Tribute To Alan Aimes – Wanchai Spartans FC number one supporter.
Alan Aimes was a very close friend, a colleague, a drinking partner, a keen golfer, a sports fan and a big fan of horse racing but above all a true gentleman one I admired greatly. While Alan was in Hong Kong which was twice a year for 2 or 3 month stretches I would have lunch with him reguarily. I would enjoy his company and we always seem to have something to yarn and joke about.
"He adored Hong Kong where he was recognised as one of the colony’s racing characters. He was a regular supporter of the Wanchai Spartans football team, who often played on the Jockey Club pitches in the middle of Happy Valley racecourse. They loved his vociferous encouragement and held him in such high esteem they had a minute’s silence in his memory before their match last weekend. As if that wasn’t enough, they also posted a tribute to Alan on their website. He certainly made his mark with them, never leaving them in any doubt when expressing his feelings from the touchline. Always ready to bollock the players in that inimitable Amies style of his." curtouesy Tim Richards.
Alan passions varied but there was no doubting his passion for the Wanchai Spartans FC much like he would follow York City back home. He would have come and watch countless Saturday, Sunday, Soho or Nites games over the years. He was also a regular watching 5’s and truly loved the club and the players in it. A loss or a win Alan would feel it as much if not more than the managers and players themselves.
Personally I will miss his terribly he was a wonderful companion and we had our share of top night outs in Hong Kong. He would be more often than not found at The White Stag having an ale or two with another good friend Jimmy Rose also a Spartan player or any other Spartans player discussing anything and everything from the club to the winner at Aintree.
This was my last photo of Alan taken at HK Cricket Club early this year before being diagnosed of cancer up at the top floor in the Charter Tavern. The photo shows him reading his favourite newspaper out here the South China Morning Post and particularly the back of the Sports section which I believe Alan enjoyed the most. For all of Alan’s quirks you wouldn’t have want to have met a finer person because that was certainly him.
He was always generous and helpful to anyone that would ask him for it. But above all he was a true gentleman and a good friend too many include myself in the club.
RIP Alan you will always be in my thoughts and many others no doubt in Hong Kong and in our football club.
Henry Vera.
Chairman of Wanchai Spartans FC
