As always at the end of the season, we say goodbye to players deciding it’s time to hang up their boots, but we don’t often say goodbye to someone who’s hanging up a stethoscope. After almost a quarter of a century with Blackheath Rugby, Dr Alan Thompson is retiring, and we would like to thank him for his dedication to the Club.
Alan, Immediate Past President of Blackheath FC (a role he held from 2018-2023), has a history with the club that dates back over 50 years. Alan’s father was the doctor at Blackheath Rugby for over 20 years, from the mid-1960s until his untimely death in 1987 and, as a child, Alan used to accompany his father to watch matches.
In 1994, Alan became involved with Blackheath Rugby again when his own sons were old enough to join the Mini and, subsequently, Junior sections of the club. In 2001, after 14 seasons as a Minis’ and Juniors’ coach and two seasons as Chair of the junior section, Alan was appointed as Blackheath Rugby’s doctor. He has been instrumental in keeping Blackheath Rugby squads fit and healthy over the years, and has been Medical Officer for Kent and National League Rugby for many years, including leading the guidance for clubs across the country during the COVID outbreak.
We wish Alan the very best in his retirement, although we know he will remain very busy with rugby! He may be hanging up his stethoscope, but he and his wife Jackie remain committed volunteers at the Club, and Alan is just about to become President of Kent Rugby, so any downtime will be short lived!
James Fleming, Chairman, and Rory O’Sullivan, President, presented Alan with a long service award at the last home game of the season.
James says “Alan has given years of tremendous service to Blackheath Rugby and countless numbers of our players have benefited from his medical skills and experience. Blackheath Rugby owes a great debt of gratitude to Alan, who has tirelessly and selflessly journeyed the length and breadth of the country to support our First XV, keeping our players fit and healthy, and providing great care and support when called upon. Not to mention the training evenings and also the immense support he has given to the National League with his wisdom and guidance. We wish Alan well as he assumes the role of Kent RFU President and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Utilita whenever possible as he travels across the county fulfilling his new duties and responsibilities.”
We look forward to seeing Alan enjoying games from the other side of the pitch barriers going forward, and thank Dr Guy Slater for continuing to look after the players, a role he has shared with Alan over the past few seasons.
Thank you, Alan for your commitment to the Club and its players over the years.
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