Steve Bernard Killed in Car Crash

First I must express my utmost sympathy on behalf of Chichester City United FC and everybody involved in the club to the family and friends of Steve Bernard. Steve, who was just 18, came from Bournemouth and joined the club at the start of the 2005-2006 season after enrolling at Chichester University where he was studying to be a PE teacher.

After a very successful youth career, having had trials for England Schoolboys and representing Hampshire U18s - playing in the team that got through to the finals of the FA Counties Cup Final played at Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town - Steve came to us highly recommended from a contact at Bournemouth FC. He had other options to join local clubs but fortunately chose to join Chichester.

Steve could play behind the front two or as a striker. His attitude to the game and training was first class, his commitment second to none, always conducting himself off the pitch in a professional manner.

He was a pleasure to manage, a totally good egg and I am positive Steve would have helped bring trophies to the club. It is a loss to football that a player of Steve's calibre had such a career cut short. We will never see the full potential of Steve Bernard.

Gary Brockway and myself feel - along with the team - a terrible loss but also feel honoured to have played the fantastic game with a player like Steve.

I feel the final thought should be from Steve's team-mates;

"Arguably one of the most talented players to play for Chichester City United, Steve had heaps of passion for the sport itself and a passion to help others in his team."

"Steve, who had huge potential both academically and in sport, was never seen without a smile and he knew how to enjoy life. Steve was an unforgettable team-mate missed by all but never forgotten." 

Steve's funeral will take place in Bournemouth on Friday 11th November.

Report written by Aidie Girdler (CCUFC First Team Manager)