just wondered, with the recent discussions about our history, old players and those in need, maybe a spin off from the old Saints in The Community project could be set up, some sort of "Help the Heroes" fund.

 

Justifying a benefit game at SMS for Big Ron is a really worthwhile idea, but on it's own, even with our memories may struggle. Perhaps a benefit game to launch a fund for old players in need would be a more long term and sustainable ideal.

 

Then when you guys get going and start to put together Golf Days etc for individual causes you have a vehicle ready to go, mail lists and full support of the club.

 

It would need a push from the Echo I expect as much as from our (these days) weaker voice, but worth some thought.

 

Anyone got Adam Leith's number?

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I'll always remember his belting 1 yarder in the ZDS Final in 1992. I was right behind the goal for my first trip to the National Stadium and I was only 10 years old.

 

Cheers Kev! Best wishes to you and your family.

 

Was about to post an identical post, when I saw this!

 

All the best to KM et al.

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top bloke, i remember going on a school trip to the Dell when i was about 12 and he was doing some extra training in the afternoon running round the pitch etc to as he was on his way back from injury. When we were being shown round the changing rooms etc he came over and asked the teacher and Alan Smith who was the Saints Community development officer at the time if we would like some autographs and gave us a bit of chat about life as a pro footballer. Remember that as if it was yesterday even if it was 20 odd years ago and thoght then what a nice bloke, instantly became one of my favourite players after that. How many top flight footballers would do that these days.

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Met Kevin once when I played in a 5-a-side tournament at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground. Lovely bloke, who spoke fondly about his time at Saints and was tickled to know there was a poster on here called Not The Kevin Moore.

 

Best wishes to him and his family.

 

I gather Eastleigh FC are prepared to loan their stadium for a charity game in the spring.

Things are being organised.

Any more messages to Kevin and his family would be appreciated.

Rgds Duncan

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Met Kevin once when I played in a 5-a-side tournament at Fulham's Motspur Park training ground. Lovely bloke, who spoke fondly about his time at Saints and was tickled to know there was a poster on here called Not The Kevin Moore.

 

Best wishes to him and his family.

 

;)

 

Kev is a top bloke and I took his name for my username because the ZDS cup final was my first ever Saints game.

 

I lived opposite him for a brief while after I graduated and had a kickabout in the park with him. We were invited along to his 40th as well. Him and his wife are lovely people and welcomed me and my housemates to the neighbourhood with open arms.

 

Gutted to hear about his illness and I'd be happy to donate money to repay their hospitality in some small way.

 

Incidentally, properly p1ssed off to hear about the PFA's derisory offer, Kev is a player from an age where the players weren't that far removed from the fans and had to find a job after retiring from the game.

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One of those rare players who never gave anything less than his all. It's terrible to think of what is happening to him and his family. Nothing I can say and do will change the way they are suffering now and for days to come. Nevertheless, I raise a glass to a top player of this club and his loyal wife. Cheers!

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My heart sank when I heard what was wrong with Kevin. My husband and I have a very close friend suffering from the same type of dementia, still in his 40s with a wife and 8 year old daughter. He was a qualified barrister who worked for Solent University who has suffered for the last 4 years. He is now permanently in a home outside Wilton, incontinent, unable to speak properly and turning violent -it is the most distressing illness.

It is extremely rare, but patients usually start by losing all empathy for other people. I don't think heading the ball is in any way connected with this - the sufferers at one time in this country are only in the hundreds, and our friend was a junior international squash player, but never played football.

 

Kevin's family need our help and best wishes, as I realise what they are going through. Kevin can probably not feel sympathy from other people or feel sorry for himself.

 

I do know, however, that all my friend's care is paid for by the local authority, despite his generous pension settlement from the University.

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This really saddens me to hear this. I don’t post that often but please pass on my best wishes to Kevin and his family.

 

Like others I recall the ZDS goal, but also met Kevin as he worked at a previous employer of mine back in the early 90's (before he went to do the job at Fulham), and he kindly came along and presented awards at our clubs presentation evening. My recollection was of a genuinely nice bloke who after football was studying, doing a normal job and was very down to earth. Reading the points from the poster who knows about the condition the thought that he will be potentially altering his personality makes this particularly sad, and my thoughts are with his family.

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