As a club we have been left completely devastated after hearing that our long serving groundsman, Derek Hughes, has passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.

This has come as such a complete shock to the club as he was busy preparing his pride and joy, the pitch at Central Park, until only just a few weeks ago. After a short illness he died at his home in Llanrhaeadr whilst being cared for by his loving family.

Derek has been our groundsman for just over 25 years and always had Denbigh Town FC at heart. The club was a major part of his life and he was a major part of the club.
He initially started work at Central Park in 1993/94 alongside his father who was our groundsman at the time. During his years tending the pitch he has improved the playing surface to what is generally regarded as one of the best football pitches in North Wales.

Each Friday he would spend the whole day meticulously preparing the pitch for the weekend’s fixtures. On match day he would enjoy hearing the accolades from visiting teams regarding the well prepared playing surface.

Derek started playing football at the age of 14 for Llanrhaeadr in the Summer League . He became a top class goalkeeper and played for Denbigh Town in two separate spells. However, he always maintained that he was at the peak of his goalkeeping prowess in the ten years when he appeared for Denbigh's North Wales Hospital team. He had four years at Llandyrnog before he hung up his gloves.
His working career was as a welder/fabricator and he put his skills to great use around Central Park. As one walks around the ground, evidence of Derek’s work can be seen all around the place and the club will sorely miss him.

A couple of seasons ago we asked Derek what were the best moments during his time at the Club. He replied “I have seen a lot but I think four big moments in recent years stand out for me. Seeing the flood lights being switched on for the first time was special as was winning the Welsh Alliance league here against Holywell in 2014 when we were unbeaten all season. The best match atmosphere I have experienced here at the ground was TheWord Cup Semi Final game when we beat Gap Connahs Quay to reach the final. It was electric that night. Of course, the actual Cup Final in January 2016 at Llandudno against TNS was extra special. There was so much support and the game was televised live. Brilliant! "

Needless to say we are so indebted to Derek for all his hard work at the club over the years. We are at a loss after losing such a dear friend and devoted person and offer our sincere condolences to his son Matthew, his sisters Sheila and Carol, his brother Pete and other family members and friends at this awfully sad time.

Club secretary Stephen Whitfield said "The place simply will not be the same without Derek knocking about. When any of us went to the ground on a Friday we would initially see Derek's car in front of the open shed doors and so go over. He was a straight talker was Derek and so there was always an interesting chat to be had. I will miss him so much and so will everyone here. We cannot believe he won't be back. It is heartbreaking."

Club chairman Shon Powell added "After hearing the terribly sad news we are all devastated at the loss of a dear friend above anything else. He will be sorely missed by all. Derek was involved with the developments at the club over the years and it is difficult to see how we will manage without him. "

A minute's silence in memory and in honour of Derek will be held at tonight’s reserve game and before the first team game on Saturday.

Details of his funeral will be published when we have more details

RIP mate