Boston United Football Club and Boston Town Football Club have both paid tribute to a footballer who played for both teams.
A spokesperson for Boston United said in a tribute: “Boston United are saddened to learn of the passing of former Pilgrims’ player Mick Lyon.
“Mick played for United between 1982 and 1986 and was a member of the squad which reached Wembley in 1985 – although he did not feature at the National Stadium against Wealdstone.
“In total, he scored twice in 47 appearances, having started his career at Boston Town and making four appearances for England Schoolboys.
“He did, in fact, appear at Wembley in 1984 when he played for Stamford AFC in the FA Vase final.”
A spokesperson for Boston Town Football Club said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mick Lyon, who played for Boston FC’s youth teams in the early days of his football career.
“The former Boston Grammar School pupil went on to play for Boston United, where he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Derrick Nuttell, John McPherson, Kevin Blackwell, Chris Cook, Dominic Genovese, Paul Casey and Gary Mallender.
Mick was also capped by England Schoolboys and played at Wembley for Stamford in the FA Vase Final before earning a scholarship to play in the USA.
Many tributes have been paid to him in the USA where he became a highly regarded player and coach.
Mick was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 and was forced to retire from coaching in 2012.
Steve Shipp, who was a team mate of Mick’s in the Boston FC youth set-up, said it was an absolute privilege to have grown up with him.”
Steve said: “One of the finest players ever to grace the hallowed turf of Tattershall Road despite never making a first team appearance – York Street’s gain. He played in probably the finest youth side to ever grace the Boston leagues.”
Chris Cook, former footballer and now a Director of Boston United Football Club continued with the tributes, saying:
“Very sad news today hearing of the passing of Mick Lyon. Spent 4 years with him at Boston United FC, he was in the Wembley squad but didn’t quite make the 12 man team on the day, but then he went on to appear at Wembley with Stamford two years later, alongside Keith Alexander.
Mick then moved to America and had a fantastic career coaching Ladies Soccer, where he was loved by everyone. He always kept in touch and I was so proud of what he achieved over in the States.
He came over to Boston a few years ago and I was gutted to have missed him as I was away on holiday at the time. RIP Mick”
