Carlisle United have said goodbye to a football giant – not a player, not a manager but a man who had given 64 years of his life to the club.
Former chairman Andrew Jenkins died on July 4 aged 88 and yesterday, Thursday July 25, his funeral procession wound its way around Brunton Park as a final show of respect.
Last November he was awarded the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus by the new owners, the Piatak family and three months ago the East Stand at Brunton Park was renamed after him in recognition of his services to the club.
After a lap of Brunton Park, observed by the fans, the cortege made its way to his family-owned business, Pioneer Foods on the Rosehill Estate, before the final part of the journey to Wetheral Parish Church for a private service.
???? Chairman Emeritus Andrew Jenkins was laid to rest today.
— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) July 25, 2024
Rest in peace, Mr Carlisle United. pic.twitter.com/JjhcOcEKjT
As a mark of respect and to allow staff to attend the funeral today, the Carlisle United club ticket office, admin offices and Blues Store were closed.
When his death was announced earlier this month a club statement said: “There simply aren’t enough words to explain the impact Andrew had on this football club over his 64-year association.
“Immensely loyal, Andrew first joined the board aged just 23 in 1959. He became chairman in the 1990s, a role which he held until last November when the Piatak family took over the club.
“Andrew was then given the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus in recognition of his almost-lifelong service to the football club.”
