OBITUARY: Clive Middlemass (1944-2022)

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of another Workington hero of the sixties, Clive Middlemass.  He died peacefully in his sleep at home during the early hours of Monday morning at the age of 77.

Clive signed for the Reds in November 1963 from Leeds United but was limited to fourteen first team appearances in his first two seasons at Borough Park.  He served his time with the Reserves in the North Regional League, scoring nine goals in thirty three outings.

He established himself as a first team regular over the next four seasons playing in fifty games in both the ’65-66 and ’67-68 seasons.

In January 1969, at a time when a move to a higher profile club was imminent, Clive sustained career threatening injuries in a serious road traffic accident.  He was out of the game for nine months and then an attempted comeback was short-lived.

Clive was involved with Reds during our first season in the Northern Premier League and actually added four appearances to his Reds’ career tally.  In total, he made 198 competitive first team appearances plus a further three as a substitute, scoring seven goals in the process.

He would then enjoy a second career in the game coaching, managing and scouting serving the two Bristol clubs, Rovers and City, managing Carlisle United from 1987 to 1991, working for Darlington, Burnley (assistant manager, caretaker manager and chief scout), Preston North End and Derby County.  He worked alongside David Moyes at Everton in later years.  

Clive was invited to the Centenary Dinner earlier this year but wasn’t well enough to attend.

We send our condolences to his family and friends and will celebrate his life at the Carlisle United game on Saturday.