Dedicated to the memory of Mike Appleby
As many of you will have seen, an ex-colleague, Mike Appleby, sadly passed away last week as one of the many victims of the Coronavirus.
Mike joined The FA in the early 1980's, starting out as an accountant in the finance section. Although, in those "Lancaster Gate" days, the staff was much smaller and multi-tasking was the order of the day. He was involved with Grassroots football with County Secretaries, FA Competitions, Refereeing, International Liaison and even organising mascots for internationals. He later became the Funding and Membership Manager, introducing funding schemes for clubs to make ground improvements, County FA grants for headquarters and equipment, and looking after the Full & Associate Member Clubs.
From the late 1990's, he served as National Facilities Manager, and had a key role in the establishment of the Football Foundation and The FA having a dedicated Facilities team, many of whom are still involved today. Between them, these teams have invested over £1billion into grassroots facilities.
Into the 2000's, Mike moved into the role he was most passionate about, as National Leagues Manager. He was the architect of the National League System (even if the phrase "non-league football" is still with us), the most comprehensive structure outside of the professional game in the world. He drove the establishment of the England C team (drawn from the pyramid), which has provided a stepping stone for many players, and also created The FA Inter League Cup competition and established the National Ground Grading criteria still used to ensure that 1500 non-league grounds are safe and accessible.
Mike was a mine of information about the football family, and all levels of the game, and would happily share this information with colleagues and friends. He also cared deeply about the game, particularly the levels below the professional game and would regularly be seen at weekends at NLS matches across the levels, speaking with volunteers to understand how best The FA could support them.
He retired in 2015 (counting up that he reported to 27 committees or sub-committees may have been a factor), though quickly started "helping out" with the South Midlands Spartan League, which was his local NLS league, and soon found himself elected as Secretary (and finally had to start to use some FA Technology systems), which illustrates his passion and commitment - a man to whom his hobby was his job for many years.
An essentially quiet man who didn't seek the limelight, he had a wonderfully dry sense of humour and an infectious chuckle, usually prompted by one of the many "unusual" requests emanating from the non-league game.
Our thoughts, as with so many others, are with Trudi and his son Jamie, and his many friends, at this difficult time.
Mike joined The FA in the early 1980's, starting out as an accountant in the finance section. Although, in those "Lancaster Gate" days, the staff was much smaller and multi-tasking was the order of the day. He was involved with Grassroots football with County Secretaries, FA Competitions, Refereeing, International Liaison and even organising mascots for internationals. He later became the Funding and Membership Manager, introducing funding schemes for clubs to make ground improvements, County FA grants for headquarters and equipment, and looking after the Full & Associate Member Clubs.
From the late 1990's, he served as National Facilities Manager, and had a key role in the establishment of the Football Foundation and The FA having a dedicated Facilities team, many of whom are still involved today. Between them, these teams have invested over £1billion into grassroots facilities.
Into the 2000's, Mike moved into the role he was most passionate about, as National Leagues Manager. He was the architect of the National League System (even if the phrase "non-league football" is still with us), the most comprehensive structure outside of the professional game in the world. He drove the establishment of the England C team (drawn from the pyramid), which has provided a stepping stone for many players, and also created The FA Inter League Cup competition and established the National Ground Grading criteria still used to ensure that 1500 non-league grounds are safe and accessible.
Mike was a mine of information about the football family, and all levels of the game, and would happily share this information with colleagues and friends. He also cared deeply about the game, particularly the levels below the professional game and would regularly be seen at weekends at NLS matches across the levels, speaking with volunteers to understand how best The FA could support them.
He retired in 2015 (counting up that he reported to 27 committees or sub-committees may have been a factor), though quickly started "helping out" with the South Midlands Spartan League, which was his local NLS league, and soon found himself elected as Secretary (and finally had to start to use some FA Technology systems), which illustrates his passion and commitment - a man to whom his hobby was his job for many years.
An essentially quiet man who didn't seek the limelight, he had a wonderfully dry sense of humour and an infectious chuckle, usually prompted by one of the many "unusual" requests emanating from the non-league game.
Our thoughts, as with so many others, are with Trudi and his son Jamie, and his many friends, at this difficult time.
Contribute
Help grow Mike's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.
Thoughts
Application submitted led to an interview, where Mike and Geoff Webb, who is now CEO of the IOG, interviewed me. I can recall clearly today that Geoff dominated the interview but after he had exhausted himself, Mike asked me 3 direct questions which I felt I answered really well. Mike escorted me down to the reception and I expressed to him a bit of disappointment/frustration in how I dealt with the questions from Geoff. Mike in a quiet tone told me to ignore it and that he would be in touch.
Mike was not one for been flustered and was not one for taking the centre stage but as a person he would drop you the odd comment or email saying ‘keep up the good work’ or ‘just keep an eye of that person’. Whilst to some these were bitesize comments, to me I would call it exceptional leadership which enabled me to navigate the maze of football in my early years.
The last time I saw Mike was at Shefford Town and Campton FC which is my local club in April 2019, they had proudly gained promotion to the South Midlands and Mike had come along to inspect their ground as secretary of the league. It was great to catch up and go over old times and we were planning to catch up after this season had finished.
What a great guy who did so much for football.
Mark
6th May 2020
I first had the honour of meeting Mike in 1995 when I first joined the Herts FA and he was at Potters Bar. I was struck then by the Man (and of course Penny) and I remained friends with him throughout my career at The FA until his untimely passing.
Much has been said about his humour, calmness under difficult situations, knowledge and that he was a true "Football Person". He was greater than that - he had integrity, honesty and he was a friend to us all. He was ultimately and simply a great person. He was loved and will be missed by so many.
Thanks Mike for all you did and for your friendship. Sleep well. RIP.
Mark
Mark
6th May 2020
Mike, thanks so much for all you did for football - so many of us who worked with you at The FA will never forget what you achieved. I met you at our Potters Bar site, a very elite group of staff we were! You were a great colleague and you will never be forgotten. RIP Mike, love Pav x
Rachel
6th May 2020
