OBITUARY: Bernard James Fleming (1937 – 2021)

It is with sadness that we report the passing of former Workington player, Bernard Fleming.  He was 84.

After serving in the RAF, Middlesbrough born Bernard became a professional for Grimsby Town in the late fifties but moved to Borough Park in 1961, signing for Joe Harvey.  It would be his only season with Reds.

He made twenty one first team appearances during the 1961-62 campaign – 20 in the old Fourth Division and one in the very first League Cup tie at Borough Park against Coventry City.

A converted fullback, Bernard also made 18 appearances for the Reserves that season in the Northern Counties League.

He lived at Seaton during his time at Workington.

A couple of successful seasons with Chester followed before his playing career ended at Winsford United.

It was then he embarked on a second career in the game, returning to Blundell Park and fulfilling numerous roles with the Mariners.  He was Youth Team coach for several seasons, looked after the Reserves for a while and was also caretaker manager for the first team for a brief stint.  A spell as Chief Scout followed.

Bernard became Grimsby Town secretary in the eighties and, even after his retirement, he continued to support the team from the stands.   

A true football all-rounder, we send our condolences to Bernard’s immediate family and friends.