Dear Tom – I’ve struggled to know where to start, I could say so much. We met such a long long time ago – some 20 years, firstly in a professional capacity but quickly became good friends. We’ve shared so many fun times, debated often, argued a little, I’ve sought advice and critique from you, and we have certainly caused some mischief and disruption. You were always there in times of need, and I was often touched by your simple acts of kindness. When I needed that arm around the shoulder, you always looked out for me. Life will seem a little grey with you not being around – I miss our weekly phone calls on our daily commutes, I miss our catch ups at work events, I miss our best practise afternoons which essentially was a lesson in how to be a HOC from you 😊– we laughed, we joked and you always reminded me to not take myself too seriously, put the world’s smallest violin away and to go to the bar because you needed another beer. Your style, manner, passion, dedication, enthusiasm, vision, honesty were and are all unique. You made a difference with your work…

Tom I will treasure forever all the memories we have made (the good, the bad and the ugly). I will be forever greatful for all your support, guidance, mentoring and friendship. You have always pushed and supported me in ways you would never know, but for that it as allowed me to be the confident person I am today and I owe that to you! You are more than just a boss you are a close friend who always had time for people and cared about everyone. I promise to carry on the amazng work you have set out to do, to your upmost highest standards! Work will never be the same without you and I will miss the red pen, Monday morning SMT lists, Friday afternoon distractions from work and having you to turn to in challenging times, but most of all the pointless converstations and laughter.  You are truly an amazing man and it has been a pleasure knowing you.  As much as this pains me writing this message you will forever stay in my thoughts and I’ll look forward to meeting you again one day.   Amy x …

Tom, you were more than just a manager but also a friend. I consider myself lucky to work with you and learn from you these years. You should be so proud of what you’ve achieved both professionally and personally. Your drive and moral compass to do what was right is something I have always admired. You’ve had an impact on so many lives and your work will have a lasting impact on so many who won’t know it was you who started it all along.  You’ll be missed more than you could ever know. Thank you…

It’s taken a long time for me to write this, and I still can’t find the words to say what you meant to me. It has been a pleasure working alongside you, learning from you and making a difference to the people of Wigan. You’ve not only developed me in a professional capacity but developed me as a person and have been there for me whenever I have needed support. You’ve helped me gain the skills to tackle anything in life and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I’ll continue to look out for your family as you would have done for me and ensure your legacy lives on for years to come. You became a lot more than a boss to me, you became a work dad, mentor and most importantly a good friend. I miss you Tom and will always miss you. Rest easy until we see each other again. X…

I did not know Tom as closely as many of my colleagues, but I did have the pleasure of spending time with him a number of times over the years. A few things stood out which prompted me to want to add a few words. Firstly, his warmth as a human being, who perhaps without any obvious effort made you feel welcome and secondly, the commitment to his local community, particularly young people in Wigan, where he developed a national reputation as one of life’s good guys. Can’t help thinking we’d be in a better place with a few more Toms. Deepest sympathies to his friends and family….

Dear Tom – I’m glad you lived life to the full. You made time for people, you loved your family and friends fiercely – especially ‘Mrs Flower’ who you spoke about often, and clearly adored.  You made an impact wherever you went. You’d have had an agenda ready for our next catch up, which would have included lots of things that mattered and a couple of things that were purely mischief-making. You’d have made us laugh, and made us think, and we were always richer for the time we spent with you. You will be hugely missed. x…

Tom was such a huge character within the network and was an absolute pleasure to have known him.  Tom was always honest and spoke his mind of what was best for the local communities. A person who was so passionate about his work and the impact he had on behalf of Wigan Athletic. A legacy he created will never be forgotten. From myself and everyone connected to Port Vale, thoughts are with Tom`s family and friends.  A top bloke whos support has been instrumental over the years and will be sadley missed by many.    …

Like many, I was truly shocked to hear of Tom’s passing. Having only had the pleasure of Tom’s company a few times it was clear that this was a man who was a brilliant individual and one who was great to spend time with. Only 3 weeks before his passing, I enjoyed a few beers in Budapest with Tom and others after a conference and we shared a lot in common, both living in South Manchester and both wanting to live in Chorlton! I am truly sorry for Tom’s partner, family and friends that a good man is no longer with us. Tom’s legacy at Wigan Athletic Community Trust will live on and it was fantastic to see recognition of Tom’s work at the recent North-West Football Awards. We at Burnley FC in the Community send our heartfelt condolences to all associated with Tom. …

Tom It’s taken a while to get to a point to put some words together, because it’s still difficult to get my head around the fact you’ve gone. For someone that committed their life to helping so many others, it’s truely unfair for your wife, family, Wigan community and the CCO network to lose such a special person. Thank you for your words and wisdom over the years, your humour and grumpiness and your dedication “to the cause”, which could never be questioned. Rest well Tom, you’ll never be forgotten. X…

Tom, we only met on a couple of occasions, on ‘Leading from the Front’ training courses with the Premier League and of course a handful of Zoom calls.  I wish I had had the chance to get to know you better.  Everyone speaks so highly of you and your phenomenal impact at Wigan Athletic and in the local community.  Sending thoughts and love to your family, from everyone at Crystal Palace FC and the Palace for Life Foundation.  May you rest in peace.  Mike …

There are plenty of good people working in the CCO network up and down the country, people with a hunger and drive to improve the lives of those that are struggling and the communities they live. Tom is rightly recognised as one of the leaders in our space and for this we must all be very grateful. Rest in Peace Tom, be proud of all you have done for countless people especially in Wigan and Manchester.  From everyone at Arsenal in the Community.                      …

I didn’t know Tom that well but was always aware of the massive impact he had and was making at Wigan Athletic and across the EFL Trust network of clubs.  I had the pleasure of having a few drinks with Tom at the Oct EFL Trust Conference and he certainly made we welcome as a ‘Southerner’ amongst the Northern clubs,  as we chatted about the ‘Good Old Days’ of Wagon Wheels and Pizza Hut prizes and Football in the Community in the 90’s. I was truely shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. You will be sadly missed Tom.    …

What a life, spent serving others in something that you absolutely love doing. Tom was the epitomy of what a great Football Community person should be all about. Knowledgable, passionate, compassionate, driven, a force for social good. Great positve energy. A great communicator, and someone who stood up for those that needed someone to have their back. Life is not about the counting of passing years, it is about what you do with the years that you have, and Tom has done so much. He is like the greatest and best who leave what they love at the top of their profession. Seeing him recently at the North West Awards he loved the fact that his Wigan had won the best Award of the night, he was so proud. He was in his happy place. Rest easy Tom, your legacy will live on, you smashed it. The Manchester United Foundation team.        …

Tom was a kindred spirit, always passionate, always feisty, challenging those in authority and sticking up for the underdog. I first came across Tom at the CCO Network conferences- hanging out with his northern club comrades, sharing a joke and smiling but also concentrating on the moment and sharing insights and anecdotes. His journey through the Club Community Organisation network mirrors the growth of our ‘industry’ over the past twenty years and he led and pioneered the work at Wigan so impressively. My last memory of Tom was at this year’s conference in Mid October who was in good form- talking about his health and the strides he had taken but also continually inquisitive about the sector and wanting to hear about all of the stories. You were a real champion and will be greatly missed….

My memories of Tom go back 20 years when he was at Man City and i was at Middlesbrough. Tom was friendly, sociable, outspoken, opinionated nearly always right!!! funny and great company. When it came to work he was committed, intelligent, forward thinking and i saw him grow and develop over the years as he moved on to Wigan. I have nothing but admiration for what he acheived there under challenging circumstances. The Trust is in great shape and he leaves a fantastic legacy. We had many memorable social events, Tom was always central to these, loved talking shop with a few beers but equally at home putting the world to rights on a number of subjects. I was full of admiration how he handled his health scare and did so much to improve his lifestyle and be able to maintain being the most sociable amongst us. I will miss that booming voice and big smile – he was a lovely man and i will miss him deeply. Tom was respected throughout the game and has made such a difference to so many lives in the local communities he served. Rest in Peace I am unable to attend today…