From Damase Kiwanda on Thursday 30 May 2019 10:12am

If 1 or 2 people knows me today is because of Worthy, he believed in me when one else did gave me a chance to show the world what I'm capable of The Shed End named me "The Beast". Even though I'm away from Hyde today he still checked on me gave me a lot courages to go forward that's the type person he was cared about each one of us around him, football aside, was more like a father who wanted to see all his children's do well. May God guide you well you deserve the best big man Rip Big Man

From Chris & Tom Sloan on Sunday 26 May 2019 11:25am

Mark was a key reason I brought my son Tom to the Hyde/Abbey academy a few years ago. I always found Mark to be friendly and approachable, but could also see he was serious and had a real passion for driving the teams and clubs to greater success both on and off the pitch. Tom had some brilliant experiences over the 2 seasons he was there and a lot of that was due to Mark and his teams support. Such a sad loss, a role model, but I know he’s left a great legacy and platform which will thrive under the new leadership team. RIP Mark. Chris & Tom.

From Matt Cook on Friday 17 May 2019 12:02pm

Came up to Hyde United for a half hour meeting with Mark and ended up being there for 2 and a half hours, we talked at length about plans for Hyde United and how he was building a sustainable club, he even sent on the business plan to show how it could work at other non-league clubs. It was fantastic to see him and Hyde in the FA Cup 1st Round on TV last season. Such sad news, thoughts with the family and the club.

From Carol Hardy on Tuesday 14 May 2019 08:41am

Thank you for everything you have done for everyone at Hyde United and the players, staff and board. People like you only come along once in a lifetime and you have left huge shoes to fill. My deepest sympathy to all Mark's family and friends at this terrible time. May the lovely memories you have of Mark fill your hearts.

From Adam, Stephen,Scott and Sharon Lawrence on Monday 13 May 2019 10:39am

Such terribly sad sad news. Mark we are so sorry you were a truly lovely man always friendly, kind and with a big smile. We know you will be greatly missed by so many people you were such a big, highly thought of character. Rest In Peace. We are all so sorry and send our sympathy, love and sincere condolences to all your family.

From Mark Browne on Wednesday 08 May 2019 04:53pm

Mark was alaways welcoming to me and Sue when we came up to watch Hyde Always made time for us and asked about our journey He was enthusiastic and driven,with a passion for the club and the Academy and what struck me most was he wanted everyone involved to be the best they could But most importantly he was a thoroughly decent man who will be so sadly missed Our thoughts and love go to his family

From John Hyde on Tuesday 07 May 2019 09:05pm

So sad to hear this news. I mostly met Mark on a daily basis and found him to be a gentle man always having time to talk in a friendly approachable manner and always having time to talk with such passion about Hyde, FCUM and other Nonleague clubs with such vigour. He was particularly pleased with what Hyde had achieved this year and in the past, about the Academy, the women’s team and the all weather pitch. We also spoke about his fitness regime, his training to do triathlon (that I used to do). The world is a poorer place without him in it and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Helen, his family(many of whom I know) and everyone else who held him so dear.

From Andrew Boyle on Thursday 02 May 2019 12:23pm

Such very sad news and my heart goes out to all his family for their tragic loss. From all the comments I’ve seen posted, there is a common theme over the time, energy and encouragement Mark would give anyone. I personally will be eternally grateful to Mark for the opportunity he has provided for my son Peter, both academically & on the pitch. His non - stop encouragement , through the highs & lows, has certainly helped shape Pete’s future career . Something without Mark’s vision and drive was probably unlikely. From those early academy days at Egerton, through to BBC Match of the Day live @ Ewen Fields, what an amazing journey and a very fitting accomplishment to Mark's vision and drive, that will live in the memories of so many for a very long time. Personally, I will greatly miss his warm & friendly welcome, whenever we met. Our chats about , business , life, family & football and whenever at a match , the inevitable bellowing words of cutting sarcasm at the match day officials, on every wrong decision. Mark you touched some many people’s lives and shown that everyone with the right encouragement and support , what can be achieved , if they have the appetite, desire & belief. You have left a great legacy with a very successful academy & senior club, that I’m sure, will only go from strength to strength . Thank you & RIP

From Gareth Rowland on Thursday 02 May 2019 12:11am

Such a sad loss to a person who meant so much to jyde united and the develpment team. He always had time for a chat on whatever subject you wanted to discuss. Never forget the time when we went on an away match in the team coach and he got stuck in the toilet. We had to rip off the door to get him out. Such a goid soul and such a nice gentlemen. Will not be the sane at hyde without him. I am sure he will be supporting the tigers in heaven. We will all miss him. R.I.P Worthy.

From Neil Jenkinson on Wednesday 01 May 2019 07:46pm

I never had the chance to say thank you to Mark, for getting me involved in a wonderful football club, but more importantly, giving my son an opportunity to grow as a person, progress as a footballer and be given chances that may well have not come his way in the regular system, a leader in and out of the boardroom, those of us who met Mark will be forever grateful he has been in our lives, love and condolences to Helen and all the family x RIP Mark

From John Booth on Monday 29 April 2019 03:15pm

Mark worked tirelessly both for Hyde United football club and his hotel chain.His work at Hyde has been instrumental in any successes we have achieved recently, or will achieve in the future.He has championed both the Academy and the Ladies teams and so much more, and he has done it all with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.Above all else he was a damn nice man and a good friend and that is what we will miss most about him. RIP Mark,all our thoughts and condolences to your family.

From Simon Moore on Monday 29 April 2019 12:15pm

The Hyde United family has lost a wonderful, inspirational person; and your passing has shown how much you meant to us all. I don't think I've ever met anyone with such passion, commitment and drive in all they do; whether it be football, your hotel business, cooking or iron man training. Nothing less than 100% was given. RIP Mark, you will be sorely missed be all that you met.

From Lynne Howie-Moore on Monday 29 April 2019 10:38am

A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven - we have lost a great friend but heaven has gained a beautiful new star. Always had time for a chat, always shared a wave on match days, always selfless and kind and caring. You’ll live on in our hearts, sleep tight Mark. Love and sincere condolences.

From Alan Marrow on Sunday 28 April 2019 07:27pm

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mark. I couldn't believe it when I saw the news on the Hyde Utd website. I think all those who had the pleasure to meet/work with him will agree that he was a first class person. Professional and friendly he gave so much to the club and the Academy and will be a very hard act to follow. Not only did he have drive and business acumen but he also had endless enthusiasm for our little club. If he had been a stick of rock the words Hyde United would have been written right through him! Mark seemed to sit in a certain seat in the main stand and I think it would be a fitting tribute if this seat bore a plaque in his name. My thoughts and sincere condolences are with his wife and family at this sad and difficult time. RIP Mark.

From Maurice Stafford on Saturday 27 April 2019 09:21pm

It was a tremendous shock to hear Mark had passed away. His work for Hyde is immeasurable and the progress that Hyde have made is a legacy to his achievements.. He was a thoroughly nice guy who always had time to talk to people. My thoughts go out to his family at this sad time and may Mark rest in peace. Words can never adequately express your thoughts.

From Jade russell on Saturday 27 April 2019 08:50pm

Mark will be missed so much by so many he gave so many people opportunities including myself with the the academy. He was always so positive and believed in helping people succeed in what they wanted to achieve and he accomplished that throughout. He helped denton girl's become tameside girls and they have had a lot of success from this. The girls are very grateful for the opportunity he given them to succeed and what doors it has opened for us in future. R.I.P mark you will missed x

From Trevor Leech on Saturday 27 April 2019 08:35pm

Losing Mark so suddenly is still unreal and I keep thinking I need to call or text him about something or other. The gap he will leave at our Club and at the Academy will be massive and the reality of not having him around will hit every part of the Club over the coming months and years. Mark was a hero figure at the Club, nothing seemed beyond him and he achieved so much. Rest in great peace young Mark. It was privilege to have known you. Thank you for everything. My sincere condolences to his dear wife, children and family.

From simon churchman on Saturday 27 April 2019 06:37pm

As a family, we owe so much to Mark. For the opportunities he’s given to our son. Not just to play football but to learn & qualifications too. He has helped us to provide the building blocks of our son’s future. He made a positive impact on the lives of so many people that will undoubtedly shaped their futures. Thank you Mark for everything you’ve done for us & may you rest in peace my friend 💔

From Antony sowter on Saturday 27 April 2019 03:00pm

I cannot put into words how grateful i am to you mark,you took the time to speak to me about my mental health when I was struggling, you told me I could dm you at any time here or when you are abroad, I spoke to you on Monday afternoon,I cannot thank you enough, a true gent with a cheeky grin. Rest in peace mark. 👍 🙏

From Phoebe-Jo Mellor on Saturday 27 April 2019 12:13pm

Such a very sad time for us all. Mark was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He was so supportive in my college and football journey. He always went the extra mile for everybody. Without him and the other tutors I wouldn’t be starting my dream career. He had such a passion for the students at the academy and he wanted nothing but the best for us all. Its going to be so strange going to the ground and not seeing you dishing out orders! Everyone is so grateful for everything you’ve done which is why we all need to pull together and do something amazing to honour you. Rest easy big man!! Phoebe 💓💓

From Daniel Bradley on Saturday 27 April 2019 11:54am

It’s very rare that you come across such a personality such as Mark. You can very easily use a lot of phrases and words to describe Mark, a lot have already been used on here and other sites to describe this true gentleman. There are not enough to describe this truly unique Mark. I would just like to say thank you for all that you have done for everyone connected with Hyde United and Tameside United ladies. Thank you also to all his family for supporting Mark, with all his endeavours here. You will never be forgotten, Rest in Peace Mark.

From Nigel McAdam on Saturday 27 April 2019 11:11am

I will always be grateful to Mark for inviting my club of many years, namely Denton Girls, to link up with the academy and Hyde United, thereby changing our name to Tameside United, and providing our girls with an exit route into senior football as well as an excellent further education package. Always willing to help when he could and his energy and enthusiasm was phenomenal. A big loss to us all and the community. May he Rest in Peace. Deepest condolences to his friends and family.

From Philip Carr on Saturday 27 April 2019 02:30am

I really wish I could say I was a friend but I honestly can't. However, you could always see him in the main stand and see he cared. And above all, how can anyone not like someone who gives a linesman a load of grief. A proper football man, who put so much into the club through both time and sponsorship. A massive loss. RIP Mark. PS If you were ever going to name a stand after someone....

From Tim Bradley on Friday 26 April 2019 11:09pm

Chef Worthy To me he was never Mark he was and in his memory will always be Worthy . A personality that was infectious and inspirational , His devotion and his passion for the girls / ladies team came without parallel , as Bryony makes reference to indeed his commitment to junior levels , the youth set up , the Academy . For some reason he thought David Sylvian was delivered by God but I will forgive him for that , his unique sense of humour was just that he was ballsy he was brassy and as Dazzler recalls he has more front than Blackpool and would surely have made even Bernard Manning double take ( did he just say that ) . He brought DK / TY to our football club , in any other season we would have pissed the league - 92 points gathered on the back many eye catching , neon littered passages of footballing brilliance , the one each draw with Shields at home will forever stay in my memory , Worthy more than played his part in restoring our pride and our self respect no longer did we have to hide away . Worthy was a man of great verbal elequence , he could stand front of house at meetings and deliver , he would also speak and converse with and stand next to me , to Andy , to Hunty , to Lord Coyne and Lady Harley , he always had an ear for and time for . I will miss him sitting in the stand and berating referees and officials , Johnno will miss the ten P S goes , Elaine the multiple 50/50 goes and me , his monies through the turnstile Simply put I will just miss him and this one will take a long while to truly come to terms with and get straight in my head . Goodnight , Worthy and don’t forget to be who you are even where you are now Thoughts from the Hyde United family to Worthy’s family - Helen , Daniel , Ella and all his loved ones and friends

From C Stuart Cook on Friday 26 April 2019 11:02pm

In my working life I met many high level people who stood apart from the rest of us with their ability, drive and clear minded foresight. They were Doctors, Professors, project managers, company directors but they had no need to advertise their positions or swank of their successes and abilities. It was just immediately apparent. The first conversation I had with Mark at one of the club rebirth meetings was after I had made a couple of comments during the question time. He made the effort to come over to me and during a frank discussion addressed all the points I had made. I knew immediately the calibre of the man who was talking to me as I put him on a level with people I’ve already mentioned. We had a few more conversations after that. Always pleasant, open and polite. A tragic loss to all. My thoughts go out to his family.

From Bryony Harper on Friday 26 April 2019 10:17pm

Mark took over Denton Football club and made it into Tameside United by opening up the academy. He was convinced me to join so I did. My 2 years there opened up many pathways including coaching. Only on Monday we’re we speaking about me taking the next step and coaching at the academy myself in September. Still in shock my the new. Thank you for everything and we’ll continue to carry on his hard work. RIP Mark 😇

From Clare & Mark Pritchard on Friday 26 April 2019 09:47pm

We have many memories of Marc aka Worthy over the years, all football related. We first met 10 years ago when our son played for Macclesfield district . Jack played for him since he was 14 years old, and worked for him since he was 16 and still working for him today. I can still remember you taking time to meet me in McDonalds to discuss Jack leaving 6th form, just listening to my concerns and offering other ways for his Dad & I to look at Jacks choices. You certainly had a wicked sence of humour and always took the time for a catch up whenever our paths crossed. You’ve certainly left a lasting impression that will live on in alot of people. RIP Marc xxx

From Elaine concannon on Friday 26 April 2019 09:32pm

My daughter finished school wanting to be a social worker but her love for football, especially Denton girls soon to be Tameside ladies....was second to none.
One Sunday morning at the game you came over and introduced yourself as "Mark Worthington" You explained how you were developing Hyde United into the academy it is today. Your drive and passion was contagious. Amy and I were soon drawn in to that very same passion.
Amy wasn't your average student but you believed in her as you saw she wanted to do well academically as well as enjoy her love for football, you were at the end of the phone or in person 24/7 whenever you were needed.
Thinking of your wife, son, daughter and all your family at this very sad time.
R.I.P Mark ( One of the best ) x

From @iAmRadioAnt (Scarborough Athletic fan) on Friday 26 April 2019 08:56pm

‪Football is like a tribal warfare sometimes, but in rivalries great friendships can form... With that comes the respect when you feel the pain & loss... My heart goes out to everyone at Hyde United who are grieving over one of there own. My condolences to ‬Mark Worthington’s Family and all Tigers supporters.

From John Coe on Friday 26 April 2019 08:47pm

Thank you for taking on the old Denton Girls football team and creating something special. You have had a big influence in my daughter going to the RSC Academy and hopefully her next step University. Unfortunately you missed the the U18’s Manchester FA County Cup Winners 2018/19, hopefully the Tameside United Ladies can carry it on. You always replied to Tweets or messages and genuinely cared. Rest In Peace.