#8. cHARLIE wILKINSON (1984 - 2005)
The common denominator that brings together the members of the 4th team from 2003 to 2005 is Charlie George Wilkinson. In the early hours of Sunday 6th February 2005, two days before his 21st birthday Charlie took his own life. We will never know why, and as such it is perhaps best not to ask. Instead we choose to reflect on the time when he was with us. The 4th team is built around a core of team spirit and enjoyment, attributes which were best encapsulated in Charlie. Posessing a child-like innocence that would earn him endless stick from the rest of the squad and his countless friends Charlie was always someone you looked forward to seeing. Charlie's death highlighted just how close the 4th team bond was and is, and it is in testament to him that the team lives on.
A talented and commited player Charlie was an integral part of the 4th team, but will perhaps be most fondly remembered amongst the squad for his comedy escapades and genuine innocence which helped him head the 'Dick of the Day' leaderboard. Three days after Charlie's death the 4th team played their final league match against University of Derby and in tribute Charlie was named honorary 'Dick of the Day' for all these reasons;
- for chasing the mini-bus at Nottingham
- for spending over an hour convincing all on the sideline he was fit enough to play against Notts Trent only to collapse in a coughing fit in the centre circle within a minute of coming on as sub.
- for celebrating a miss in training; "YES! ...no! ...is that in?"
- for this conversation: Paul: "If he didn't put a dent in it he'd have broken his metatarsal" CW: "What do you mean Denis Bergkamp is leaving Arsenal?"
- for refusing to grasp that not all trains go through Reading
- for seven different reasons at Nottingham including "Hey lads there's girls in there" and "I'll buy you a pint if you vote for me, I mean don't vote for me... oh forget it, I've got it now"
- for the line "Now square crisps they're the future... but then so are Doritos"
- for sparking the great lube debate as the rugby team left the Delph; "I'd go get lubed up if I were you"...silence... "No because you'd rather it slide in than go in raw"
- for repeatedly banging my head against any available coach seats for two years
- for always buying everyone else in a round cheap lager whilst sneaking a pint of the expensive stuff for himself
- for his innocence in this conversation; CW: "Where do they play?" Glen: "At the YMCA" CW: "What's it like?" Glen: "Well you can have a good time, you can hang out with all the boys" CW: "Really?" Glen: "Yes"
- for turning up to initiation in a pair of silk Mickey Mouse boxer shorts
- for falling off the sofa seconds after arriving at the Delph
- for old time's sake