Bristol City 'super fan' Ian Cottle dies - club to honour his memory
A BRISTOL City 'super fan' who died unexpectedly after attending 939 home and away games in succession will have part of the club's stadium dedicated to his memory.
Ian Cottle died on January 13, aged 44, the day after he saw his beloved team lose 4-0 to Leicester City at Ashton Gate.
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City's captain Louis Carey and Marina Dolman presents Ian Cottle with the Supporter of the Year award
On Saturday supporters of both clubs took part in a minute's applause in his memory before the 2-1 home victory over Ipswich.
Mr Cottle was born to Janet and Ivor Cottle on March 4, 1968 and had one brother, David. He attended many games with his brother who is a wheelchair user.
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Both brothers, who live in Bath, had campaigned to improve wheelchair facilities at Ashton Gate.
The club has confirmed that following representations from them and other supporters with disabilities, the club will embark on the construction of a new wheelchair viewing platform in the Williams stand over the close season.
With Mr Cottle's family's permission, City will dedicate the area to his memory.
David Lloyd, supporters liaison officer for Bristol City, said: "David and Ian had been quite vociferous about the facilities at Ashton Gate and how they needed improving.
"I and they had lots of conversations and it was agreed facilities needed to be better.
"The club were saddened to hear of Ian's death and would like to offer our condolences to Ian's family and friends.
"A new viewing platform will be built in the close season in the Williams Stand ready for next season. A plaque will be erected in Ian's memory so when David does return there is something to remind him of his brother."
Mr Cottle was the inaugural Bristol City Supporter of the Year back in 2007 when the team were promoted to the Championship from League One.
It took him 19 years to amass the 939 consecutive games but he had attended more games beforehand.
Supporters, including Mr Cottle's brother, David, took to the Bristol City fans forum to air their views.
David posted: "On Saturday he (Ian) attended his 939th consecutive Bristol City fixture, a record he was very proud of and for the last seven years he had taken me to a large number of football matches in my wheelchair, note this would include every appearance by Louis Carey.
"Our Football Club is lucky to have supporters prepared to demonstrate that level of loyalty and commitment."
Rudolph Hucker wrote: "Sincere condolences to Ian's family and friends. Rest peacefully, Ian. City 'til you died."
Kingswood Red said: "So sad to read this after the euphoria of the new manager etc. Put's things into perspective. RIP Ian."
Phantom wrote: "Very sad news, puts things more into perspective with all that's gone on around BS3 recently.
"Was a top bloke and always had time for a chat. Thoughts with his family and close friends – BCFC certainly lost one of their characters."
Sleepy 1968 said: "This is very upsetting news. Sincere condolences to Dave and Ian's family, friends and work colleagues.
"Ian was a great city fan, and a big sports fan, and a lovely bloke (gentle giant). For him to be taken at such an early age is just horrible. RIP mate."
Gazred wrote: "Very sad loss. I take my hat off to you sir, 939 games back to back – phenomenal record, showing true dedication to the club. RIP."
A service for Mr Cottle takes place at Haycombe Top Chapel in Bath at noon tomorrow followed by his burial at 1pm.
Flowers or donations to the royal national Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are being received by G.F Hunt Funerals, Livingstone Road, Bath, BA2 3PH.
8 Comments
by Vonner
Wednesday, January 30 2013, 11:27AM
“Thank you for giving such service and support to my team Ian - may your spirit forever follow the boys in red...”
by PolarStu
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 11:28PM
“Ian was a friend and with Dave i attended some City and England games. He and Dave were sport crazy and watched all sorts of sporting events. Ian was a kind selfless man and it is so sad he has been taken from us now. Way way too early, his run of games was unbelievable and one he was rightly proud of, it's people like Ian that keep clubs going.
RIP big guy”
by harryreg_uk
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 5:56PM
“939 consecutive games is utterly staggering - anybody have a sky sports news email address to pass this on to? - his dedication deserves the highest accolade!”
by Roversteve
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 4:05PM
“Fantastic achievement and showing so much dedication,it's fans like this I feel for that won't now get to visit the Ashton Vale Stadium when it eventually arrives maybe the Club could recognize his dedication and amazing support by dedicating a part of the new build to his name.RIP and my thoughts go out to his family.”
by CiderheadNott
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 3:52PM
“RIP Ian.
As someone who has experienced the death of a greatly loved partner my heart, thoughts and best wishes go out to his family.
Bristol City were lucky to have such a loyal and committed supporter and I am heartened that Bristol City are to recognise such support by naming a part of the stadium after him.
It must have been some 20 years that Ian followed City home and away without a break.
Quite some achievement!”
by ToulouseRover
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 3:11PM
“Truly a great City fan, and it's nice the Club recognised that too. Whatever team we each support we must take our hats off to genuine guys like this.”
by piledriver
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 3:05PM
“@LydneyBob:
Spot on.
Ian knew about The Glue that binds us in a way that, sadly, 99% of our players can't even fathom, never mind understand.
RIP Big Man.”
by LydneyBob
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 1:30PM
“Whether a Bristol City supporter or not, every football follower should respect, appreciate and remember such a loyal supporter as Ian.”