Mark Nesbitt and Warwick Lane remembered on fifth anniversary of 2018 Newark and Sherwood sports awards

A club has put forward a poignant mark of respect remembering one of its favourite sons five years after he won Newark and Sherwood's Coach of the Year award in 2018.

Newark Town's Girls Section Lead Mark Nesbitt died earlier this year in January and many tributes came flooding in from several counties including Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

"Five years ago we were celebrating Mark receiving his richly deserved Coach of the Year award," said a spokesman from Newark Town Football Club.

"He was extremely shocked and very humbled to receive such an accolade and it was a wonderful night to reflect on all of his hard work at the club.

"He would be very proud of everything that is still being achieved within our Girls Section."

Sarah Robinson, the club's vice-chairman said on behalf of the club at the time of Mark's death:

“We expected the news of Mark’s passing to create shockwaves around the local area as well as the wider community, but the sheer amount of messages and comments received had surpassed anything we have seen before.

“The outpouring of love, admiration, and thanks for everything Mark did for grassroots football had been staggering.

“We’re so proud of Mark and everything he achieved at our club and we’ll miss him very, very much.

“He wasn’t just a football coach.

"He was an ambassador for growth, progress, and development of junior and youth football, latterly focusing on girls football and our players are richer for having had that exposure to his knowledge, experience, vision, and drive.

“He was a good friend and mentor to many of our coaches, volunteers, and parents and he leaves us all devastated.

“It will be impossible to fill his boots, but we carry on to deliver his wishes of Newark Town FC leading the way for female football.”

The event also honoured former Newark Advertiser sports reporter Warwick Lane who was fondly remembered for his constant hard work and dedication to his role.

Richard Lane, the father of Warwick Lane, received a very special Roll of Honour award on behalf of Warwick at the same ceremony where Mark received his award.