24.10.1937 – 05.12.2020
It is with much sadness that we report news of the death of Mike Elliott. Mike was a true club and county stalwart and was a major influence on how the Sheffield Hockey Club (SHC) looks and operates today. He passed away peacefully in his sleep aged 83 in December. He leaves a wife Pauline, children and grandchildren.
Mike joined Sheffield H.C. in 1960 playing left half in the 1st XI, playing for Yorkshire in 1963. He was captain of the 1st XI 1963/66 and 1969/71. He finished playing in 1976 and was Fixtures Secretary taking over from Gordon Hall in 1964 until he handed over to Roger Lomas in 1973.
The turning point in his later hockey career was a telephone call in 1974 from Yorkshire asking him to take over, at short notice, as Chairman of Selectors working with David Higham and Norman Hughes raising the profile of Yorkshire Hockey and laying the foundations for later success. The appointment prompted him to take a coaching course (to learn about the game!) and coaching then became very much part of his life. He was Yorkshire President from 1986 to 1988. At the club he took over junior coaching responsibilities and was Club Coach between 1982 and 1990, and was official Junior Organiser from 1991 to 1999.
Working with Andy Tapley, he assisted with the design, contract, laying and marketing of the first synthetic surface at Abbeydale in 1989, the first club pitch of this kind in the county.
He was assistant to Steve Catton in managing the World Student Games’ Hockey competition in Sheffield in 1991, (won by Great Britain) and the photo is from that era.
His contribution to hockey was recognised with the Hockey Association Award of Merit for Services to the Game at National Level in 1992, and English Hockey Certificate of Thanks for Outstanding Contribution to the Game in 1998.
Andy Tapley added his own commemoration:
“Mike’s love of hockey was infectious and he was a very positive influence on a range of SHC 1st XI Captains – not least myself! – the county team and countless youngsters who have gone on to have an enjoyable life in hockey. Thanks for all you’ve done for SHC and Yorkshire Mike. You’ve left a wonderful legacy.”
Mark Beavis and Roger Lomas
