TRIBUTES have been paid to local footballing icon Steve Fellows - who won ‘everything’ as a player at Houghton Main - following his sudden death.
Steve grew up in Low Valley before moving to Darfield - but it was his love for Houghton Main that made him so popular across the borough.
He was an integral part of the 1974/75 side which won several local cups that campaign - including a 3-2 Montagu Cup win against Northcliffe WMC.
That side was managed by John ‘Jack’ Short - the former Wolves, Stoke City and Barnsley defender.
His love for Houghton Main in both the footballing and cricket world knew no bounds - and he carried on playing into his late forties.
He died suddenly, aged 76, on April 6 at his home in Great Houghton.
His wife Dorothy told the Chronicle: “He also played for The Station, a pub, as well as Houghton Main.
“He played football since he was seven.
“He was at Houghton Main when he was 15 and he played well into his forties.
“He was a fit man and he was a hard man.
“In one match he got studded on the field and he was bleeding.
“He got up and I told him he was going to hospital but he carried on playing for 20 minutes.
“He’d not only had to have stitches - but he’d also broken his leg.
“He loved his football but he also loved us.”
Steve’s funeral will take place on Thursday at All Saints’ Church in Darfield at 2.30pm, with a celebration of his life being held at Houghton Main Sports and Social Club.
“His wish would be to carry on with Houghton Main,” Dorothy said.
“Everything there is wonderful - people need to know about it.
“When people are making a collection at the funeral I’d like it to go to the up and coming cricketers and footballers at the club.
“We want to give the young people something.”
Alan Haynes, 56, said that John was a true gentleman - and he always used to come round and see his dad Harry, who was an important figure at Houghton Main.
He added: “He played football for my dad for years and years.
“He was always such a gentleman.
“Whenever he used to come through the village he would always come and see my dad.
“He was a well-respected footballer.
“He played for Don and Dearne who at that time would have been the equivalent of Barnsley Boys.
“He was a top class joiner as well.
“Anyone who knows him would have had him in their house doing something.”
Steve leaves behind his wife, four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
