Linfield FC is delighted to announce a testimonial evening to celebrate and recognise the long standing service of kit manager Gary Eccles.

The ‘Tribute to Gary Eccles Evening’ will take place at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 26th October.

The event will follow similar ‘tribute’ occasions honouring other long serving members of the back-room staff – Andy Kerr MBE and the late Kenny McKeague.

Gary, who earlier this year was presented with the Merit Award at the club’s Annual Awards Presentation evening, has recently celebrated 40 years of loyal service to the club and has richly deserved the award of this Tribute event honouring his long and faithful service to Linfield FC. 

Gary started off as a Linfield team attendant, before taking on the vital kit manager role he has taken such a pride in fulfilling over more recent years. He has served diligently under managers Roy Coyle, Eric Bowyer, Trevor Anderson, David Jeffrey MBE, Warren Feeney and David Healy MBE, all of whom have recognised the pivotal and significant contribution Gary makes in a number of ways behind the scenes at Windsor Park. 

Gary is a hugely popular personality among players (past and present), coaches, staff, directors and supporters and this Tribute event will be an opportunity for so many of them to show their appreciation for all that Gary has contributed to the success that Linfield has enjoyed over the duration of his time at the club. 

A committee has been formed to help plan this special event in honour of Gary, whose son Josh is following in his father’s footsteps in the backroom staff at Windsor Park and who recently became a proud father to a baby boy Isaac. 

The committee will include :

• Jonathan Lamont (Chairman)
• Ivan Ogborn (Secretary)
• Stephen Dickson (Treasurer)
• Gary Dickson 
• Glenn Ferguson
• Robert Foster 
• Michael Gault
• Michael Jones
• Glenn Meikle.
• Robert Neill 

Further details concerning this special event will be available in the coming days but it promises to be an exceptional gathering of Linfield personnel past and present, all united with one purpose – to honour, pay tribute to and express appreciation for the exceptional, loyal, reliable and selfless service of Gary Eccles.