Family and friends pay loving tribute to Ipswich and Diss Town footballing legend Trevor Whymark
The family of a former Ipswich Town and Diss football star has paid tribute to him following his death after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Trevor Whymark, who was signed for the Tractor Boys by Sir Bobby Robson from Diss Town FC in 1969, died on Thursday, aged 74.
The one-cap England striker and Burston native scored 104 goals in 335 games for Ipswich, before joining Derby County in 1979.
His wife of more than 50 years, Rita, said that, despite enjoying a successful career, he was very shy about his footballing exploits.
“He was quite genuine and really very modest about everything, but he always had an infectious sense of humour, even up until his last week,” she said.
“I will remember that he was always very loving and that showed not just in our marriage but how he was with all of our family and friends.”
Mr Whymark wrote his name into Ipswich Town FC folklore by scoring four goals in three separate matches for the side, including all the goals in the 4-0 UEFA Cup victory against Lazio at Portman Road in 1973.
He was also recognised in 2021 when he was inducted into the Ipswich Town Hall of Fame.
The striker won his only England cap under Ron Greenwood in 1977 in a 2-0 victory in Luxembourg.
After retiring from the professional game, he spent a year as player-manager back at Diss, before taking on youth coaching roles.
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in late 2019 after his family noticed “subtle changes” in his memory and mood.
His son, Craig, said: “He was so proud to play for Diss because his dad, Donnie Whymark, played for them as well.
“In turn, my grandad was proud of him, too, for going further with his football professionally.
“The messages we have had since the news have been overwhelming. When you read them, you see the bigger picture of how much of an impact he made to so many lives.
“He touched so many people who grew up watching him play, with most saying he was their hero.
“I will always remember that he was a brilliant dad, and we knew how much he loved us.”
Diss Town FC president Dickie Upson, who got to play with Mr Whymark during his time at the club, said: “When he arrived at the club, we knew that we had a real talent.
“He just loved playing and scoring goals. He was a grand lad on the pitch. Off the field, he was great as well, just a genuine local lad who enjoyed his football.
“Even when he hit the headlines, which he did several times during his career, he was always so humble about it. He came across as just a normal lad.
“He was well thought of at the club and we knew, because of his talent, he would go on to bigger and better things, which he obviously did.
“It is just such sad news for everyone connected to Trevor over the years.”
A club statement for Ipswich Town said: “One of the real giants of Bobby Robson’s first great side of the 1970s, he was discovered while playing for Norfolk against Suffolk in a county youth fixture, and quickly made the move to the right side of the border from there.
“He made his debut for Town at just 19, wearing the number nine shirt against Manchester City on February 28, 1970, with his first goal for the Blues coming the following month in a 2-0 win over Sunderland.
“Trevor sits sixth on the all-time list of goalscorers and will forever remain one of the great names of this football club.”
For Mr Upson, he will always remember Mr Whymark from their playing days with Diss.
“I looked at some old pictures, when we won the league and cup double at the club in 1967, sitting on top of the bus,” he said. “Those were good days.”
Mr Whymark leaves behind his wife, Rita, sons Craig and Carl, daughter Kim and five grandchildren
