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Local Non League Legend Chris McMullen Dies

27 Sep 2012

We received the following sad news from Leek Town earlier today (Thursday 27 September 2012)

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It is with great sadness that Leek Town Football Club learnt today of the passing of Chris McMullen.

Chris was undoubtedly one of the finest players ever to pull on a Leek Town shirt and captained the side at Wembley in the 1990 FA Trophy Final.

He came to Leek Town in the 1983/84 season and quickly established himself as a commanding and committed centre half. 

Chris was also an inspirational leader and was soon given the captain's armband, which he held throughout his Blues career. 

In total he made 405 appearances for the club, making him one of only three players to make play over 400 games for the Blues. He also scored 30 goals for the club. 

Injury ended his playing career in the 1992/93 season, but he remained very much part of the local football scene, having a successful spell as manager of Leek CSOB and latterly becoming Chairman of the club. 

The word 'legend' can be over-used, but there is no doubt that Chris will truly be remembered as a Leek Town legend.

Leek Town Football Club would like to send it's deepest condolences and sympathies to Chris's family and a tribute to 'Macca' will be held at Saturday's game. 

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6 Towns Radio's Steve Norris who is the non league football presenter on Boots Bats and Balls and former vice captain to Chris paid the following tribute 

"Today I learned of the sudden death of Chris Mcmullen, former Leek town player, Leek CSOB Manager and Chairman.
 
I have known Chris or MACCA, for over 25yrs as an opponent, team mate , captain and friend. He captained Leek Town when I returned to the club in the summer of 1989, having been away at Winsford Utd and Eastwood Hanley for the previous 5 seasons. During that time our paths had crossed and I found him to be a tough opponent who gave as good as he got. When I was signed by Neil Baker that summer he told me that I would captain the side, BUT only when Macca wasn't available. I have to say that was probably one of 'Bake's' best decisions. He also explained during the Pre season that we were going to play 5 3 2, with myself as sweeper and Chris and Paul  'Jack' Clewes filling the centre back roles.
 
I quickly realised that Macca was probably the proudest captain I had ever come across, he was also a natural for the job, because he had that ability to be a great skipper even when he wasn't having the best of games. He was fiercely competitive, which became a hallmark of that side over the next few seasons. I joined as we embarked on a season that non of us will ever forget, we were crowned Champions of the Northern Premier League Division 1 and promoted to the Premier Division, following an incredible unbeaten run from the early January, in fact we only lost one more league game all season and that was after we had already sealed the title.
 
It was also the season we reached the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium, it is still a record as the team from the lowest level of non league football to reach a Trophy Final, and it was Chris who led us out on the day. We lost that final but that group of players had started on a great journey that over the next few seasons were definitely my happiest times in football. We were a very close knit unit, 3 or 4 Leek Lads, 7 or 8 from the Potteries , 1 from Stafford and 1 from Stockport  was the cocktail that carried us along, usually with Macca as skipper.
 
One story epitomises him. It was the quarter final of the Trophy and we were at home to Darlington of the Vauxhall Conference, Darlington were managed by Brian Little, had been relegated from the 4th Division the previous season and were still full time professionals. The ground was packed with over 3000 fans. But all week Macca was struggling to be fit, in fact he was probably still 2 weeks away, but with Jack also unavailable we didn't have recognised centre half. Neil Baker decided to take a chance on him and he played 2 sweepers to help him through. Although he could hardly jog he was outstanding as we kept a clean sheet to win 1-0 and progress to the semi's.
 
He will be sadly missed and today's news has hit me hard, but he will be thought of in the highest terms, a great player, captain, man and friend.
 
Take care mate, Nog"

Steve then spoke again on today's Boots Bats and Balls. Listen below:
 
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