Fans, ex-players, club officials and media all turned out on a blazing hot sunny day to wave a fond farewell to prolific striker Neil Kennedy. With new flags on display and both familiar plus new faces in the stands the two teams, all wearing the Kennedy number 9 shirt, formed a guard of honour for Kendo.

Micky Quinn had drawn together a team of challengers consisting of ex-professionals and friends including Dave Bennett, Mark Venus, Mark Kinsella, Stuart Wardley, Giuliano Maiorana, Danny Naisbit, Steve Fallon and Darren Eales. to take on a Kendo’s chosen Histon side. They were supplemented by Stutes fans Lee Gentle, Ben Holmes, Spidermonkey and Media representatives Jon Symes, Tom Horn, Nick Fairburn and Paul Stimpson. In sweltering conditions the match started at warm-up pace. Players on both sides showed some great touches, but no sprinting world records looked to be in danger.

Midway through the second half Micky Quinn heard the “Bring on the monkey!” chants and sent on substitute Spider Monkey for a 20 minute run-out. Goals in reply for Quinn’s team came from Ben Holmes and Micky Quinn himself (wearing Ben’s boots) scoring past Lance Keyand Paul Barber respectively.

Kendo made a speech of thanks at the end of the match, ending in him handing his girlfriend Louise a big bunch of flowers to a big cheer from the crowd.  Several auction items fetched good prices and the race night rounded off an extremely  successful and emotional day much enjoyed by both fans and players. Everybody connected to Histon FC will miss Kendo greatly as a player and a person.

Good luck Kendo from fans, players and staff alike.

FTM