I lined up alongside Jeremy as a 17-year-old and have only good things to say about him as a player and a person. He was a great role model then and continues to lead by example week in, week out.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” said Kyte of striker Fess, who made his debut for Fortune in 1984.
In his first season, Fess was the 2nd XI Player of the Year and top-scorer. He went on to repeat this feat with the 1st XI, taking the leading scorer’s award in 1987/88 and the Player of the Year the following season. 1987/88 also saw him capture the Chairman’s Merit Award and he was a member of the 1st XI which played in the MSFL Premier Division for a second three-year spell between 1987 and 1990.
Fess left the club for a few seasons but returned for a successful 1992/93 campaign and after an illustrious playing career for Temple Fortune in the MSFL, made the move into the Old Boys Team and Masters football. There he won the Player of the Year award twice and was top-scorer three times. Overall, he holds the distinction of being the only player to have won Player of the Year and leading scorer awards for all three teams.
Kyte said: “Jeremy’s commitment and loyalty towards TFFC for so many years is second to none. He goes about his business game upon game with the same dedication he showed when he first came to the club.
“Apart from him running into a tree at Edgwarebury Park at his first summer training session, I always remember a picture of Jeremy’s polished boots standing next to the club trophies he won. Also a picture of TFFC playing kit neatly hung to dry on his washing line – typical of his commitment!”
“His preparation and organisation have been excellent and typifies his approach to the game. To reach 600 appearances is simply incredible and I hope Jeremy continues to be a part of the TFFC fabric and furniture for a few more years – if his body allows it!
Only Peter Kyte, Nigel’s brother, has played more games for TFFC.
* Hendon United manager Jordan Sapler has described Sunday’s MGBSFL Premier Division clash against HMH as “season-defining”. The title rivals meet at the Hive in Edgware with the defending champions holding a seven point lead over HMH, who have a game in hand.
Avi Goldberg’s HMH team have taken four points from a possible six against Hendon this season, but the third league meeting looks set to be the most significant.
“We’re well aware of HMH’s quality all across the pitch and they have the benefit of getting match fitness behind them over the last couple of weeks, whereas we’ve had frustrating postponements,” said Sapler. ““I’d even go as far as to say they are likely favourites for this game, which is an unusual situation for us.”
HMH still have to play title rivals Oakwood A and Maccabi London Lions twice, so anything less than three points on Sunday morning would leave them with an uphill task.
Ahead of the game, Sapler confirmed Greg Corin, Yoav Kestenbaum and Ari Last remain sidelined with “long-term injury concerns” while Yehuda Korman is working his way back along with Josh Harris. Moses Seitler is unavailable but Jordan Mizrahi, Zack Lewis and Simon Peterman return to the squad.
Sapler said: “These are the types of games we enjoy playing in. It’s why we get up on a Sunday morning. I’m sure HMH feel the same.”
