IN MEMORIAM | ANTHONY HUGHES

Tribute to our League Chairman following his sad passing

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Southern League Chairman, Anthony Hughes.

A passionate and dedicated football man, he first became a League Director in June 2003 and then Vice President six years later before returning as a League Director in 2015 after Merthyr returned as a Member Club, until his election as Vice Chairman in 2017.

He was the League’s FA Representative from July 2016 until October 2023 and became Southern League Chairman in June 2022, which fulfilled a lifelong ambition for him having spent his childhood watching the Southern League before embarking upon an association with his local club, Merthyr Town, which lasted for over 30 years.

His involvement at Merthyr included being Club Secretary, Director, Board Member and, more importantly, a loyal supporter.

In his role here at the Southern League, it was all about the clubs and putting them first as well as making the League as approachable, embracing and forward-thinking as possible. The game will be a much poorer place for his passing.

We send our condolences to Debbie, Victoria and Shaun, and all of Anthony’s family and friends at this most difficult time.