Knebworth cricket day to be held in memory of former Stevenage FC goalkeeper

Mark Klimek (Image: Archant)

Mark was a hugely popular and influential figure on the Stevenage sports scene but died prematurely at the age of 51 in November last year.

The special event will take place on Sunday, August 14, at the Knebworth Park Cricket Club and will feature a cricket match between an all-star team of current and former club members put together by Mark’s son Liam, and a team from Mark’s heyday at the club between 2002 to 2005.

Bret Painter from Hitchin, who played under Mark when he was captain of the fourth team at Knebworth, said: “He was a great guy who changed the face of the club on the pitch and on the social side.

“For Mark winning was everything and he would always focus on grinding out a win whatever the cost,

“He may not have been the most technically excellent or artful player but he inspired his teams and a lot of people looked up to him.”

Appearing initially on loan, Mark made 26 appearances for Stevenage FC between 1988 and 1990, as well as playing between the sticks for Langford FC and Knebworth FC.

Mark was also chairman of Kimpton Tennis Club.

Knebworth Park chairman Chris Johnson said after Mark’s untimely death: “It’s really sad, devastating news to hear of the sudden passing of the friend we affectionately called ‘Klonky’.

“Once a club junior, competitive batsman and wicket keeper, inspirational team captain and chairman, he was a powerful supporter.

“He was such a fun, motivational guy, someone who was just captivating company.

“How he’ll be missed – he was a marvellous man, I just can’t believe it.

“He was taken too young and our hearts go out to Denise and all his family.”

Everyone is invited to the day which gets going at 1pm.

The matches are expected to go on into the evening.

More details at www.kpcc.org.uk.