It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we are writing with regards to the passing of ex-Herne Bay FC player and local legend Martin Collins. MC as he was known to most sadly passed away on Friday 25th June.

Herne Bay’s Chairman, Stuart Fitchie said, “This horrible news is still extremely fresh for so many including Martin’s family who I have spoken to and send my sincerest apologies personally and from Herne Bay Football Club.

I knew Martin for over 10 years and on many occasions was within the same social circle as him. An absolute gent who warmed any room he was in.

The outpour of messages since Friday's tragic news just goes to show how he was thought of by so so many. Caring, funny, and an all-around entertainer. With a twinkle in his eye and many a lairy loafer, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Close friend Doug Smith commented, “the word 'Gentleman' is easy to attribute in many circumstances. When it's applied close to the word 'Footballer', it's perhaps a little less common! Martin Collins was both of these.”

Martin had made his debut for Herne Bay's senior teams as a 15-year-old Youth player - the start of a long career with Herne Bay Football Club as a Player and a Coach. Martin's calm and relaxed demeanor made him a natural 'target' for new players coming into the squad who needed a 'friend' around them.

Doug tells us, “away from the pitch, Martin was a person with who you could easily get into conservation. He never gave you the impression that you were holding him up from joining his mates, or that he was becoming bored with the chat. From a personal point of view, Martin took a keen interest in my son Aaron's ten-year career with Herne Bay Youth, and you could guarantee his first question if I saw him after a weekend was, "how many goals scored this weekend then?".

So many people know Martin from his second 'career' as the 'Kent Magician', and if he came down to watch a match at Winch's Field he always had a pack of cards in his pocket, and a crowd would soon be gathered around him!

Stuart agreed, “Magic is exactly that and Martin was exactly that. The man with the magic touch, Martin could make anyone feel they were the most special in the room, he was so good it seemed effortless.”

Doug remembers Martin’s sleight of hand which quickly made him a sought-after booking at Weddings etc., "...and when my daughter Victoria married Jamie on 30th July 2019, Martin was not only a Guest but the entertainment as well! Martin also played in several of the Football Clubs' Golf Days, and the occasion when he completely silenced a heckler will live long in the memory of those that were there!"

Doug adds, “And now the Gentleman that was Martin Collins has left us there is a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew him as a Friend, Footballer, and Magician. I am proud to say I knew him as all three.”

Stuart would like to inform everybody that our pre-season friendly against Cray Wanderers on Saturday 31st July at 15:00, will be “in memory of Martin Collins” and “all gate and additional fundraising proceeds will be used as a direct contribution to help towards Martin’s funeral costs”.

We have some great ideas bubbling away to make this day as special as it can be for a person who meant so much to so many. If you have any ideas you would like to put forward please get in touch with Stuart Fitchie to discuss.
More details on the day will be released as and when they are finalised.
Closing words from Stuart, which we all echo, “MC, the magic man, you will be truly missed, my friend.”

...In Memory of Martin Collins...

https://hernebayfc.ktckts.com/event/her2122p06/herne-bay-v-cray-wanderers