THE life of former Swindon Town legend Maurice Owen could be remembered with a lasting tribute at the club's new stadium.
Chairman Cliff Puffett is keen to honour the man who played 555 matches and scored 165 goals during 16 seasons at the County Ground.
Swindon, under the backing of millionaire print tycoon Terry Brady are planning to build a new £37m stadium in the near future. And it has been suggested that Owen's name should live on through the new ground.
Owen, 76, who still lived in Abingdon, died on Saturday after suffering a stroke.
He had battled against the brain disease Alzheimer's for more than ten years, but a major stroke two years ago had left him seriously ill.
The care of his loving wife Marjorie, 70, had helped him fight on, just as he had on the football pitch for Swindon Town.
The couple were due to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this coming Saturday.
She said: He was such a lovely man. His heart was with Swindon. He was Swindon Town through and through.
He was wonderful and it was so very, very sad to see such a great man in decline.
He loved Swindon Town and it would be lovely if the club did honour him in some way. He would have liked that.
Mr Puffett remembers watching Owen from the terraces.
I can see him now, he said. He had terrific heading ability with those old lace-up balls.
Maurice was a fantastic player and a great servant to the club, not only as a player but also as groundsman and sponge man. He was one of the true Swindon Town legends.
Our new stadium dream is a long way off, but some recognition of Maurice's brilliant career and love for the club will have to be put in place.
Swindon Borough Council has pledged to find the club a new stadium and is currently looking at options in the area.
Owen's funeral will take place this Thursday afternoon at 2.30pm at Church of St Michael and All Angels, Park Road, Abingdon.
Mrs Owen, who will attend with her two daughters Caroline and Pauline, says Swindon fans are welcome to attend.
Donations should be paid to the Abingdon Alzheimer's Club.
