Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright has paid a heartfelt tribute following the passing of his grandad Eddie.
The Fleet boss was still in the dugout for their National League Cup game with West Ham under-21s last Tuesday.
Wright has spoken fondly of his family’s support previously and there was no bigger fan than his grandad, with the feeling clearly mutual.
“I’ve had a very difficult week,” said the Fleet boss after the 1-1 league draw with Yeovil on Tuesday night.
“Grandad, who came over to the Kuflink many a time, was the central figure, the king of our family. He created and made our family a huge family in terms of his children, his grandchildren and then great grandchildren.
“It’s been a very sad seven or eight days and I’ve had to dig deep. I kept it under wraps last Monday when it happened going into the Tuesday game last week. But I’ve had my time, I’ve had my emotions and been with my family all the time but work’s work and I’ve had to come to work.
“There’s no-one that would have been prouder watching me as he’s watched me up and down the country since I was a little boy. He’s been to pretty much every football stadium you could name as he came everywhere with my dad. He was always proud of me and I was proud of him.
“What he was is what I want to be, a hard-working, good genuine man who is a proper gentleman who treats people in the right way and goes about life in the right way. I want to be everything he ever was and hopefully I continue to make him proud in the new role I’m doing.”
Among Wright’s career highlights was a Wembley play-off final win with Gillingham, while he was on loan from Charlton, in 2009 against Shrewsbury.
Wright’s corner in the last minute was headed home by Simeon Jackson to give the Gills a 1-0 victory.
“My grandad was there in Club Wembley with my dad that day and then there were about 100 friends and family in the stands below,” recalled Wright. “He’s seen me take the corner in the 90th minute to set up the winner and get promoted.
“He’s seen it all, watched me at Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Wembley, every stadium from Championship, League 1, League 2 down into the National League.
“It used to make me smile and proud when I saw him in the stadium and I know he’s still with me looking down.”
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