Wilf Hall 1935-2007

It is with tremendous sadness that Macclesfield Town Football Club learnt of the death of one of the Silkmen's greatest ever goalkeepers, Wilf Hall, following a brave battle against cancer in August 2007. An impeccably observed minute's silence was observed prior to the game against Leeds United, a fitting tribute to one of our most loyal servants.

Wilf joined the Silkmen from Ipswich Town and made his debut against Buxton on 24 August 1963. He spent 9 years at the Moss Rose as a goalkeeper, the latter years as understudy to John Cooke. He was never booked in his whole footballing career, and even managed to stay out of an infamous 20 man brawl when we played Altrincham one time!

Wilf's love and support of Macclesfield Town was constant for more than 40 years. After putting down his goalkeeping glves, he undertook almost every role at the club at some point including trainer, groundsman, reserves coach, director, programme seller and gateman. Over the past few years, Wilf could always be found, in his position of Commissionnaire, either in the McIlroy Suite, or at the Players and Directors entrance in the Silk FM Stand.

He started his career with Stoke City and at the age of 17, made his Football League debut in a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic; the famous Sam Bartram was in goal for the opposition. Then came a move to Ipswich Town for £4700 in a deal which enabled Stoke City to buy back Stanley Matthews from Blackpool for £2500 of the proceeds. Wilf won a First Division Championship medal with Ipswich Town in 1961-62 under the management of the great Alf Ramsey, before moving to the Silkmen.

Wilf's contribution to the Silkmen over the past 44 years has been immeasurable and very much appreciated. He will be greatly missed at the Moss Rose by everyone who knew him, not only for his work, which was always carried out with total professionalism, but for his genuine caring friendliness and wonderful sense of humour. The club has lost a true Silkman.