The Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Willie Carrick.
Born in Dublin on 26th September 1952 Willie, a goalkeeper, signed for Manchester United in September 1970 and was released at the end of the 1971-1972 season without making a first team appearance. He made his Chelmsford City debut on Friday 12th May 1972 when City drew 2-2 at Stafford Rangers to win the non-League Championship 3-2 on aggregate.
Despite overtures from Manager Dave Bumpstead Willie signed for Luton Town, then in the second tier of English football, that summer. He made just four appearances for the Hatters and was released at the end of the season.
This time Dave Bumpstead got his man and Willie made his second Clarets debut replacing Laurie Taylor in the second game of the 1973-1974 season, a 1-0 win at Romford.
He was more or less first choice ‘keeper for the next two seasons but left at the end of the 1974-1975 season. He returned to New Writtle Street in August 1981 and made his final appearance in December 1984, a 4-1 home win against Barking in the Eastern Floodlight Competition.
In all he made 256 first team appearances for City scoring a penalty in a 5-0 home win against Dorchester Town that wrapped up the 1983-1984 season. Those 256 appearances place him nineteenth in the all-time appearances list for City.
Whilst at City Willie was part for the sides that won the Essex Senior Cup in 1973-1974, the Eastern Floodlight Competition Cup in 1974-1975 and the Eastern Floodlight Competition in 1981-1982 and 1982-1983.
During his career Willie also played for Enfield, Bishops Stortford, Hornchurch and Hoddesdon Town whilst having management spells at Witham Town and Basildon United.
The Club sends its condolences to Willie’s family and friends at this sad time.
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