‘A friend to so many people’: Tributes paid to 'outstanding' Rotherham woman who gave her life to football

Shirley Pollock, who sadly died on Tuesday, December 17, aged 84, was a hugely popular figure at Parkgate FC and Rotherham United Women, who welcomed visitors through the gates at the clubs’ Roundwood Sports Complex in Rawmarsh for years.

Her granddaughter Amy plays for the Millers, and Shirley’s long association with the club began when she took the midfielder down there as a young girl more than 20 years ago.

She was a former secretary of Sheffield & Hallamshire Womens County League, and Rotherham United Women, and was highly respected for her vast knowledge of players and teams in the region.

Albert Dudill, chairman of Parkgate FC, said he felt honoured to have known Shirley, whom he first met through work at Parkgate Steelworks, where she was secretary to the director for many years.

“It’s hard to describe Shirley. She really was an outstanding lady in all aspects of her life and a friend to so many people,” he said.

“She spent a number of years not just helping on the gates but getting involved in so many areas of the club, including fundraising.”

Shirley lived in the Kimberworth area. She had two sons and two daughters with her late husband Bill, and she was a doting grandmother and great-grandmother.

Valerie Hoyle, secretary of Rotherham United Women, said: “Shirley played a massive part in the club right up until her death. She used to travel the length and breadth of the country to attend meetings, and her contribution will never be forgotten.

“She was also a great friend, and we’ve had so many messages on social media from people saying how much she’ll be missed.

“She was always very feisty. If she thought something was worth sticking up for she would be the one to fight your corner, and she still had that fighting spirit right up to the end.”

Shirley’s funeral will be held at Rotherham Crematorium, Ridgeway, Rotherham S65 3NN, on Wednesday, January 8, at 2pm.