A former Chelsea player who lay in an unmarked grave for more than 60 years, yards from Stamford Bridge, has finally received recognition thanks to supporters of the club.
Chelsea Supporters Trust crowdfunded a gravestone for John 'Jack' Whitley, who was a goalkeeper and later trainer at the club from 1907 to 1939.
Saturday's unveiling of the memorial, in Brompton Cemetery, was attended by Whitley's great grandson Andy Robertson, who had travelled down from his north Lincolnshire home for the ceremony.
Andy, who was not born when his great grandfather died in 1955, grew up as a Chelsea fan, and attended the game against Manchester City after the short ceremony at the grave.
“From probably about the age of seven or eight, I learned my great grandfather had played for Chelsea as a goalie,” he said.
“He was a proud man, and we knew where he was buried; but for a long time we didn't know he was in an unmarked grave.
“As a family we're proud of what everybody has done for him.”
It was research by Chelsea FC historian Rick Glanvill which found the link between the unmarked plot and the player, and this caught the imagination of the club's independent Supporters Trust.
They wanted to find a way of marking the final resting place of the only former Chelsea player to be buried in the cemetery, which is next door to Stamford Bridge.
Setting-up an online site for donations, they reached their target of £5,500 within weeks – thanks to donations in the main from Chelsea fans, but also from supporters of other clubs.
Also present at the ceremony were Chelsea FC Chairman Bruce Buck, and representatives of Chelsea Supporters Trust.
David Chidgey, Chairman of the Supporters Trust, said: “We are proud to be associated with the campaign to provide a fitting memorial to 'Jack' Whitley, a loyal servant of Chelsea FC.
“Furthermore we are very grateful for the generosity of Chelsea supporters who donated to the campaign so readily.
“It proves unquestionably that the bond between supporters and players remains as strong as ever.”
Whitley, who became known as Mr Chelsea for his long service to the club, is now finally recognised in his final resting place.
His near neighbours include Chelsea FC founder Henry Augustus Mears, the epidemiologist John Snow, and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
