The club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of life-long City fan James Cable. Below is a fitting tribute by his brother, Dave.
“It is with great sadness that I find myself writing these note, they act as a tribute to our late brother, James Cable.
Tragically on the evening of 30th July 2024 James succumbed to a year long battle against bowel cancer, at the age of just 43, leaving behind a grief stricken wife, 3 children, 2 brothers and our mum and dad.
James was a City fan through and through l. First passing through the turnstiles at New Writtle Street as a 12 year old in 1992. A few years later he would be a regular at all home matches.
By the late 90’s with the club now ground sharing at Maldon Town, then Billericay Town, our Dad had the unenviable task of driving us all to matches every week – whether up to Lincolnshire or down to deepest Kent – we were all hooked and just loved following City.
Despite the promotion winning seasons of 97/98, 2000/2001 and 07/08, my favourite season to look back on is the 05/06 homecoming season under Craig Edwards. James drove us to every single first team fixture that season – the “full ticket”. I’ll never forget the opening match away at Bromley; absolute dross. Boring. One nil down with 96 minutes on the clock and I don’t think we’d made their keeper make a save all afternoon. Then, somehow, a lucky deflection sees the ball run through to our striker, Jamie Moralee, clean through 1 on 1 with the keeper. He scores! Pandemonium! Me and James jumping about and hugging like lunatics. “That’s what it’s all about” he says when we get back in the car. That 05/06 season was full of moments like that – memories with James that will live with me forever.
Whether it be the glory days of the Jeff King era, the cup exploits under Glenn Pennyfather, the struggles under Holdsworth then Hawkes, or the re-birth under Rod then Robbie – James had seen it all. Over excited at times, completely underwhelmed at others, James always had something constructive to say regarding the teams performance. If he couldn’t find the words, then his gallows humour would have you chuckling at even the most inept performance!
Going to matches without James by our side will feel very strange, but I’m sure he’ll be keeping an eye on things from up above on a Saturday afternoon or a Monday evening, willing us to berate every poor refereeing decision just like he would!
James, thanks for the memories – thanks for everything. Your spirit lives on in all of us.
Rest in Peace, Brother.
Love Dave, Pete & Dad x x x
Up the City!”
Rest in Peace James, you will forever be a Claret.
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