BBC Breakfast dedicated their most recent programme to celebrating the life of Wycombe Wanderers fan and former presenter, Bill Turnbull.
The 66-year-old passed away in the early hours of August 31 this year after battling prostate cancer for nearly five years.
His death has caused the Chairboys community to come together to mourn, grieve and celebrate the achievements of the much-loved journalist.
'We've had some brilliant times with him at Wycombe'
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 2, 2022
Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth pays tribute to former #BBCBreakfast presenter Bill Turnbull who was a lifelong fan of the clubhttps://t.co/1yYzfQb9wI pic.twitter.com/LlrHhgzzDj
Speaking on the September 2 edition of the show, Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “This is terrible news.
READ MORE: 'We will miss you so much' - BBC Breakfast host and Wycombe fan Bill Turnbull passes away
“He was such a fighter and a great character, and we all knew that Bill was fighting against prostate cancer and he was fighting it unbelievably.
“With that, we thought he would be around forever.
As part of the special programme we are live at Bill’s beloved football club Wycombe Wanderers where he became a commentator in his spare time on the club website and became so close to the manager and team. He even once gave the team talk. More at 630 https://t.co/dayZd60uHy pic.twitter.com/lvliFy1EIj
— Mike Bushell (@mikebreakfast) September 2, 2022
“I’m devastated and I think I have got the same feelings as others, and that I should have called him the day before.
“I wish I had spoken to him, but we had some incredible times at Wycombe.”
The club’s head of media and marketing, Matt Cecil, also said in the segment: “He just attracted warmth and people would come up to him and ask how he was along if they could have a photo.
We’re at Adams Park with @BBCBreakfast to remember the great Bill Turnbull. pic.twitter.com/UP6OCm1mrH
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 2, 2022
READ MORE: Live Updates: Transfer Deadline Day activity and tributes to Wycombe fan Bill Turnbull
“He will be sorely missed here and he has left a real legacy, particularly on my career and for those around me.
“We are forever grateful for Bill Turnbull.”
#Chairboys will wear black armbands during Saturday's game at Fleetwood, in memory of Bill Turnbull.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 1, 2022
The next game at Adams Park - against Port Vale on Saturday 10th September - will be dedicated to celebrating the life of a wonderful man. pic.twitter.com/OWcD3n2lU2
Former Wanderers captain, Matt Bloomfield, who lives in Suffolk as did Bill for the final few years of his life, added: “I live in Felixstowe which is about 45 minutes from where Bill lived.
“He would welcome my wife and kids around for lunch a couple of times.
“We would spend the whole day with them and they were lovely people.
“He spoilt my girls, and he was just a lovely man.
Watch back the special @BBCBreakfast feature dedicated to Bill Turnbull's love of Wycombe Wanderers. pic.twitter.com/pKXQVZaHUM
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 2, 2022
“I called him about three weeks ago to have a catch-up and he was really pleased with how we had started the season.
“We had just beaten Burton 3-0 [on the opening day], and he was really chuffed.”
Wycombe’s players will wear black armbands in their match away at Fleetwood Town on September 3 in honour of the former presenter and journalist.
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