Tributes have been paid to Newport legend David Hando BEM who has died aged 84 following a period of ill health. Mr Hando was one of the key figures who led the reformation of Newport County from 1989 following the old club’s liquidation and relegation from the football league.
With the backing of 400 supporters and led by Mr Hando, the club reformed as Newport AFC and entered the lower reaches of non-league football with no choice but to become a Gloucestershire club, eventually finding a home at Moreton-in-Marsh 85 miles from home.
Between 1989 and 1998, Mr Hando was chairman of the newly and proudly nicknamed Exiles. He was inducted into the club’s hall of fame in 2015 - the same year he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to football and to Newport.
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Mr Hando continued to go to Exiles games both home and away until he fell ill in recent weeks. Still passionate about furthering the club’s development, he would run a subscription draw at the games as an extra source of income for the club.
He saw the Exiles’ promotion back to League Two of the football league in 2013, a year after they moved into their Rodney Parade home, as the culmination of more than 20 years of work. Upon the club’s promotion at Wembley he simply said: “Mission accomplished.”
Outside of his efforts to bring Newport County success on and off the pitch, Mr Hando was a deputy head teacher and served as a councillor in the city. He also founded Friends of the Newport Transporter Bridge - a group he chaired and which has been pivotal in protecting the landmark.
A statement from Newport County AFC reads: “The club’s thoughts and prayers are with David’s widow Mary and his family.”
Fans have been invited to share their memories and thanks for the work Mr Hando carried out at the club. Sam Cox said: "Thank you Hando for restoring our club and bringing football back to our city. Really is a legend of the club and the city." Jay Wilford said: "Saviour of the club. We wouldn't have a club now if it wasn't for David. Took on and beat the Welsh FA. Made sure those of us who could helped the club. Kept it all going. A real gentleman. RIP David."
Lisa Ami added: "David, we worked together from 1989 until a few years ago. Many, many fundraising schemes - the original Bar Amber and so much more. From Moreton-in-Marsh to Rodney Parade and all in between. You were the grandfather I never had growing up and there are way too many memories and funny stories to capture here. One thing I know is without you and your leadership the club wouldn't be where we are today. Only you could persuade me to lend my holiday savings one Christmas Eve to pay wages, back in the day! You really are a legend. The word is used too freely nowadays, but you deserve this accolade and the city of Newport will be a much darker place without you."
Tributes from outside the club have also poured in for Mr Hando. Newport East MS John Griffiths, who is also an avid County supporter, said: “Thinking of David and his family at this difficult time. He was the very best of our city.”
Newport East MP Jessica Morden said: “Such sad news. David Hando was a champion for the city he loved - as a ward councillor, a tireless advocate for our Transporter Bridge and an iconic stalwart of Newport County, which he helped rise from the ashes. He will be much missed in Newport and beyond.”
Newport Labour issued its own statement, writing: “Our thoughts today are with the family of David Hando. A fine city councillor and a champion of Newport like no other. His belief in Newport County, and his love of the Transporter Bridge are a legacy he leaves behind for all of us.”
Sports reporter Phil Blanche added: “Fair to say there would probably be no Newport County without David Hando. Won so many battles to keep the club alive. True gent. RIP.”
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