Tributes paid for an award winning non league super fan who died aged 46 after an away game against Weymouth, an inquest has found.
46 year old Matthew Allcock, from Hertfordshire, was tragically found at the bottom of a flight of stairs at a pub in Weymouth, Dorset.
The beloved supporter, who was a fan of Kings Langley, and was a committee member as well as club sponsor, after his death in January 2019.
The club said in a statement: “Matt was known and loved by everyone at the club. His ultimate passing, at the age of just 46, has been deeply felt by everyone at the club and the community beyond.
“Matt was an inspiration to us all with boundless enthusiasm in support of the club and he, more than anyone, has done so much to engender the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie that exists throughout the club today.
“Matt will forever be fondly remembered by so many within our community. He will be hugely missed by everyone’s life he touched.”
An inquest jury concluded that Mr Allcock had consumed a “large quantity” of alcohol and unfortunately died as a result of an accident.
The court heard that the man had been drinking for around 12 hours.
The inquest heard Mr Allcock attended The Sailors Return in Weymouth Harbour at around 12pm with two friends and had three pints before leaving for the match against the Terras.
It was mentioned that he had a further three pints at the stadium before the match got started.
He then had a further beer during half time and had a further two or three pints at the previous bar after the match.
He then returned to the hotel bar with two friends where it’s thought he had at least three pints and two spirt and mixers as he watched a live band, the inquest heard.
Mr Allcock was seen carrying a glass to the stairs just before midnight but just 15 seconds later he was found on the floor by a staff member.
Mr Middleton said: “Mr Allcock is lying on his back, his legs and feet are upstairs, his head and left shoulder are behind the internal door and the internal door itself is ajar but seems to be wedged under Mr Allcock’s left armpit.”
The court heard paramedics arrived within 15 minutes and found Mr Allcock was in cardiac arrest.
Despite the best resuscitation attempts at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, he was sadly pronounced dead just after 1am on the 20th of January.
There is no evidence that anyone saw or heard Mr Allcock fall down the stairs.
However a pathologist confirmed Mr Allcock’s cause of death was a head injury and there was evidence of a fractured skull bone and brain haemorrhaging.
An investigation was quickly launched but police did not think the death was suspicious.
Mr Middleton said: “There was no suggestion from the scene that this was anything other than an accident where the injured party had fallen down the stairs.”
Assistant coroner Richard Middleton said: “When we start looking at the CCTV footage it starts at 11.54pm. DC Sean Garratt, when he investigated the matter, said Mr Allcock and Stuart Waggatt can be seen “staggering and clearly intoxicated”.
“One of the bar staff describes them as ‘happy and jolly’.”
A JustGiving donation page was set up with £10,000 being raised to help Mr Allcock’s family.
In May 2019, he was voted the William Hill Fan of the Year at The National Game Awards.
Matt’s prize was collected by best friend Stuart Waggett, brother Daniel Allcock and club committee member Danny Perman at Chelsea. “For us as a family and to the club this means an awful lot,” Allcock said.
“It has been a very difficult few months. This is a recognition of Matt’s infectious personality and how much people loved him.
“We have had all kinds of support from other teams in Non-League.
“It’s been brilliant and wonderful as part of the whole Non-League experience even though it’s been a terrible series of events. The way everyone has come together has made it easier.”
Waggett added: “Matt used to follow Watford but got disheartened with modern football. He went down to Kings Langley – a local village team – and just loved every part of it. He loved the players and sense of community around the club.
“He got more and more people down to watch them. He was a good guy with our fans but also with away teams and their supporters as well.”
Kings Langley honoured Matt at their fixture with Staines Town just days after he died.
The scoreboard at the Sadiku Stadium read 1972 – 2019 to honour Matt while the crowd chanted “There’s only one Matty Allcock” during the game.
The club’s players also wore special shirts to honour their number one fan as they warmed up for the match, which they went on to win 3-1 in his honour.
Supporters from clubs across the country chipped in as more than £10,000 was crowdfunded for Matt’s family following his passing.
“I’ve been watching Non-League for three years now and everywhere you go it’s phenomenal,” said Waggett.
“Every club and supporter across the country, all the volunteers, just make it brilliant.
“Everyone probably has a person like Matt at their club.”
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