Mike Wilson

The Isthmian League is sad to report the passing of Mike Wilson, our long serving and greatly admired statistician. Mike was unwell and hospitalised over the summer, and although not fully recovered was able to finalise and publish his twenty-first edition of our Statistical Review- the Bostik League ‘bible’ essential to journalists, club officials and supporters alike. He was also able to attend two matches in late August and early September in the company of his friend- and our archivist- Richard Lambert, and it is a picture taken by Richard at Coggeshall Town which heads this article.

Mike had been involved with the League for over 30 years, having joined us following the demise of the Athenian League in 1984. Having a passion for statistics, he has been responsible for recording our attendance figures for this entire period, and of course has published the statistical review for more than two decades.

Chairman Nick Robinson commented:

“I went to see Mike last week in Darenth Hospital and was sorry to see him in such a condition. He wanted to know everything about the League, and earlier in the season had asked if I would take him to a match at Folkestone Invicta. I joked with him and told him that he needed to get better so that I could take him to Folkestone, and am extremely saddened that this is a trip we will not now be able to take together.

We will miss Mike enormously, not least for his invaluable help behind the scenes- and I know that many, many people will miss the statistical review. His son, Dan, has promised to complete this seasons work as a tribute to his late father.”

Richard Lambert also paid tribute to his friend:

“Mike was always helpful to anyone who wanted information about our league, particularly so to me personally when I was building the Isthmian Archive. I met him initially when purchasing some of his history books, famously those on the Athenian, Corinthian and Delphian Leagues, and then we corresponded from time to time before meeting more regularly from 2015. Most recently it was clear that Mike was in poor health when I accompanied him on a trip to Coggeshall Town in August, where we also met Olly Murs. Mike was keen to ensure that he had his Isthmian League tie with him as he knew he was representing the league as an official! Unfortunately, he also had to carry a large supply of oxygen with him, although he seemed of the opinion that his illness could be dealt with and managed. I last saw him on 1st September when I drove him to Felixstowe and Walton United, and we had a great day out there before returning back to his home in Dartford. He will be a great loss, both personally and professionally.”

Our love and condolences go out to his family and friends. We share their loss, and join with them in mourning his passing.