LOOKING BACK: Photos of Bill Turnbull at Adams Park during a 2016 visit
Saturday’s home match against Port Vale will see Wycombe Wanderers honour one of their most recognizable supporters in Bill Turnbull.
The former BBC Breakfast presenter and Classic FM host passed away after a near five-year battle with prostate cancer at the age of 66 on August 31 this year.
His death rocked the Chairboys' core as his passion and love were evidently seen and heard at Adams Park.
And with the home match against the Staffordshire side being dedicated to the much-loved fan, Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth hopes it will be a game to remember.
It has been confirmed that Bill’s family will be present at the fixture.
We're delighted to be welcoming the Turnbull family to Adams Park this Saturday.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 8, 2022
Please join us in a minute's applause in memory of the great Bill Turnbull before kick-off.#WYCvPVL
Speaking to the press, Ainsworth said: “Bill would want a win, believe me.
“He was buzzing whenever we got a win, and he loved being the underdog and Wycombe upsetting the form book.
“So please get behind the boys.
“I remember him being on the radio and saying how much the fans would get behind the team, and on Saturday, that’s what Bill would have done.
“He was a fantastic guy and I was privileged to have had in my life and Wycombe Wanderers were privileged to have him as a fan.”
Wycombe right-back Jason McCarthy also spoke highly of the late presenter.
He added: “He was a great man and someone that will be missed.
Incredible footage captured by @GasmanCOTN of the moments Gareth Ainsworth and Matt Bloomfield visited Bill Turnbull on his final trip to Adams Park in April.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 2, 2022
Bill was a guest of @BeechdeanAH for the 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/1jBbDQ2fE4
“He was often around the training ground, he would be with us on match days and gave pep talks which I remember well.
“I will miss his smile, his face and him having around.
Legend of a man 💙
— Jack Grimmer (@JackGrimmer) September 1, 2022
“His passion for Wycombe Wanderers was incredible and he had so much going on in his life, but whenever I spoke to him, it was always that the club was number one.
“But I know that he will get a send off on Saturday and I am sure it will be a bumper crowd to honour him.
“In the past whenever we have had a big occasion on the game, we have embraced it and used it as motivation.
Just the worst news, RIP Bill
— Miriam Payne (@milliethefish) September 1, 2022
“Last season we did it for Blooms (against Plymouth on April 15) and Bayo (against Doncaster on April 2), and we got two really good wins from it.
“I think it’s really cool that the club does that and makes a big deal out of moments like this, and I am sure there will be an incentive to get three points for Bill on Saturday.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here