Kevin Kovacs 1957-2004
Kevin served on the WMCFL committee in the most pivotal role of League Secretary since about 1991 right up until his death. When Kev took on the job, the League consisted of just seven clubs and was in danger of folding. Over the years, the League grew to 24 teams largely due to Kevin's efforts. His commitment to the League was second to none. He was also an integral part of the Chawn Hill Church Football Club serving as player, manager and secretary over the 15 or so years he was involved with the club.
He was diagnosed with leukaemia during the summer of 2003. He put up a brave fight and despite the best attentions of the medics, including a stem cell transplant, he lost his battle on 4 December 2004. Below are the many, many tributes that followed from friends, family, opponents, team-mates and fellow committee members. If you would like to add your thoughts and words, please email me at the address on the main page. Ed Walker
Neil Kovacs - Kevin's brother added on 2 December 2006 - Today saw the first Memorial Charity Shield Final take place to honour and remember Kevin Kovacs. It will be two years ago on 4th December that our former League Secretary was sadly taken from us and perhaps now is as good a time as ever for myself to add my thoughts about Kevin to the web site to go alongside all the other tributes to him contained within the archive section. Kevin was only forty-seven when he died but after reading and re-reading the many comments about him I feel that the Club Secretaries made the correct decision in implementing this competition, (upon the suggestion of Richard Webster from Wolverhampton and Perton Football Club), as a mark of respect for his tireless devotion to the League.

I believe that in life, you may come across many nice people but if you came across Kevin, you had been truly blessed. He had this amazing presence about him that you just could not figure out and even more so after he became a Christian. When you first came across Kev, it was as though you had just met up with an old friend. Somehow he had a way of making everyone feel important and valued, (which we know to be true). Never judging anyone and always encouraging people in whatever they did. Something which still to this day makes our League continually seeks to grow and improve.

Kev knew the value of this League to the normal player and officials that participate within it, and always sought to make it a League that they would feel proud about talking to their friends about and also how good the League was as a whole. There is an advertising slogan that says ‘live life to the max’. He did this and much much more in sadly was an all but too short life. The amount of people he spoke to within the League to make sure that the standards were always maintained whilst not losing sight of any single individual's needs surprised me. Even after he had died I found out that he regularly corresponded with a person from a football club, giving them encouragement in times of doubt and struggles and this was aside from the football aspect of things. Kevin was a Christian first and League Secretary second. Some people say you cannot be a Christian and participate in physical combatative sports, he proved without doubt that they are wrong.

The conversations you could have with him were endless, as many a Club and League Official have stated previously. Some were also pointless but maybe they were the ones we had between ourselves. He seemed to know a lot about everything and was a great conversationalist because of this, (except on quiz nights when he would totally ignore any answers myself or Nannette his wife would give, only to apologise or gloat depending on the answer).

Kev also had a good sense of humour and if ever you need a goalkeeper you should apply the same idea that he used one day. To decide who was to be goalkeeper all the names went into a hat and obviously the name drawn would be keeper for the day. To his dismay a young lad with the nickname of Hovis was chosen out of the hat, to which I believe he was not impressed with (he is a great lad though). After letting the poor lad suffer for a while Kev then revealed that all the names in the hat had Hovis on them. The dressing room was in stitches about this and even to this day this story gets told now and again with the same laughter echoing around the dressing room. He was full of silliness like that and he really is irreplaceable in Chawn's dressing room.

Kev had a passion for his football but he knew where it stood in his life, (pretty high actually). To attend Church with him and hear him praising God for everything in his life was superb especially when he started singing in tongues, sadly his voice will never be heard again. After services we would indulge in talks about seeking God's gifts and once again he would always be on the positive side and encourage.

He never realised his own worth to those closest to him and to those who only knew him briefly. Yet this was another measure of the man, never full of self importance and always willing to serve others without seeking any reward for himself. I spent hours upon hours talking and being with Kev and I believe we had a truly fabulous bond with each other. Jesus said “Love One Another” and I have to admit that apart from my children, I can be sure in the knowledge that Kevin and myself truly loved each other as Jesus wished, and we knew it.

Sadly, with Kev’s death came separation, albeit until we meet in Heaven. To know love is to then know sadness, grief and despair. You often hear well intentioned people say “Time is a healer”. Well sorry, but I disagree. Only in the belief of Jesus and the Resurrection and belief in God do I know that I will meet Kev again.

It was through Kev that I became a Christian and maybe through his efforts within this League and the words written about him it may prompt others to consider what all this Christianity is about. Go and seek it out for it will change your life for the better. Kevin was a fine example of what I am talking about.

We as a League give thanks to God for placing Kevin in the position of League Secretary. At his service two years ago, I used a phrase that everyone who knew him agreed with so I will use it again.

In closing, I give Thanks for Kevin Kovacs, God’s Faithful Servant, Husband, Son, Brother, Uncle, Gentleman and a Legend.

Ed Walker - e-Secretary - This report appeared on Ed's Eye shortly after we got the news - Well it's been a very tough few days. Kev phoned me a few weeks back. 'Can you give me a lift to the committee meeting please?' I was delighted. He had been up and down since being diagnosed with leukaemia since about last July. We had a great chat on the way, Kev was always great company and that night was no different to any other. He'd always got something to say about everything and I mean that in a positive way. He was a very tolerant person, never one to lay the law down. Many secretaries will bear me out, he let a lot of things go saying 'does it really matter?'. Whilst he felt the cold that night, it was 1st November after all, he seemed well. On the way back he filled me in on his condition. I suppose from what he told me, today's news should not have been a shock. Whilst he may have been feeling better, the truth was he was a very sick man with a bleak outlook, perhaps I just didn't want to believe it. Kev came to his last League meeting on 12th November. I updated him on the scores the following Saturday; he told me that he'd lost the use of his legs. This was obviously the beginning of the end. Rob Hill called me on Wednesday and told me that the family had been called to the hospital. He died on Saturday morning at 2.25am.

Football can be quite a cruel game at times; people get hurt and quite often there's a lack of sympathy and emotion save for the scoreline or the referee. My mum used to say that footballers don't cry, but I've shed many tears since I heard the news. He said to me on the way home in the car, 'Ed, I'm 47, what have I done with my life?'. I suppose I can answer some of that for him.

He left an indelible impression on the WMCFL. He came into contact with literally hundreds of players, managers, referees, secretaries. It's fair to say looking back, there may not have been a WMCFL if it wasn't for him. He was warm. A great conversationalist, an intellectual. I loved this side of him, he had an opinion on most things, although he was quite prepared to listen to others' views. We spoke every Saturday night. He'd let me know the scores from the day's games so that I could update the website and in latter months it was the other way round. Quite often these chats would go on for ages whilst my tea got cold. Up until his dying days he was interested in what was happening. He tried to include as many people as he could in the football. There were many times when I'm sure his encouragement kept teams in the League, although he knew when to draw the line.

He was passionate and competitive. On the field, he took the games very seriously, whether he was watching or participating. He even played in a number of games after he was diagnosed. I remember one conversation I had with him. He told me that he'd asked the doctor who had informed him of the leukaemia if he could still play football, but forgot to ask 'Am I going to die from this?'. I'm going to miss you Kev and so will the League. You were a Christian and a gentleman.

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Nanette his wife and Neil his brother and to the rest of the family.

Jonathan Swain - Walsall Olympic - It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Kevin. Reading the web site brought back many happy memories of the nine years Walsall Olympic had in the League. Games against Chawn Hill were among the many highlights - indeed our last ever game was a 4-2 win against Chawn with Kevin playing a full part. As two of the top sides for many years our games were always competitive and often niggly. Kevin stood out as a gentleman, firm but fair on the pitch, friendly and helpful off it. We always had time for a good chat at some stage. I miss the League greatly. Walsall Olympic had some great years and then we disbanded in the doldrums. Chawn Hill are a great example of perseverance in good and fallow years and I know that Kevin has been instrumental in keeping them going. More importantly, he was one of the key figures in the development and growth of the League. We are privileged to play in a competitive, Christian league and we need to recognise the vision, commitment and enthusiasm of Kevin (and others) who make this possible.

Just a thought to finish with. How about a one-day tournament in memory of Kevin on a Saturday at the end of season or another suitable date (Easter Monday?) Each team could pay a fee to play with the money going to raise money for medical research. It may be possible to get some of the old teams back for a day and assemble as many players as possible who enjoyed their battles with Kevin over the years. I am sure we could get a Walsall Olympic team together with enough notice!
Stuart Southall - Walsall Olympic 1992-2001 - As club secretary for Walsall, I had regular contact with Kevin over the years and found him as friendly off the field as he was competitive on it. There were certain games during a season that everyone looked forward to and the Chawn Hill game was one Walsall did. Over the years I was fortunate to win more than lose against Chawn and Kevin was always there to shake my hand at the end of the game and afterwards discuss the ins and outs of each teams performance. Mind you, some of his tackles were known to be later than a first post delivery!
Ian Giles - Londonderry Baptist - It was such a shock when I read about Kevin's death. Please pass on our condolences to his wife and family from all his friends at Londonderry Baptist. Reading the messages left on the web-site, Kevin certainly left his mark upon many people (In more ways than one!). Kevin always had time for a conversation and his enthusiasm for his football was second to none. I feel privileged to have played against him.
Chris Haywood - Chawn Hill Church 1992-2002 - I was very sad to hear the news about Kevin. I will remember him as a very determined person, whether he was playing a match, training or arguing in the pub afterwards he was always very passionate. It didn't matter how late the tackle was or how high the elbow, after the game he was your best friend and whatever went on on the football pitch was all forgotten. He valued his friends, he liked people, he liked to talk (a lot), and he liked a laugh, often at his own expense. I had many great times playing for Chawn Hill and have many happy memories of Kevin. I owe him a lot and I am very grateful for all the tireless work he put in and for the opportunities and encouragement he gave me. Thanks Kev.
Derek Jones - Secretary, West Bromwich Junior Church Football League - Please pass on our condolences from all the committee of the West Bromwich Junior Church League. Kevin will truly be missed. A man who had two great passions. He proved that football and church can and do go together. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Phil George - Renewal Solihull - Without knowing Kevin all that well, it was evident that he loved the 'beautiful game', it being his passion in life along with the West Midlands Christian Football League, that he served so diligently for many years. I know that his family will miss him dreadfully, so will his club, the League and so will we. Our loss is Heavens gain. When peace, like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows, like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know, "it is well, it is well with my soul." Though Satan should buffet, if trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought - my sin - not in part, but the whole is nailed to His cross; and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live! If Jordan above me shall roll, no pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, the sky, not the grave, is our goal: Oh trump of the angel! oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope! blessed rest of my soul. We pray that only good comes out of this terrible loss. Renewal Solihull F.C.
Brian Follows - Club Secretary, Renewal Solihull - Solihull probably kept Kevin busier than most others clubs with our 40+ player regisrations every season. Many of these were hand delivered so the player could play the next Saturday. He used to laugh on how we always got our best side out to play Chawn Hill. We always tried to, but it made no difference, they always used to beat us anyway. As a player he was very strong, competitive and successful. He was always applauding good football, be it from Chawn Hill or the opposition. As a person he was full of wisdom, understanding a great encourager. Our only comfort is he is now absent from the body, present with the Lord.
Neil Hunt - Club Secretary, Grenfell - The last time I saw Kevin was at a League meeting where he was his usual friendly self and we had a brief chat about usual stuff. The time before, however I remember this was when playing at home Kevin was playing in goal for Chawn. I asked him how he was doing and he said ok and that he was enjoying playing again albeit between the sticks. It was quite bizarre really as I was in goal for Grenfell and Kevin in goal for Chawn and we were having this conversation whilst playing in our respective games. What I remember about this is my admiration that Kevin refused to let his illness stop him doing one of the things what he loved to do....football. When Grenfell joined the league it was Kevin who welcomed us amongst others and he was a true friend. Chris Groom who most people will know told me what a real gentleman Kevin was and he was right...heaven is one man richer and we are one man poorer.
Tim Fellows - Alpha 1992-1999, Chawn Hill 1999-2003, Dynamo K'ford 2003-now) - Over the last 12 years or so, I was honoured to know someone very special in several and various ways. The first time we entered the League with Alpha, Kev was friendly off the pitch, and extremely competitive on it! It was my mate Kev who helped us to our first trophy in 1993 when, with just three minutes left on the clock in that year's Cup Final (between Chawn Hill and Alpha), with the score at 0-0, he tripped a young(er) and swift Alpha no.10 Fellows in the box and we won the game. He still reckoned I dived to the day he went home!! (but I didn't....honest!!). Over the next ten years, I had the honour of playing against him, with him and I also managed him for a season and he managed me. He was a gentleman and would always treat people with respect and not carry any of the game's problems off the field with him......he had a great laugh too. I am so sad that we have lost him and more saddened that we still do not know how to pray against sickness in the way Jesus did. Here are a few words that sum Kev up for me....faithful, reliable, loving, gentle (off the pitch), competitive (on), kind, genuine......it's really good to know that as I come to the funeral on Monday, I know that the words that the vicar will say will be absolutely 100% true.....I am an old-fashioned Christian who believes what The Bible says.....not everyone goes to Heaven....only those who were in relationship with God while on this earth. Kev knew what is was to know God. I know he had a living relationship with Jesus and I also know that the greatest desire he would have for those of you who are remembering him now is that you too would know what he knew so that you can be ready when it's your turn to enter eternity. Thanks Kev for investing into our lives.....you will be missed mate.....see you soon.

Nick Kovacs - Kevin's Brother - I have been viewing the WMCFL site over the last 24 hrs and I am stunned by the reponse and comments about Kevin.
To read so many wonderful thoughts and feelings about the way your members shared so many good times with Kevin has really bought it home to me, what a fabulous man he was. I am a little jealous of the times he spent with you guys and only wish I could have also shared those moments too, but, such is life..... He spoke many times to me about the WMCFL and the people who touched his life, and, upon reading those truly wonderful words, I can see why he loved to be involved with you guys. I would like to thank all of you for being 'true' friends with Kevin and expressing your feelings so openly on this site. His love for you was very strong, his love for his faith was passionate, his love for his football was close to 'madness'. But in all the things he did, I never knew him to be bigheaded or full of his own importance. Kevin had a wonderful, caring nature and I can see how many different lives he has touched and how you all touched him too. Kevin believed that when this life is over, he would be resurrected to be in Heaven with his Lord Jesus Christ, and, as I watched him fight so valiantly to the finish, my prayers are that he is safe and well, where he believed he would be. I was honoured to be his donor for the transplant and although it didn't work to save his life, I know in my heart of hearts, it was not a failure. Over the last 9 months, I have shared some absolutely brill times with him, even 'bizarre' ones. One day he had been told that he could leave the hospital and go back home to Nanette, he was off the bed in a flash, packing his stuff in his bag, shuffling around the room saying, "look nurse, I'm excercising", my sister Ilona and I just fell about laughing our heads off. There are many more, but you would not have enough pages on this site to express them. So, I will finish this letter with the happy feelings I have about Kevin's life and the great friends he still has in you guys. I will be reading a short poem at Kevin's funeral on Monday, may I use some of the comments from your members? (YEAH, please do - Ed) One last comment, if any of you were comtemplating joining the Bone Marrow Transplant List, please go and do it as soon as you can, there are many others out there who would benefit from your assistance.........God Bless you all.
Dave Walters - Club Secretary, Halesowen Zion - I never experienced playing against Kev, although I do remember a friendly game, 1st Div secretaries verses 2nd Div secretaries. Kev was playing goalkeeper, I headed a superb goal straight past him, unfortunately, we were on the same side. How we laughed!
I have always admired Kev's enthusiasm and commitment for God and the League, even when he was so poorly. Kev has now been welcomed into the Kingdom but on behalf of all the members of Halesowen Zion I would like to offer our condolences to all Kev's family
Nick Sprason - Team Captain, St. Mary's FC - My first memories of Kevin were as a player for Aldridge Parish in the late nineties. Within the first five minutes, in a crucial clash between title rivals Chawn Hill and Aldridge Parish he had chopped me down (to be fair he picked me up and hands were shaken). I spent the rest of the game looking round every time the ball came near me. He was competitive on the pitch and was desperate for his beloved Chawn Hill to do well. I cannot thank him enough for the work he did to ensure WMCFL continued to thrive and prosper. I suspect if it had not been for his work, the League would have folded and there would be a lot of people with little to do other than decorating or shopping on Saturdays rather than the real reason for Saturdays, playing football. Please pass my condolences to his wife and family, from all at St. Mary's Football Club.
Richard Webster - Club Secretary, Wolverhampton and Perton Churches - I first came across Kevin as a player, before becoming secretary of Wolverhampton & Perton. As many have said, Kevin was tenacious in the tackle, enjoyed a bit of banter and was the first to apologise on the odd time he mis-timed his tackle. What was clear then and became even clearer as I got to know him a little better, was his love of football and God. A lot of people would think that the two could not mix, but Kevin was a shining example of how to play the game in a Christian manner. We had many long discussions on the phone and the more years that we played against each other, the longer the calls got as we recalled incidents that had happened during the games, usually followed by a anecdote and a gale of laughter from us both. The league will be a poorer place without him and I hope that we can continue to do justice to his memory over the coming seasons. Please pass on my condolences to Kevin's wife and family at this time, we are all thinking of you. While it may be too early to contemplate if our match with Chawn is played on Saturday, I hope that all the teams will join in a minute's silence before every match. If you do not have a game, please take the opportunity to go to the nearest game being played and join with the teams.
Nigel Elliott - Secretary, A.F.C. Zion - One of my memories is a conversation we had sharing how we became Christians and that our passion for football was under the umbrella of our passion for God. It was our hearts that God would use us to help make a difference in peoples lives through the great game of football. AFC (formally Zion Pents) joined the League some seventeen years ago, but it was, in the main, through Kev's endeavours that the League grew from just a handful of teams to what it is today. I have always admired Kevin - his dedication to the game and his faith was of the highest level. There is no doubt in my mind that he 'has' made a big impression on players' lives. Feel the words from 2 Timothy 4 v7 are very true for Kevin - 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have remained faithful, and now the prize awaits me'. Kevin thanks.
Steve Weller - Secretary, Christchurch Hornets FC - Christchurch Hornets FC joined the WMCFL in 1998 and I have known Kevin since that time. As League Secretary he was an extremely helpful, knowledgeable and supportive guy who helped make my job of club secretary so much easier than it potentially could have been. He always had time for a chat about football, the league and his beloved Chelsea. How much work and time he put in behind the scenes, on behalf of the league, I can only imagine. As a player, he was a 110% committed, honest and talented. I always made sure I'd mark him in set plays and pit my wits against him. I'd win a few and he'd win a few more. In addition, he had an awesome shot and I particularly remember one screamer he scored against us, from about 25 yards out. What I also liked is that he would not only talk to me but he would have a chat with my lads after the game, another example of his support. It is with a deeply sad heart that I have written this and I know we will all miss him terribly. The only solace I feel, is that he has the assurance of a better place to go.
Simon French - Referee's Secretary - I only knew Kevin for a short period of time, since my appointment as referees secretary 18 months ago. In that time, he was always there at the end of the phone to offer advice and help and answer any queries that Imay have had. I refereed him a couple of times and his committment was always evident. He will be sadly missed by myself and no doubt the League as a whole. He always came across as a committed Christian knowing that his life was in the hands of God.
Derek Dudfield - Bilston Beacons and WMCFL President - "Well done, good and faithful servant." To one who encouraged me to carry on when it would have been easy to quit. His character spoke louder than words, commitment, effort and good advice always shone through. A big thank you for everything that you have done for WMCFL. See you in 'extra time' Kev.
Jonathan Jackaman - St Mary's FC - We have been in the Christian League for 5 years now. When we first set the team up Kevin was a great help to us. Quite frequently I'd interrupt his "night off" from football with some query or other and he was always willing to help and always had an interest in how we were doing. I don't think he ever did have many nights off! There aren't many people that would be prepared to devote as much time as he did in running the League, I know I speak for everyone involved in the League past and present when I thank him for all his hard work - it is appreciated more than he ever knew. This is obviously a sad time, but it is also a time to thank God for the way in which Kevin brought so much happiness and touched so many people's lives. Rest in peace.
Graham Brazier - WMCFL Chairman 1999 to present - I have known Kev since the mid 80’s when we both played for Chawn Hill along with the likes of Stuart and Phil Smith, Paul Goncalvez, Steve Knight, Martin Parkes etc; those were the glory years!! I seem to remember that he always gave me a load of grief because I never passed the ball early enough! Mind you, that was rich coming from someone who took even longer! I have also worked on the committee of the League along with Kev for the last goodness only knows how many years. He has been a great source of help, inspiration, guidance and advice during the years that I have known him and it is great testament to who he is and the work he has done for the League in that it very nearly went “pear shaped” a couple of years ago when he was first diagnosed and the remainder of us had to carry out the whole running of the league. I am going to greatly miss the long and protracted conversations we used to have either face to face, over the phone or whilst having a pint or two. Sometimes we would never even discuss what we had contacted each other about, that was who he was, he liked to talk to people, he was interested in people. He may not have agreed with them but he was willing to allow them to put their point of view across. I’m sorry, this is beginning to ramble but I have to admit that I am struggling to find words to explain how I feel. I have spoken to 30 to 40 people in the last couple of days and I have really struggled to use the right words to let them know that Kev has gone to be with his Lord. I think that this is a good place to stop now, Kev, you will be missed not only by me but everyone you came into contact with. You are home now, whole and with your Lord.
Tony Skelton - WMCFL Disciplinary Officer - The first time I met Kevin was way back in the 1993/4 season. The first words I spoke to him were "You were very late there player, I am cautioning you for ungentlemanly conduct." Just as in life Kevin had no complaints but accepted the caution and even agreed with me. This was something that as a referee didn't happen very often. Kevin was one of the reasons I became Disciplinary Officer. We chatted long and hard about the post and during those chats it came across just how very passionate he was about the WMCFL and how untiring he worked for it. I have received phone calls from Kev at all hours of the day and I seem to remember at all hours of the night too!!! We didn't always see eye to eye on matters, but he always, always considered the other persons point of view. This man will be sadly sadly missed !!! God take care of you Kev.
Rob Hill - Club Secretary, St. Thomas' and WMCFL Treasurer - When St Thomas' joined WMCFL some years ago it was my first experience of running a team in a league that was affiliated to a County FA. Needless to say I was completely ignorant of procedures, rules and regulations etc. How lucky I was therefore to have a person like Kev to guide me through the admin maze. Kev was always approachable, friendly, helpful, polite and above all a great encourager. Kev never made me feel a nuisance with my petty queries and seemed to have an abundance of patience and wisdom. He loved the game of football and cared passionately about the league for whom he was a tireless worker. Kev will be sorely missed by so many and all at St Thomas' send our deepest sympathy to his family.
Jadon Silva - Club Secretary, Amblecote Christian Centre FC - Kevin was one of the nicest people who I had contact with in Christian football, indeed football as a whole. At games it was always great to play against him - he was competitive yet a true gent. Off the field he was always so helpful, working tirelessly to ensure that the League as we know it runs as smoothly as it does. We are thankful to him for the work he has done for the League. Kevin will be deeply missed by all who knew him. All at Amblecote FC pass on our deepest sympathies to his family.
Ian Baker - Club Secretary, Brierley Hill AOG FC - All of us at Brierley Hill send our heartfelt condolences to Kevin's family. We also send them our congratulations for having a member of their family who has touched more lives than the vast majority of us and yet, was humble enough to not to realise just how much he had achieved. Many people manage to be popular and many manage to run organisations efficiently, but very few can do both. Kevin and I frequently managed to turn what needed to be a two minute phonecall into one lasting nearer an hour. Inevitably Kevin would laugh a lot, either with me or, if I deserved it, at me. He was committed to, amongst other things, his family, his God and sport. He also played cricket with Brierley Hill and as with his football, was able to strike that fine balance which enabled him to be fair and gentlemanly at the same time as being fiercely competitive. Kevin knew he was special in God's eyes (the whole world is), I hope he knew just how special he was to so many of his peers.
Gary Lamsdale - Club Secretary, Dynamo Kingswinford FC - First thing I remember about Kev was being sent flying by a typical Kovacs tackle. His commitment on the pitch was mirrored by his stirling efforts helping run the League. He was the heartbeat. I only really knew Kev through the football, but I can imagine this commitment was evident in everything he was involved with. Although a deeply sad day, I can only imagine that the Heaven Premiership is being run that little bit better now.
James Orotayo - Fixtures Secretary and of Wolverhampton & Perton Churches FC - My memories of Kev are various, and certainly I would concur with much of what Ed said about how Kevin came across at the last League Committee meeting, as noted in Ed’s Eye for this week. (The Committee Meeting was at James' house. Ed). For me Kev was one of the factors for W&P joining WMCFL; undoubtedly a people person, somebody who cared for the League like it was his own child. Before he got ill, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the League lived up to its claim of being “professionally run” – but he wasn’t particularly an office or officious person. His heart was huge and it amazed (and sometimes annoyed!) me how far he would bend over backwards to keep people in or attract them to the League. Similarly, when I first put forward my idea of a league website he was very encouraging and fortunately, I was able to exceed his expectations. I’ll miss him, and although we have to replace him, from an administrative point of view, he will be impossible to replace truly. Kev has gone but the business of the League continues…
Dave Carter, Alpha FC Secretary 1992-1994 - It was always a pleasure to be in Kev's company at League meetings and on match days. We had some great battles against his team in those days. Kev stood for everything the League portrayed, a great loss to Christian Football in the West Midlands. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Neil Beards - Wolverhampton & Perton Churches FC - I was very sorry to hear the news about Kev whilst visiting the wmcfl website. Our secretary Rich Webster had already informed us about Kevin's health situation before the Clarendon game not knowing he had sadly passed away earlier on the morning. We did however share a team prayer before the game and dedicated it to him. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Wolverhampton & Perton C.F.C and would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to the family. He was as everyone says a great ambassador to football and the league, the Chawn Hill team must be very proud of him. Can we suggest next week a minute silence before the start of each game in respect of Kevin. A very sad day in the history of WMCFL.
Nick Davies - Alpha FC - We entered the league in the 92/93 season . I will always remember Kev's hospitality and passion for the game as we were new kids on the block at the time and thank him for it; it settled us in. I worked with him for a spell at Telewest and was inspired by his manner and his commitment to the Lord. Last saw him at the League Cup Final April 2004, sat with him for the second half of the game. Despite the problems he was full of enthusiasm and great football tales of the old days . Kevin was a great guy and will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family...
Andy Massey, Bilston Beacons Club Secretary and formerly of West Bromwich Beacons - I was lucky enough to play against Kevin and his Chawn team mates on more than one occasion in my first few seasons with the Beacons. Kevin was a tough competitive player who would regularly beat me in both aerial challenges and on the floor, usually resulting with me on the floor as well! These tackles were nearly always accompanied by a quick apology and a helping hand to my feet...what a gent! Kev loved the game of football, but more importantly he loved the opportunities it gives for people to meet and enjoy each others' company. Kevin's work both on and off the field has contributed to his legacy that is the WMCFL as we know it today. As secretary of Bilston Beacons I can only thank him and his family for the hours he has put into the league to enable us all to play this wonderful game. Kevin will be sorely missed by everyone...being dumped on my backside after a tough tackle will never be the same again!
Pete Bennett - Manager and Club Secretary, Rowley College FC - When we joined the league in 1992, Kev was one of the first people I spoke to and I recall our telephone conversation as though it was yesterday. He stressed the competitive nature of this 'Christian' league and that became for me a rule of thumb: he was competitive I'm sure to the very end. That is how I'd like to remember him most as someone who believed passionately in healthy competition: as part of that all-conquering Chawn team of the early nineties (in our first match against them we played out of our skins and lost 3-0!) but more significantly as that team aged and gradually broke up as a man who championed his beloved Chawn through thick and thin, where others would have given up and called it a day. I'll really miss that enthusiasm. Best wishes from the Rowley boys!
Chris Kane - Club Secretary - St. Boniface - I would just like to say how sorry I was to hear the sad news about Kevin. When I think about Kev I remember how passionate he was about football, how he loved playing and how much he cared about the running of the league. For me Kev epitomised the league and it is a testimony to him to see how well the league is run and how much pleasure it has bought to so many people over the years.
This is a very sad day for the West Midlands Christian Football League and on behalf of myself and St Boniface I would like to pass on my condolences to Kevin's family and friends.
Jason Jackson - Bilston Beacons - Ed, could you please pass my deepest sympathys on to the Kovacs family, although I did not know Kevin I knew of him, and the work he did for the league will surely live on in our memories. Kevin will be sadly missed and was a great ambassador for the League.
I know what it is to lose someone very special as do others, Kevin will never be forgotten.
Paul Brookes - Former Club Secretary, St. Matthew's - A very sad day for everyone past and present connected with the wmcfl. Three seasons ago I started with the League as secretary for St Matts fc. I thought I was going in at the deep end with not knowing anybody in the League, but then I met Kevin. He introduced me to everybody and went out of his way to make me feel most welcome. He always had time to listen to any problems I had in the running of the team.
Please can you send my condolences to his wife and family and a special prayer for Neil at this time of sadness.
Mark Roadway - St. Thomas' - I would like to pass my deepest sympathy on to the Kovacs family. Having played for St Thomas' under Rob Hill for a couple of years, I became friends with Kevin after competing against him. He always had a smile on his face and loved the game of Football. His passion for the WMCFL will be missed. He was always willing to help and always had fun with what he was doing.
Paul Cowley - Club Secretary, St. Matthew's - Being new to the secretary's job I didn't know Kev that well. I remember speaking to him a couple of days before his stem cell operation and him being so supportive for St Matts and the role I was taking on especially after our previous season. We ended up speaking for about 45 minutes and he seemed more concerened about the St Matts 1st XI than his imminent surgery! As I say I there are others who knew him much more than myself but he just seemed like such a honest and decent person and the happiness he has brought to so many people's lives through the WMCFL cannot be quantified. At the end of the phone call we both said we were looking forward to meeting each other during the new season with him being back full health - I am so sorry to think that this meeting never happened. Everyone at St Matts will be struck by this. Obviously we will send our condolences to the family.