Dear Tony

We don't know one another but we have a great common interest in non-league football. Your site is widely accepted as the oracle by those within and outside the game and is a great source of information.

Given the devastating news you have been given this pales into insignificance of course but I hope you will know that there are very many of us around the country, and probably beyond, who are thinking of you and yours.

I am not sure if there is a God, but if there is may he shine His light upon you.

Very Best Wishes

Roger Reed

Echo those sentiments from many of us at Bath City FC.

Sorry to hear that Tony. Best wishes to you and the family and thanks for everything you have done with the website.

Simon

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family from all at Bromsgrove Rovers.

Again, you don't know me, but I am one of many thousands of people who regularly know and use your site.
In fact, on a lighter note, as I am a statistics geek, scanning your amazing database of attendances has been and still is a massive distraction when revising for exams.
A very sad day, but I hope that things do turn around for you.
Thomas (Yeovil fan)

Dear Tony
Like many non league supporters across the country I want to thank you for the fantastic website. It really created a community of non league supporters and is always the first web site I go to for information. For the non league supporter you created a whole new world for us.
THe question we all want to know is-how do you get get the results so quicly and accurately?
Good luck with fighting the cancer-you must know that there are thousands of us wishing you well and even the non religious praying for you
thanks Tony and good luck

really sorry to hear this mate. A great site for all things non-league. I wish you well. All best wishes
Andy

Tony,

I would like to echo that thoughts of everybody that has commented so far - I am so so very sorry!!!!

Peter Scaresbrook

Dear Tony,

I fully echo all the previous comments and send you and your family my very best wishes.

Kind regards,
Kevin Wright

What can one say that has not already been said. It is the best football stat website I have ever seen. Best wishes and enjoy whatever time you have left to the full. Andy (AFC Wimbledon)

You dont know me but i have been using your sight for many years and i think it is undoubtedly the best place for statistics on the internet. Sorry to see the site shut down but thank you greatly for all the hard work put into it. Good luck battling your illness. Thanks again, Lee (sunderland fan)

very sorry to hear that Tony. I hope you spend your days happily and comfortably.

Best Wishes

Karen

Best wishes to you and your family for the next few months. From a football fans perspective, your website will be a massive loss, so you can be assured that you have made a huge contribution to the enjoyment and understanding of the non league game. There will never be another Tony Kempster!

Roger from Tooting

Desperate news Tony my thoughts are with you and your family. The site is simply without rival, its almost a work of art! I'm sure many others share the view.

All the best
Adam (Boston United)

Hi there cousin - we are here for you and your family as you know - live life to the full - see you soon - Love Gillx

when they set up a proper non-league and league Hall of Fame, you will the first person on everyone's voting slip.

Thoughts are with you and your family.

Thank you ........

Laurence

My sentiments mate. What can I say Tony, if I could take your pain I would do it gladly, I'm an old dog now but your life has turned mine upside down such spirit.

God Bless Tony

The floodlights are going out. I feel incredibly sad at today's news.

Thanks for everything you've done to make my (and fellow hoppers') lives so much easier and more rewarding. The word legend is overused, but in your case it's a deserving description.

Thank you,
Eddie (Ashtree RockBee)

Sorry to hear the latest news Tony. I hope you hear some better news soon. Never give up.

Very sorry to hear this news, Tony. We don't know each other, but I have been a longtime reader of your site, as it has been by far the best site for non-league results and tables. I don't know what else to say really. I'm not very good at motivational speeches or comforting - but for what it's worth, I hope your final days on this earth will be happy rather than sad, and that your inevitable demise will be as painless as possible for both yourself and your family.

Best wishes, and please know that your site has been a brilliant resource for many football fans both in the UK and abroad.

-Thomas (from Norway)

Thank you for your contribution to football, you have helped make many people happy and more informed about non-league football.
I am sorry to hear about your condition and I hope that you continue to wring every last drop of enjoyment out of life. So sorry to hear about your condition.
Thanks for everything you have done.

Kev (Spurs/Selby)

I've long been an admirer of your football site, Tony, and have been monitoring your progress as you have been fighting this dreadful disease. I'm deeply saddened by the latest news and would commend you on the courage, honesty and humility you have shown these past months. I wish you well for the coming challenges, and thank you for what you have done for ordinary fans like me.

I can only agree with all that's been written so far and I can only hope that this isn't the end but if this site ever goes off air I cannot imagine another one in the future being half as good. Many, many thanks for all your efforts and all the very best to you and your family.

Martin (High Wycombe)

i have found the site very helpful. A cornucopia of statistics; news; regulations and history. it has been a pleasure to be a part of someone's passion.

I don't know a single proper football fan with an Internet connection who doesn't know your name.

You'll always be the biggest name in non-League football, and you'll never be forgotten.

Let's all raise a drink to Tony at 10 to 5 on Saturday.

All the best,

Tim

Tony,

Wanted to add my best wishes to you and your family at this difficult time.

You are the non-league football oracle. Thank you so much for all your efforts over the years.

Will (YTFC)

Best wishes Tony

Sad news indeed, the thoughts of thousands of football fans are with you and you family

Andy Walsh
FC United of Manchester

Tony,

Its so sad to hear your news. Thank you for your site and the contibution you have made to the enjoyment of many you will never know.

A regular vistor to your maps and stats.

H

This is very sad news indeed. You're contribution to the rich colour of non league football will be greatly missed. I hope the time you have left is as comfortable as it can be.

Best wishes to you and the family!
Such sad news.

My thoughts are with you all.

Stuart From Woking

Your contribution to football and its fans is legendary and needs no further endorsement from me.
However the dignity and stoicism of your dealing with illness should serve as an inspiration to us all.
Thank you

Dear Tony,

Very sorry to see your latest post. I hope the good will and affection from thousands of football fans from throughout the non-league world will at least help to give you some strength at this difficult time.

Our thoughts are with you and we thank you for your incredible efforts over the years. Many best wishes,
Martin

(AFC Wimbledon supporter)

Tony

You have been, and continue to be, an inspiration to many, many thousands of us. Best possible wishes to you and all those around you.

Kevin, Stocksbridge

Dear Tony,

You are a legend of non-league football. Thank-you for all your hard work on this site over the years. My best wishes to you and your family at this difficult time.

God Bless
Shane (Bath City FC)

Best Wishes From a Fellow Who Been using your Site at least 5 times a week for a few years now!

The World Of Non League Footie Owes You a Big Debt!

Good Luck Dave Harbor (Oxford United Fan)

Tony,

I’m writing this after reading your latest blog. Not good news. There’s not a lot I can say that’s not been said before really.

I just want to say a few personal things really, mainly a big thank you for rescuing me from central IT all those years ago, you gave me a fantastic opportunity in Sales for which I will always be grateful. While working with you your infectious enthusiasm, your knowledge and your huge personality was always welcome and appreciated, I especially used to look forward to your duels with IT over SQUARES and BW. I have so many good memories from your reign over SBS, too many to mention here – what about the time you did your back in at that outdoor pursuits event we did as a team and I had to come and rescue you at breakfast time!! Also when you drove the mini bus on that warm summer evening round Coxwold, Crayke and Ampleforth, the round at the bar in Wass I seem to remember went a bit like this…”six pints of Timmy Taylors, two halves of lager please, oh, and a sticky toffee pudding for the driver!!” Brilliant!

I’ve been following your blog since you first started it Tony and I thoroughly admire your attitude to your situation, I hope that attitude will remain for the rest of this year and beyond. Your problems make all mine put together seem totally insignificant.

I wish you and your family even more courage, strength and determination over the coming months. Enjoy a beautiful British spring and relax into the summer.

Take it easy boss.

Jon G

Tony,

You and your site are treasures of the game. The rest of our footballing days will be the poorer without you. Like the majority of FCUM fans I didn't know the site existed until we started our non-league journey. It's an outstanding legacy.

Thanks for all your hard work. Take care.

Colm (FCUM fan)

Tony,

Thanks alot for your work on the non-league site. It has been by far and away the best site for non-league football stats and has always been updated quickly.

Kindest regards,

Chris-WUFC

Tony,

Your site has been a constant source of information for us over the last few years. The hard-work you've put into it is testament to how much you care about football - you've built something really special, that has brought pleasure to a lot of people. Soemthing to be truly proud of.

Take care pal.

Paul
FCUM

There really is little one can say that in anyway sums up my thoughts but I will say that in the rich tapestry of life your passion for football and the way in which you carved a niche through the internet has had a profound effect. Your terrible news and the way that you have bravely borne it is a lesson to us all.

Kindest & deepest Regards

Phil Hiscox (SWP)

Tony

Very very sad news. You have the best wishes of us all at Oxford United. The best football stats site bar none.

Chris Williams
Webmaster
Oxford United

Tony,

You don't know me, but I would just like to say that we're all devastated by this news. I use your site almost daily, it is a vital resource for me and I can only imagine the effort that you have put in for fellow football fans. It is admirable and very, very appreciated.

I hope you enjoy the spring and summer and seek anything else from life that you have not done yet. You deserve happiness.

We all have to go one day, but for you it is too many days too soon. Nevertheless, keep your chin up. I'm sure you will. It's the best thing to do.

My thoughts are with you and your family. A minute's silence in non-league would definitely be fitting to a legend such as yourself, or perhaps a minute of applause, to mark your outstanding contribution to the lives of so many and to the beautiful game.

Tony

So sorry to hear this sad news, My thoughts and I'm sure the thoughts of many a non-league fan are with you.

Keep up the fight.

Rob (Witham Town fan)

Sad news Tony. Whilst most don't know you personally, me included, you have been a huge part of every non league supporters lives for a good while. everyone knows the name Tony Kempster. Heartfelt thanks from all at Leamington FC, and all the best for the time you have left with your family.

Paul McDonnell
Leamington FC supporter.

What sad sad news, Tony.

your site was one of my main bookmarks through Aldershot's rise back into the football league and I still visit regularly to look at the progress of some local clubs whose fortunes are otherwise hard to keep track of.

You are indeed one of those whose services go unnoticed by so many, but are so much appreciated by those who benefit from them.

Good luck with whatever time you have left, you deserve to be blessed with every happiness over the coming months.

Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Clive (Aldershot supporter in Staines)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Richard Cole
Shrewsbury Town Supporter

Hi I have used your site a lot and would like to thank you so much for the time and effort. I think that tonystempster.co.uk deserves to live on and hope you might find a worthy sucessor. Thank you again, Mark

Echo all of the above, the dedication you have shown in keeping us in the know about all things non-league and the way you have fought your illness should be an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

[Lowestoft Town Fan]

Tony,

Wishing you as enjoyable a last few months as possible, given the circumstances. It may not seem much, but you can rest in the knowledge that you have given many thousands of like minded people many many hours of enjoyment through your outstanding web site.

I hope you can find somebody else to keep the site going, as that would be a fitting memorial, long after you have gone the name of Tony Kempster would live on.

Best wishes,

Colin Barson
Oxford United FC.

Dear Tony,

Whatever is round the next corner or over the crest of the next hill take heart that you are not alone and the thoughts and best wishes of many people across the world are with you.

Kindest regards for you and your family.

John Maloney

Tony, your site is the best out there for non-league football by far. You should be proud of yourself.

Best wishes and I will be thinking of you through these tough times.

Andy (Cheltenham Town Fan)

Hi Tony, We have not meet but I am very sorry to hear your news. You have provided great pleasure and information to tens of thousands through your website and I'm sure every person who uses your site feels they know you in some little way.
I have been interested in English non-league football for many years, particularly Stafford Rangers, but have lived in Scotland for 30 years. Since I discovered your site it has kept me in touch with what is going on in the non-league scene. The amount of information on the site is incredible.
I have not seen Stafford Rangers lose for over 25 years. That is not because they have a fantastic team these days but because I have only seen 3 matches in recent times. A draw and a win at Workington and a win this season at Gateshead.
We did communicate briefly, via email, in the autunm. I told you of someone I knew of who had been given 6 months to live, with Prostate Cancer, 15 years ago and who is still going strong. There is always hope, never ever give up.

Best wishes to you and your family and keep fighting. The thoughts of thousands of 'friends' are with you.

Best Wishes,

Martin Jackman

Can only echo everything that has been said above. Rarely does a day pass when I don't look at your website to find out the latest non-league information, and I am sure that it will serve as a fitting memorial to your love of the game. I hope that you can continue your brave fight for as long as possible, and enjoy the time remaining with your family.

Les (Bath City)

Tony, I don't know you personally but this news has saddened me as it has done countless others. Your website has always been an invaluable source of information. A real gem.

Never stop believing, everybody is different and Cancer is about as unpredictable as our home form.

Best Wishes,
Dan (Cambridge City fan)

So sorry to hear your news. We are thinking of you all and are here if you need anything. We'll come over when you're ready and I will make some of those choc chip cookies you liked!

Fondest love
Dan, Helen and Ewan xxxxx

Another Kempster addict here, words fail to express my emotions at the moment, one can only wonder what yours and your families are. I hope you spend some deserved 'Tony' time as over the years I'm sure you've spent far too long keeping all us sad anoraks updated to the detriemnt of yourself.
The word legend is often overused, in this instance I feel justified in saying "Tony Kempster - THE non League football legend". My thoughts together with many many others are with you. You will never be forgotten.
IK - Bishop's Stortford FC

Tony
We never met in person, but have corresponded over many years since you first used to correct my mistakes (hopefully not that many times!) in my old Non-League Newsdesk magazine.
This was an early indication of the diligence and enthusiasm you later poured into the website that has, quite rightly, become so highly regarded.
I am truly devastated to hear your news. My thoughts are with you and your family at this terrible time
James Wright

Tony - many thanks for all the hard work you have put in and allowing us anal retentive football supporters to check the latest statistics and facts. An invaluable service that has been very much appreciated by so many of us over the years. Long may you win the fight and enjoy your time with your family.

Chamonix Ox

Tony

You are a legend in footballing circles, way beyond your own friends and family and, as others have said, the scene will be much poorer without your work to enlighten it. Good luck in the days, weeks, months and - hopefully - years ahead. And thank you.

Best wishes

Tom C - Celtic, Barnet and fan of football in general

I hadn't realised you were ill. I have been reading your site for a few years now - even before my club became a non-league side! It's invaluable.
Never easy to 'say the right thing' in such circumstances - I hope that you and your family get all the love and support you need and I'm sure all grass roots footy fans will agree.

George

(Oxford united fan)

What can I say that has not been said, my thoughts to you and your family. Your web site is the BEST and I often use the information for our Match Day proramme. Tony Kempster Legend.

David
Bishop Auckland FC

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tony. Thanks for being a star of the non-League scene for so many. You will be missed by all of us. I hope your last days are peaceful and you enjoy that time with your family.

Tony, I'm devastated with the news.
I follow your site since I tried to understand how football structure in England was built! My son played for Dorchester Town FC some five seasons ago and I was very fortunate to find your site than. Tony, you deserve, undoubtly, the admiration from all the football supporters and that the FA recognizes your work very soon! Please stay with us all the time you can get!

Jose from Portugal & Dorchester Town FC

Not sure what to say, don't think there is a lot you can say.
As for the site, somebody said earlier on this thread, it is a work of art.
Legend.

Dear Tony
If any man should be knighted for good work it should be you.
A true Knight of the Non League. All the best.

Andy. Guildford City F.C.

Tony
I'd just like to thank you for the wonderful contribution you've made to football, enriching the lives of myself and so many thousands of non-league football supporters with your amazing website. I hope that the fact you've touched so many people with your dignified struggle against illness will be some small comfort to you and your family in the difficult days ahead. We've been with you all the way, and we're still with you now.

Rob

Dear Tony,

I'm very sorry to hear the news. I hope you battle on and get everything done that you've ever wanted to do.

Andrew (Mossley fan)

Hi Tony

Sorry to hear your very sad news, you dont know me but I feel I know you. Top man top site spend hours scanning the stats. My thoughts are with you

Gerald Swanage & Herston FC

Tony, a legend, you have brought enjoyment to ooo's of non league fans .thank you. BD a Margate fan.

Take care Tony, used to go on your site in our dark conference days. This put's life into perspective.

Ian (Shrewsbury Town)

The only site for non-league football.
I have used your site for many years, simply to be up to date on all leagues. Your dedication and work to this site should never be forgotten. Your contribution to football as whole is something that every club and official alike acknowledges.
Speaking on behalf of all referees no matter how much hated (!) - thank you Tony for all you have done for the game we all so love.
May God bring you peace through these times.

From an appeciatative non-league referee.

Awful news, and however much we feel it as 'your public', I can't imagine how you and your family are feeling. Personally, you've expanded my knowledge and love of the non-league "proper" game enormously, and added a huge amount to my enjoyment of football. For that I thank you most sincerely and I'll never look at the non-league results again without thinking of your love and dedication for the honest end of our great sport. In terms of helping non-league football get the recognition it deserves, you really "took the lead". But never say never, and I hope you get to enjoy next season with us, whatever it brings.

Hold your head up, mate - and thanks.

James (Leyton Orient / Truro City)

I'm deeply saddened by your news, and can only hope that your battle now is as successful as possible for as long as possible. Although the world of non-league football goes on, from next season it will be a poorer place without your dedication, passion and attention to detail.

Thankyou and best wishes to you and your loved ones.

Dave (FC United of Manchester)

Words are pointless but if you are feeling well with steriods that is great news . get out and enjoy yourself and your family.
Don't worry about this site but thank you for what you have given to the non league world.
Unlike me your name is known and will be remembered. Good Luck

Tony,

I am very saddened to hear your latest news.

I echo what many other have said.

You have enriched the lives of so many people via your website, your dedication has resulted in a very special achievement that you should be rightly proud of. I pass on my heart felt thanks to you.

Best wishes to you and your family in the coming months,

Take care of each other,

Mark (SparkyRebel)
(Worthing FC & Southampton FC)

Thinking of you - hang in there

Smiffy from Mossley

Tony,

I am praying for you as you go down the sunset of your life. I am thankful to God for people like you as I think the positive effect you have had on non-league football is immeasurable and the impact will be felt for decades to come.

I pray God will comfort you.

Thank you so much,

Dan Hazelton, St Blazey fan and friend of your brother.

Really sorry to hear this Tony.
I only came accross your site in the last few years...but bookmarked it straight away.

I hope you know that many people appreciate the dedication and work you've put in over the years.
My thoughts go out to you and your family.

Alfisti (Andy)
Soham Town Rangers FC

Tony, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for everything you've done over the years. Legend.

Dan
Sheffield FC fan

Tony, your site is comfortably the best in non-League, I've never seen such a well-presented explanation of our pyramid structure. In fact, anyone unsure of how the different leagues fit together I send to your website.

I'm so sorry to hear this news. May god bless you with much longer than your GP predicts.

Andrew Snaith
A Whitby Town supporter

Tony, our prayers are with you

Steve (Chelmsford City)

Stay positive mate - anything can happen if you approach it positively. Best of luck.

Ben (Cambridge City)

Tony,
I'm not one for posting comments etc. but I just couldn't read the rest without adding my small bit.

As most have said in previous posts you and your fantastic website are an absolute legend and will be a big loss to the local footballing community. It never ceases to amaze me how you manage to maintain this site and get it updated within minutes of the games being played. You have been a constant source for non-leaguers everywhere.

As one of the great (easy to remember) footballing songs goes...'one Tony Kempster, there's only one Tony Kempster...one Tony Kempster...'

As someone before said, you should be in the hall of fame my friend.

God Bless.

Cory Shackleton
Kirby Muxloe FC

Tony

I have been following your site for at least the past 3 seasons. Lately I clicked on your health page and was saddened by the news that I did not follow it closely. Gazza on the Not the ETFC site mentioned that there was sad news on your blog so I clicked on it today.

I have looked upon your site as an able friend providing information which was not so easily accessible on many other sites. (football mitoo, Isthmian league site etc) I noted your run ins with the football league and their possesive approach to their league fixtures etc. (was ever thus).

You should realise, and I am convinced that you do, that we all have to die and all we can hope to achieve is to leave the world a better place than when we came into it.

From the comments on here I reckon that you can say that you have achieved that and you have certainly increased my enjoyment at times.

As Dave Allen used to say, "Goodbye and may your god go with you."

Steph

Sorry to hear about your illness. Tragic.

You've got a whole army of football lovers up and down the country wishing you the best. :toppa:

Dear Tony,
This is such sad news – for non-League football fans everywhere and for all who know you and love you.
Before you became ill, I knew of you as only the constructor of the best non-League football website; but I know now that you are also a much loved part of a large extended family and have many interests besides football.
All this makes losing you so much harder. We shall all be the poorer when you are gone; you will never be forgotten.
I hope that the sentiments expressed by everyone in this thread will give some comfort to you and your family and that the end, however near or far, will be peaceful.
Margaret, AFC Wimbledon supporter

Hi Tony,
So sorry to hear this heart-breaking news, I've been following your plight on this blog since you became ill, and I must admit I don't even know you, but had a lump in my throat then I read this latest update.
I've been following this site for years and visit it daily, never before has so much information on non-league football been made avaliable for all to see, so accurate and upto date, it can surely never be repeated. I'm sure I've bored my non-league teams forum over the years with references to Tony Kempster this and Tony Kempster that, the reason being that no other website comes even close to yours.
I wish you and your family peace over these next few months, we can't say much more, but the courage you've shown through all this is a lesson for us all.
God bless.
Steven Kershaw (Mossley fan)

Tony,

I have never met you, but have been an avid reader of your website for a good few years. I just wanted to say thank-you for your efforts and what is a truly great source of information.
Good luck and may your time left with us be rich and fruitful.
All the very best to you and yours, and thank you again.

Mike

Tony,

Your website has been a blessing for those of us lucky enough to follow clubs in the lower leagues.

Stay positive, consultants are happily proven wrong every day.

Take care,

Simon (Boston united fan)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Tony, keep strong and hopefully a miracle will happen!

Alan (Margate fan)

Tony

I wish you as much peace and happiness as you can muster during these tough times for you and your family.

I have used your site for many years and has been invaluable. Thanks for a great job.

Best wishes


Vince Taylor
Leamington FC fan

Tony,

Likewise as some of the other comments, I am extremely saddened to hear of your health. Your football website has been an absolutely boost to me in my role as webmaster and programme editor to Ramsbottom United FC in the North West Counties League and you must have worked very hard indeed to generate all the information to keep it going. Please may I, on behalf of Ramsbottom United, wish you and your family well.

Can't add anything to the comments above but to say that both Jenny and I send our best wishes to you during this difficult time. Tony, you are an absolute star, mate.

I'd also like to send my best wishes to Martin and your family who will be your great strength in the time to come.

With very best wishes

Chris Berezai

Tony

I think I speak for all fellow supporters of Salford City in wishing you and yours all the very best.
Your labour-of-love football site has promoted our level of the game like no other and for that you will always have our gratitude.

Cheers, mate..

Andy

Your site has kept me informed and entertained for many years.

Many thanks and good luck.

Neil

I'm lost for words Tony!
I've kept tabs on your progress having gone through something similar myself this last 12 months. Good luck mate.

Gary - Bath City

Can't add anything to the wonderful comments already posted, except thank you so much for your site over the years, which I too hope will find a successor acceptable to you. Enjoy every day - I'm sure you will!

Stephen
(Nantwich Town & Morecambe fan)

Dear Tony,

I'm so very sorry to hear the latest news. We've never met but, like thousands of others, I feel I know you. You are a truly remarkable man. I say that not just because of what you have contributed to the game we all love (though your achievements are amazing) but also because of the way you have done it. In a sport too often dominated by big bucks and bigger egos, you have quietly and unassumingly built THE football website; one that puts all other football sites in the shade. And you've done it on limited resources and with precious little assistance from the football 'authorities', some of whom, I know, have been downright obstructive. It's an incredible achievement.

Reading your health 'blog' over the past few months, it seems to me that you've shown the same persistence, determination and positive attitude in the way you've battled this dreadful disease. Please God, you'll keep battling it for a good while, yet. All the very best, mate.

from Barry A - and everyone at Bognor Regis Town.

Dear Tony. Sorry to hear the news. Your site has always been my first port of call for Non-league info, and you will greatly missed.
Dave Adkins (Eagle 88 - Dartford FC Supporter)

Dear Tony,

That is very, very sad news and my thoughts and best wishes go out to you and your family.

Darrell Gowers (Winchester City)

Tony
I am so upset to hear your news, but as we both know, they can be wrong, so believe.
My thouhts are with you and your family.

Bruce

I've lost track of the number of times I've read the phrase "Tony Kempster's fantastic site" in email and on message boards, the two always go together. All the very best and many, many thanks.

Phil, Newport County supporter.

We are in the 89th minute of a great football match. We know the game must end soon, and we expect little more than a minute, but we hope the referee may yet add a significant amount of extra time...

Thinking of you.
Gordon (AFC Wimbledon supporter)

Keep on keeping on Tony, a positive aspect like yours can hopefully extend the match into extra time. Really hope you can make the most of everything you still wish to do. Thanks for the site, it is brilliant. Best wishes mate, Steve from Alty.

Best Wishes Tony

Tony, as the past Chaplain of Histon FC, can I say that the thoughts and prayers of all those at HFC are with you at this time.

Tony,
Can I thank you for your excellent service to non-league football over the all these years.
Keep up the fight and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Best wishes,
Paul (Workington AFC)

Dear Tony

Tonight's result was a good one for York City as our future in the Conference is assured for 2009-10. Reading your news after the game, I just want to say how very sorry I am that your prognosis is terminal. May I wish you every blessing, as you take each day as it comes, for you and those who love you.

Lin

Tony,

I'm just one of the annonymous thousands who have been drawn again and again to your fantastic website over the years. I can only say how deeply deeply sorry I am to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - God Bless You.

Tony. You are a bright light among the lower echelons of the Pyramid. We send you lots of love from Corfu, Greece.

At the end of this season and the end of an era - the end of one of the best websites the internet age has brought us, let us all say the name tony kempster tomorrow and keep him in our thoughts, and prayers as the final whistle sounds,

God bless

Andy.

Dear Tony

I haven't visited the site since June of last year, but did so regularly prior to that.

I logged on tonight, as I knew I'd find some in depth coverage of how the various leagues would look like for next season, and was interested to know.

However, I then read of you ill health and all that, as others have said, really paled into total insignificance.

As with many others, we don't know each other. However, I, like them, had come to rely on your magnificent site for all my information in respect of all things non league.

Can I thank you for all your sterling work on the site, and wish you well in your fight against what is a devastating disease.

I have lost people close to me from it over the past 10 years or so, and pray that one day soon those in the know will find a cure.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Best Wishes

Darren Brackley, County Down, NI.

Tpny,

I hope the fact that so many good things have been said and so much praise has been heaped on your tireless work means as much to you as your site does to us.

The fact the site carries your name means it's always been obvious this is a labour of love for someone, and I can assure you that every single one of us who has utilised it, whether to check a result/table or how many miles they have to travel in a season, has been immensely grateful.

There's nothing I can add that hasn't been said, but I've been a regular visitor over the years and as a local football journalist your work is a priceless reference point to me.

I sincerely hope you keep fighting hard and defying the doc's prognosis, in the meantime sincere thanks for all your efforts on behalf of the entire non-league football community.

Only users of this site will relate to or understand this, but if the word 'legend' can be applied to this niche, then you are certainly one.

Mark

So sorry to hear the latest update, but I hope you can pack in some real good times, you've certainly done all Football fans proud. I think your site should be on a big screen on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.
Best wishes from me and all at Leamington Football Club Supporters Club.
Nick Rogers.

Dear Tony,
Your stats helped me so much when I did the Bath City programme and I'm so sorry to hear that your are unwell.
As a Christian, I believe there is a place beyond death where there is no more suffering, illness, war and all the other things that make life here so painful at times. There may even be footy in Heaven but there won't be the need for refs! If you want to know more about my beliefs, and assurance of eternal life, please email me chris@chrisstillman.co.uk. I would love the opportunity to share with you the hope I have, that could be yours too and at the very least pass on what I know to be true. God bless.
Chris Stillman, Bath City fan.

The number and content of the responses speak for themselves and as a newcomer to the site this year it confirms what was already obvious to me that it attracted a huge number of like minded people who have benefited enormously from the efforts of a very special man!
Now to be told that this is all to be ended in such a way is cruel and unfair and I really don't know what to say at this time but judging from all the other comments it has already been said and I hope that may help a bit.
It is ironic on the day that the little team in Binfield that I follow, received confirmation of winning the Hellenic Division One East championship (as posted so quickly and efficiently on your site), the graphic details of your medical report appeared and I know that the thoughts of the team and supporters will be with you and your family today and in the future that is left to you.
Please do your best to fulfill everything not yet completed and rest assured that an awful lot of people are thinking of you with respect and gratitude for all that you have achieved already.

Tony

Your work on the site has been nothing short of excellence and the time and effort you must put in should be commended on. Your health and welfare is paramount and hope you can overcome this difficult time.

Many people owe a debt of gratitude to you and I know my time being an FC United fan would of been harder fact finding if it wasn't for your fantastic work.

Best wishes and hope you overcome this battle.

Dear Tony

I am deeply saddened to hear of your condition, my love and best wishes go to you and your family.

As someone who has had the pleasure of knowing you (though it will be at least 6 years since we last spoke), I must echo the sentiments that so many people have used to describe their feelings for you both as a man and an oracle of non league information and knowledge. My first steps into senior non-league football just happened to coincide with my introduction to your son, Ian and subsequetly yourself.

As someone more comfortable talking with supporters / club officials than most of the lads I played with, I admire and share your passion for the game and was lucky to work at Nestle prior to your retirement which gave me a chance to get to know you. All of the clubs I played for included fans and officials that either knew or knew of you.

Having moved back to Guernsey a few years ago, I regularly check your website, as do a number of other local football fans here, and have watched from afar as the gospel according to Kempster seems to have spread like wildfire across the world. What you have achieved with your website and the subsequent network of non league information is quite remarkable. Not only has it helped football fans learn more, it has increased the profile of non league football immeasurably.

I'm sure you will be glad to hear that we have set up a new club in Guernsey with the intention of growing links with the UK pyramid and perhaps even entering a UK level 5 league - Tony Williams is now a assisting with this project as he lived in Guernsey some years back and has close links with many of the officials over here. My passion for football at this level has not abated and I owe a little of that to you.

As a great family man, a highly successful IT professional and a part time oracle of information for (I estimate) tens of thousands of football fans, you have achieved so much.

I sincerely hope that the prognosis is not entirely accurate but even more so, I hope you feel the comfort of the incredible love of your family and friends allied to the incredible warm feeling an army of football fans feel for you.

Love and very best wishes to you and the Kempster family

Kevin

PS We have a 6 month old son, George, who I'm sure will read some of the cuttings from my time in your part of the world.

Dreadful news Tony
Losing the best non-league site on the web is sad but losing a true non-league giant is tragic.
I hope that you and yours are able to enjoy the time you have left as best as you can and our thoughts are always with you.
Yours, in football
Andy Hadlington
Winchester City FC (fan)

So sorry to hear this sad news. As everyone else has said your contribution to non league football will never be forgotten and you are a true legend.

Thanks for everything, and enjoy the short time you have left.

Ian (Gravesend & Northfleet)

Tony,
SO sorry to see this latest prognosis. You have been a major light for Non-league fans outside of the UK where details are llimited. As an AFC Wimbledon supporter, I have used your site extensively to keep up with the news.
The way you have handled your situation and the reporting you have provided your friends is a beacon for everyone. You have a lot of friends and support throughout the world and everyone is pulling for you. You are a fighter and hopefully there will be help from a higher power than us that will keep you with for a longer period of time.
I hope I can give you some hope, in my family we have a cancer survivor after being diagnosed 12 years ago (my mother) and a niece and a nephew who are Leukemia survivors (my nephew 20years, for my niece 2 years).
Our thoughts are with you and we wish you all the best. Keep fighting and Thank you for your Non-League support.
David (AFC Wimbledon fan)

You don't know me Tony, but I've had a great deal of pleasure from your site, and I've passed the address on to many of my football loving friends, here in Australia.
You have kept an extraordinary website going for many years, and you will not be forgotten by the many visitors who accessed your site. You have touched many people's lives, and this site will be your memorial.
Keep your chin up mate, and keep fighting.
George Iles (AFC Wimbledon supporter)

Tony, whatever happens, I hope you never feel alone. There are many people, of whom I am one, who are grateful for all you have done on your site and are only able to repay you with their thoughts and wishes. You don't need to say anything more but your dignity through all this will keep speaking for you.
Best Wishes
Andy

So sad Tony,
thanks for your help and knowledge over many years. In Spenser's words, all for love, and nothing for reward.
I hope you are rewarded.

John, on behalf of KAFC

Tony, this is such sad news. I can only echo all those things that have been said. You can be truly proud that you created a site that is adored by fans everywhere. When we reformed our club here at Runcorn Linnets, your site was already well known to us and lots of fans look at it on a Saturday night / Sunday morning. It has become an oracle to us all.
We can but pass on our sincere best wishes to you at such a sad time and say thank you for all the pleasure you have given us with your site. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Derek Greenwood

Hello Uncle Tony,

Sorry to here the bad news, i was very upset when i found i even burst into tears!

Lots of Love and best wishes to you and the rest of the family!

Alice Xx

Dear Tony
It's all been said in the other comments, and I can only add my thanks for your wonderful website and all the work you put in on it. You are a very special member of that very special community of non-league football. My thoughts are with you and your family. Best wishes for the future.
Bill Beedie, a Ramsgate supporter - relegated today but that's been put into perspective by your news.

Dear Tony,

I am so sorry to hear your news. I only discovered your fantastic site this season having started to follow Lowestoft Town FC again this year. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all LTFC fans when I say you will be hugely missed by all lovers of non-league football across the land.

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Kindest regards,

Jonathan LTFC

Tony - You're the (Non-League) man .....and always will be.

Keith - Weston-super-Mare supporter

Tony, as many have commented your site has been the mainstay of non league football and as a Barrow AFC and Holker Old boy, living in the far flung corners of the globe its has helped keep me connected to home.

I believe that to those who do good things so good things happen, keep up the good fight and enjoy those things that are dear to you with the up most zeal

Andy

Very sad news, Tony.
I've been enjoying your statistics on English football for years, my thoughts now are with you and your family.

Best wishes,
Marc (the Netherlands)

Dear Tony,
Very saddened to hear of this grim news and of the gloomy prognosis. Your site and you the man behind it have greatly expanded awareness of the non-League game. "By their deeds shall ye know them," well, I know you as a gent and your site is a massive monument to your love of the game. You won't be forgotten.

But come on, chin up mate! Where there's life there's hope, as they say. Hang in there and defy the experts! Keep on well until 2010 and beyond.

Thinking of you,
Ed Houghton.

Tony,

So very sorry to read of your health troubles. May your remaining time be as comfortable as possible.

I echo the other correspondents in saying that your site has been the number one on my Football Bookmarks, and will be missed greatly.

Jeff Eastmond
Clevedon Town FC

Sad to read this.
All the best for you!
"Kopf hoch!" and "Gute Besserung!" from a frequent user of this fantastic site from Bavaria.

Tony

Sorry sorry to hear your news and my thoughts go out to you and your family. For non-league followers like me, your site has been our bible and your loss to football is immense.

Steve

Hi Tony, so sorry to hear of this news. I have used your site over the years to keep up with the lesser known stats of my beloved Exeter City.
Wish you all the best.
Steve.

Dear Tony
i have a good work mate, who has the same condition you have my heart felt simpathy.
No words can can put this into context. Iknow we don't know each other but that does not stop me from feeling your pain, I'm shure that every non league fan and club in the country wish you a recovery, Sorry is not good enough so forgive me for not knowing the right word to say.
Paul Bennett Belper town (Kitman)

I want to add to the comments you have already received though I feel inadequate to the task. But I have been approached by many of our supporters to assure you that the thoughts of us all at Ware FC are with you and your family.

Tony,

I've mulled over your news for a few days now but after talking about you after yesterday's game with people at my club, I felt I had to add my thoughts which mirror everyone else's.

You are a legend, your site is fantastic and you will be deeply deeply missed.

Leigh (Merstham FC)

Sorry to hear your news Tony. You don't know me but I'm an AFC Wimbledon fan who lives in Australia now. I left the UK in 2002 to go travelling and have been a reader of your website since then, logging in from far flung internet cafes around the world nervously hoping for good news about the Dons. As all football fans who are far from home know, it means alot to lot to learn what has happened on a Saturday afternoon so many miles away, as well as serving to remind of family and home.

As so many people have commented, your site has consistently provided an invaluable service to many people - many thanks for doing what you have done and I wish you well in your health battle

Simon, an AFC Wimbledon fan in Sydney

Don't know what proper (or tinpot) football fans will do without your or your site Tony. Best wishes to you and your family whatever the future brings.

Love
Auntie Merge (D&R)

Hope this cheers you up Tony. Since I started supporting a team at this level, your site has been invaluable. I wish you all the best in the coming months.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2cGdmt4pWw&eurl=http%3A%2F%2F

Tony

Like many others, you don't know me, but I am one of the thousands that have used your web site on a regular basis to keep me posted with results, stats etc from the Non league World. By far - this is the best non league football web site in the World.
Your news is so heart-breaking and I send my best wishes to you and your family and hope that you find the strength to enjoy the time that you still have together.
Mark Burbidge

Tony

I will keep this simple.

The best source of Non League Information I have ever come across in the many years I have been involved in the wonderful non league scene. You are an absolute credit to the many supporters and active people in the game. I take my hat off to you and like many other well wishes you are recieving will add myself and my clubs name to the list.

May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Fantastic contribution.


Best wishes

Neville


Chairman - St Ives Town FC

Tony,
Such sad news, along with the many other well wishers we sincerely send you our best wishes and thoughts for you and your family.
Your efforts with your Non-league site are second to none and welcomed by all non-league supporters, especially the clubs like AFC Wimbledon who have world wide support. You have been a beacon in the night for our many supporteres who rely on your site, when others fail to acknowledge the grass roots of football.
Although the prognosis provided by your surgeon sounds dire, I can give you hope from pur fa,ily experiences. My mother survives cancer and I have a niece and nephew who are both living survivors of Leukemia.
Hang in their and keep the faith, you have a lot of people out here thinking of you and pulling for you.
Thank you again for all of the hard work you have put into "Tony Kempsters website".

Hi Tony ,

Sorry to hear of your latest news We have thought your site and the dedication you have applied to it has provided thousands of us Football followers with useful information at our finger tips. Wishing you and your family all the best and a big thankyou from ALL of us at Westfields FC (MFA)

John Morgan (Chairman)

Tony, all at Stotfold FC wish you well.
Your website is indeed the oracle. Lets hope there is a god out there.
phil pateman - chairman

As a non-league statistician and the son of a victim of incurable cancer... thanks, both for your statistics work on the internet and your honest and frank tracking of your disease. Wishing you what you wish for yourself.

Jez, Ashton United

Tony, I am very very sorry to hear your news. Your site has been a constant joy since I discovered it and has enabled me to settle many an argument and prolong discussions with my pyramid studying friends. The site will be sadly missed by all of us who take an interest in real football outside the world of the premiership poseurs. Farsley Celtic in our case. Good luck mate and our thoughts are with you and your family.
David Williams

Sorry to hear your very sad news Tony, stay positive and never give up.

God bless

Dave (WHUFC)

I am deeply saddened by your recent news Tony, both for you and your familys suffering, and for the huge loss the football world in this country will experience without your most valued input to the following of the game. I do hope that someone is able to follow your most inspirational lead and continue with the brilliant work you have done in enhancing our appreciation of proper football at grass roots level. I wish you and your family all the best over the coming months, and hope that your inspiration stays with you to the end.

Hi Tony,

I am very very sorry to hear your news.

It is the best site in the world. I come to the site everyday to know what happened in the NL. You are the greatest site administrator in the world. Thanks for your long term dedication. Take care.

Best regards,
Xiao Jiapeng (Non-League Supporter From China)

that's bad luck. I hope you had plenty of PMAs (positive mental attidute) left in you. Be STRONG! That's my motto. Any ideas of the site you've running, could you pass to someone else who's willing to running your site?

It is clear from the comments that you have received that your enthusiasm and dedication has enriched many people's lives over the years. Although you don't know me, I just wanted to add my personal thanks for the amazing service that you have provided and to wish you and your family all the best in these difficult times.

Mark (Wivenhoe Town supporter)

Very Sad News Tony
Your website and your incredible dedication to it has been a source of inspiration to many
Myself and many of my non league fans in the wessex league will miss you
Ian (Wimborne Town Fan)

Tony,

I really enjoyed following the rise of AFC Wimbledon through the leagues through your peerless website and especially your fascinating and remarkably thorough analysis of crowds and form.

I am so sorry to hear your latest news, and I sincerely hope that with the dawning of each new day you will find the strength and courage to enjoy it.

All the best and thanks for everything,

John.

(P.S. to remind you of the breadth of people your efforts have reached, I'm a 24 year-old trainee doctor based in Exeter)

Thanks for what has been an absolutely brilliant site. The maps in particular I have found fascinating. All the best.

Matt (Matlock fan)

All the best
Thanks for everything

Colin (St Albans City)

I am so sorry to learn of your sad news. I am sure there is a God and I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you for the tremendous service you have given us non league fans.

God Bless,
Terry Spurling.

Very sorry to read your news Tony. Wishing you all the best, and thinking of you and yours.

Andy, Chelmsford City fan

Dear Tony
Like many others, I don't know you personally, only know of you. I have visited your superb website so many times to get all the incredible info regarding non-league. If it hadn't been for you, I'd never have gone to see Rayners Lane play on a Christmas Eve two or three years ago! Your site is without parallel. I was shocked at the news I only read today. Life can be brutally unfair to those who've nothing to deserve it. I can only offer my heartfelt sympathy for the dreadful time you have gone and will be going through. What an amazing fellow you are to have kept the site as if nothing had happened. I hope you do not suffer too much. As others have said, you are a legend. With my very best wishes to you and your family.
JON SCHOFIELD
London

Tony, My thoughts are with you mate. your site is unbelievable. I've done the Non-league game now for 15 years and without knowing it you have helped me and countless others immeasurably.

Mark Hartley Sheffield ( Hallam FC fan)

Hi Tony,

Thanks for everything you have contributed to the non league game over the years. I am very sad to read your news - your web site is by far the best I have come across for its complete record on the non league game and is irreplaceble.

What ever the future holds Tony - thanks for everything

Jim Cunneen
Shortwood United

I can only echo what everyone else has written. Hope you are able to enjoy the time you have left - let's hope it's longer than the doctors think. We will all miss your site, but nothing like as much as your family and friends will miss you.

Best wishes,

Jack Wilkinson (Welling United fan living in Lewes)

sad to hear that.
My thoughts are with you.
Dan the Walsall Fan.

Best of luck, Tony - never give up, old son.
You've given so much of your life to the football community in this country; now you must make the most of what's left, to enjoy whatever you choose to do.
There's not a lot I can add to what's already been said; I only hope that your remaining time is long and comfortable. I'll be praying daily for a miracle.
Thanks for everything, Tony, much more than I can say. God bless.
Alan from Gateshead

Again we can only echo what everyone else has written.

Best Wishes

From all at Bashley FC

Tony
Non league football forever - thanks for the service you provided. a tough act to follow.

K
Erith and Belvedere

Tony,

Your website is an extraordinary resource for fans of non-league football. I've spent many many hours absorbing the information on your site and it's been a revelation and a joy having such thorough and clearly presented data available. From your projections to your maps, to the fixtures, results, tables and crowds, the integrity and the rigour that you've put into this work is so evident and will be so terribly missed.

I've followed your battle too, I thank you for your bravery and honesty in sharing this and, like all the other contributors here, am desperately sad to read your latest entry. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Many thanks for your inspiring work and dedication.

Dave Evans

Tony,

Many, many thanks for your work over the years. You are a true hero for non-league football. I fear we shall never see your like again, but would wish that someone somewhere would take up the mantle, as it is a service that no-one has been able to match.

I would - and will - pray for recovery, but like yourself am fearful for the worst.

- I have just read all your details after witnessing Gloucester's entry to the play-off final - apparently we are the longest serving team in any league (please correct me if I'm wrong!), but could be promoted this weekend to new heights... one of my other passions, Lowestoft Town (long story), could also be seeking new challenges... and the only place i can find the "gen" on our opponents in cup competitions is tonykempster.com

If we could issue a lifetime achievement award for non-league football, there would be nobody else in contention. Please accept my true recognition on behalf of all the clubs I follow.

Dr Wart Hoover - Gloucester City / Lowestoft Town / Stafford Rangers

Dear Tony,

Your dedication to this website is an inspiration to me and countless others not just in the UK, but throughout the world. As a non-league follower and British Expat living Singapore for the past 12 years, your site has provided me a realm of information simply not available through any other source. I know many others, in many countries echo this sentiment.

My sincere and heartfelt best wishes for your continuing battle.

Nick, Singapore

This site is a great testament to a great man.

Above all else it seems you have a lot of guts to take things the way you have. May that courage be with you until the end and may that end be easy. You have all my admiration.

Richard Day

Tony,
Sorry to hear the awful news. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Your site and your dedication to it have been an inspiration for football fans. Your site will be sorely missed,
Al

Not much can be added to what has been said already.

You are a great servant of no league football and will be sorely missed by all.

Tweety

Tony - I too would like to say how shocked I am to hear this - I'm so sorry - I only found out today. I have enjoyed your site for about 3 years now - it has been and remains excellent but yes, not really important now. I wish you well and hope you enjoy precious time with loved ones.

Thank you for unstinting hard work over the years

Tony
I emailed you personnally but wanted to add my thoughts to this public site at this sad time for you & your family. I have known this site for some time & it is as others say the orical of non league (& league) football. This pales into insignificance now, but please keep yourself occupied so the time you have left isn't dragging, but ENJOY this time you have left, do not worry about the site, if you are doing other things, but ENJOY doing that, if you enjoy doing the site & have the time - do the site!
If you are still able in September, why not come with me in the new season, I live in York, but do not go to Bootham (sorry Kitkat) crescent.
God bless you & your family, if you or they want to talk, I am able to be here for you/ them
A

This is a TEST Comment
Salman Khan
Salman Khan
http://www.google.com/

Well......this is not the news we had all hoped for at all. Very very sad !

Thank you so much for all the hard work you have put in over the years Tony you have been amazing mate. We will all miss you terribly !

Please enjoy what time you have left with those that love you most and may you maintain your dignity and sense of humour. Oh my ! :>(

Take care mate,

Steve H
Loughborough

As a non league fanatic, Ryman League especially I can
only wish you well. Make the most of every day, your work
will be sorely missed.

Peter Bowers

Tony, I have been on your website quite often as it is the #1 source for information on Non-League Footy. I am very saddened by the events to your health. I can only wish you the best and hope that you suffer as little pain as possible.

God bless.
Alex Ho
Ottawa, Canada

Tony,
Like most, I have never met you but rely upon your site as an invaluable source of information. I am writing this whilst I can hear the Champions League semi-final commentary in another room. As all true fans know, Manchester United v Arsenal is far removed from what we really love and you have provided a valuable insight into the real game for many years. For that, I thank you.
Hopefully you are reading the many touching comments left on this site. If so, 10 of us are running the British 10k in London on the 19th July. I would be honoured if you would allow us to run and raise money for a charity of your choosing. I can think of no better way of saying thank you for your work over the years. If your family would like to get in touch my email is rgoldhawk@hccint.com.
Tony -our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry to read your very sad news.

I have kept up to date with your news bulletins although have only just seen your latest one.

I agree with all the other comments that your website is by far and away the best there is and is a total credit to you. It certainly will never be the same again and I have to hope that you will not suffer too much for long.

God bless you Tony and my thoughts will be with you and your family

Alan Hindle
Denton, Manchester

I really feel for you, I am genuinely so very sorry for your situation. Your work on the website and openess as to your illness and treatment have been incredible. I hope a turnaround in your illness occurs, and I many others will be feeling for you at this time.
Best wishes

Tony,

In your own way, you've touched us all. I thank you for being the guy you are. You done a magnificent job with this website. And I have no doubt, you've done a magnificent job with life.

Best Wishes,
Rick
yankposhfan

Have enjoyed your site for many years,

My thoughts are with you, all the best under difficult circumstances.

Mick, Posh Fan.

Very sorry to hear about your bad news Tony, you have set up a brilliant web site will be missed by all. Best wishes to you and your family.

Steve Fennings (Leamington FC Fan)

Tony, so sorry to hear of the bad news. Enjoy the days to come - you deserve it. And thank you so much for your great work over the years.

Hi Tony,
My name is Guy Kempster and I live in Leicestershire, I am a massive Leicester City fan but also follow the leagues below the top divisions very closely. Have followed this site since I searched 'KEMPSTER' on google and found you!! This is the number 1 football website on the internet, it goes without saying that I and hundreds and thousands who use this site were devastated to hear of your poor health. You are a true legend Tony!!
My thoughts are with you and your family.
God Bless.

Guy Kempster, Leics

Thanks for all information you have given us all as non league football fans Tony. If ever I wanted to know something this has always been the first site I have come to for the answer as far as results, fixtures, gates etc are concerned. You are a true legend of non league football and will be sorely missed by thousands of us!
J Gallagher (AFC Wimbledon fan)

God bless you Tony, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Pete and Val
Coalville Town FC

Tony...
So sad to hear the news and about the site. This site educated me a lot about the game and how competition really works with the way England and Europe does it.
I wish you the best as best can be.
Prayers always.

Eric Parker - Portland, Oregon, USA.
Supporter of Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps

Thank you for your site, Tony. Since I first started to follow non-league football, about ten years ago, yours has always been THE site to visit. If I wanted to check up on an archived score or just surf around the site it has always been informative and fun.

Make the most of your time, enjoy every day, and keep your family close.

My best wishes go out to you. Thank you

Deat Tony,

You will not know who I am, but I am a young, fairly avid follower of your site. Every since I discovered it a few years ago, it has been my primary source of non-league information. To see you remain dedicated to updating it until the end of the season, given your current plight, is remarkable. My deepest sympathies are with you and your family during this time, and I hope that you can enjoy the time you have left the best you can.

Very best wishes,
Chris

Tony, i would like to echo what everyone else has said on here. You are an absolute legend and anyone who follows non-league football knows of the name TONY KEMPSTER.

I am shedding a tear reading all these wonderful comments about a wonderful man and i wish you and your family all the very best.

Brian in Aldershot

Well what more can be said that hasnt been said already.

Tony, you have run the best football website and have brought information and joy to many thousands of football fans.

I hope that after you have passed on, your family will take comfort in the knowledge that you have given so much to so many.

I hope your last few months are as pain free as possible, you will be missed.

Rob Robertson (barnet fc)

thank you for all your hard work.

best wishes from everyoine from newport county fc

I just don't know what to say. This has been a fantastic website to follow all football news. My sincerest condolences and good lick to you Tony. Peter from Brisbane, Australia

I've read your health blog with keen interest and was in a state of shock when I read this entry. You have kept me upto date with the happenings on the non-league scene for many a year now, nothing will ever come close to this site.

Enjoy every last minute, my thoughts are with you.

Oliver (Carlisle United)

A sad, sad day Tony.

Your site has been an absolute godsend over the years for many expats trying to keep abreast of the latest news. You will probably never know how much your efforts have been appreciated, and by how many people. This site has been a valuable link to 'home'.

Bless you for all your time and effort.

Good luck my friend, and keep hoping.

Mike (Southport supporter), Beijing, China.

Tony,
Thought I'd make a comment. Although not a football fan of any dimension we have known each other for 30 years or more and I can honestly say that your philosophical approach to your future is nothing short of an example to all. I am just very proud to have you as a friend, as I know others are too. Keep the humour and the courage going.

Very sad news Tony, I have been using your site for a number of years now and I have to say it is possibly the most useful football site going.


Best wishes,

Ben,

AFC Bournemouth.

Dear Tony,

I have just read the devastating news and I am speechless.

I am from Italy and through your website I have learnt to appreciate and love the NL English football.

I am deeply sorry for your situation and I wish you all the best for the future to you and the family!

Many thanks,
Riccardo

Hi Tony,
Wanted to send you and your family best wishes from down here in Shoreham, West Sussex. Like so many others, I have found your website amazing, a real fantastic piece of work, you should be extremely proud.
I've only got into the NL scene this past season, and all the stats past and present are a brilliant source of information.
From one of thousands, God Bless.
Mike, Shoreham FC.

Tony,
I've browsed your fixtures and tables from here in Colorado for the better part of five years now, and I've enjoyed your work. I am deeply saddened that to read of your condition. I will offer prayers for you, and hope for miracles.
Gratitude from us here in the U.S.
Blessings, Stuart Johnson

God bless you, Tony.

On behalf of all at Boston Town FC of the United Counties League, I'd like to say how sorry we are to hear your news.
You've done a wonderful job

Simon Ashberry
Webmaster
www.bostontownfc.co.uk

I have been following your site for years from Florida but have missed the past few months due to travel and relocaton to New York City .. I have just checked the site and am shocked and saddened at your situation.. Please accept my sicerest gratitude and best wishes. Your dedication has obviously not gone unoticed and like everyone here I wish that your remaining time is peaceful and filled with the knowledge that you are in all of our thoughts...

peace be with you TK...

Hi Tony I can only thankyou for all the long hours you've put into this site despite all your ongoing health issues so expatriates like me here in Australia can access the latest results etc on those minor leagues that others, with far greater resources, have failed to cover. I wish you all the very best and I can only join with others in the belief that where there's life, there's hope.

Brian - Brisbane, Australia

Hi Tony,

I'd like to echo everyone else's comments.

This site is unequalled for it's coverage of the game and it will be sorely missed.

I'd like to thank you for your efforts over the years and I wish you all the best with your battle,

Cheers,

YeltzDoc.

Read the recent article in the non League Paper and was deeply moved by your honest and brave approach to what faces us all sooner or later.
There is a better place and I am sure that Jesus has a very special room for Non League football fans!
Bless You and your family

(Histon FC)

Tony

Please read this one. If anyone has Tony's email addy then please pass it on to him in case he doesn't.

Have you heard of the Budwig Protocol. I'm no alternative health person by any means but this has a solid scientific basis and every new study seems to back it up.

My friend is on this because chemo was no good for her either. I'm on alun.parry@gmail.com so please contact me and I'll send you full details.

It has given excellent results for many people Tony.

Please drop me a line

Al

As from everyone else, best wishes and love to you. You have made a differnce to a lot of lives

Thinking of you, Tony.
Miracles happen!

Gill A

you will not know me but i have been following you and your league tables for ages looking at how atherstone town so you will be greatly missed!!
Thanks for everything and live your life to its best

Tony my heart goes out to you and your family.You have done such a great job with your site and have brought me close to my old country from Australia every week.I will pray you will receive the courage needed to face this from the Lord . This has really upset me far more than I can say.I am sitting here crying for you and your family as I type this.Cancer does this for you it opens up your compassionate side. Your dreadful news has brought home to me how lucky I was to recover .I trust you will suffer no pain and you will be comforted by us and all your friends at this time.Enjoy the time you have left with your family so that they have happy memories of you.
God bless you and keep you until you go to be with our Lord.
Ian Moore

Mate you are a legend, from all of us real footie fang a massive thak you for your interest and devotion.
Hang on in there buddy......
Paul
Bromley FC

Hi Tony,

Once again I can only echo the comments made so far. This is the best side ever, you will never be forgotten by all football fans everywhere. God bless to you and your family.

Mike (Sutton Coldfield, ex York)

As with many of the other comments, I wanted to add a "thank you" for providing this site over the years. I have been using it to follow nonleague soccer from out here in California for years. Thank you, and the very best wishes to you and your family.

Bill Reeves
San Carlos, California, USA

Tony's site is excellent and the dedication he has shown to keep updating it during a difficult illness is testament to him.

Very sad to hear the news and I hope that if the worst is inevitable your last few months are as happy as they can be.

Jack

Just wanted to say thank you for a great site. I've spent far too much time flicking through all the divisions and attendances. Brilliant
Keith, Oxford Fan

Hi Tony,

Thank you, and very best wishes - football pales into insignificance, Bill Shankly was wrong.

Stewart (Gateshead fan, otherwise elated today)

Just to echo the praise and well wishes by all those others who have posted really.

Your football site really is the number one source for all things non-league and that is a testament to your dedication and passion for football.

Thanks.

Hi Tony
Thanks again for your efforts on the No 1 non league results site, we shall all miss you!
I feel though we have never met, that I know you (as we all do) and THAT has been a real pleasure for us all (I am sure everyone will agree).
I hope you enjoy what time you have left with your family & closer friends. If you health permits and you wish to go to matches next season (Pickering, Selby, Tadcaster, et al) and need a driver, it will be my pleaseure to collect you and take you. I am sure that I speak for MANY fans around who would like the chance to thank you in person before the worst & inevitable happens
Alan C

Tony,

Thanks for everything you have done for non-league football. There are few people in the world who show such dedication with little or no financial gain.

I wish you well for the coming months and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

James.

Dear Tony

Devastated to hear the news. Keep on living life to the full and take care. All our best wishes from everybody at Clitheroe FC many of whom have followed your postings with keen interest.

Thank You very much

Martin Rimmer

Tony

Very very sad news. You have the best wishes of us all at AFC TOTTON. The best football stats site bye far.

Les Minards

Hi Tony,

I have no idea what to say.

Make the most of every last moment and thank you for all that you have done. You have created a work of art with your website and it has brought joy to so many people including myself.

May God bless you and your family - keep smiling my friend

Ian (Cambridge United)

Thanks for everything you have done on the website. I has been a great source of information as I have followed Leamington FC, I can't get to the games as I am in the forces based in Germany, but I can always get to see how they are doing with a glance at your website. It is a shame to hear that you are not well and all my best wishes for you and your family come from Germany. Once again Thanks.

I discovered your website about 5 years ago and think it is still one of the best sites on the www.

It is without doubt 'the' place for information on non league football as well as league. If only the people who run football in this country and farther afield had the same committment to game as you.

The FA should invite you as a guest of honour to the FA Cup Final.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Bing (Holt FC - Chippenham & District Sunday League)

Tony. Just read your news. Can't really put into words. Only to say we're thinking of you. You're a top man and this shouldn't be happening. Paul (Ellison)

There's only one Tony Kempster

It's a sad day that this excellent site has to come to an end, the reasons for it making things all the more galling.

Thanks for everything you have done for the world of non-league football.

Adrian (Bamber Bridge FC)

Dear Tony,

I only came back into hearing about you, following a problem with the mailing list for your old lottery syndicate. So it was a shock to hear of the news on your blog, and to read it all in one batch from the beginning. I am so sorry to hear your news, but you are as ever the Tony who seemed to keep going in adversity, and I feel sure that you will continue to do so.

We go back a few years you and I, to ... when was it? The early '90s to '97 I think - with the management team sitting in a row of 'pig pens' in the fancy new open-plan Market Information office. I was often thinking - what the hell is Tony doing on that spreadsheet? So now I know - it was the football scores!

Actually - we go back further - to night shifts with the old IBM 450, when I used to correct your (rare) JCL errors and resubmit to avoid dragging you out on callout!

And there were horse racing scores as well I suppose, for the CBF dinners - another fine area of sport that I'm sorry I know next to nothing about!

But what I do know - is that I am happy to have worked alongside you, and got to know you, and your family. Remember the deliveries of bread buns and cakes? hmmm - sadly that's all gone away - but Penny will no doubt wish you well from her new abode in sunny Doncaster!

As do I - wish you well. And thank you too for your friendship over the years.

With warmest regards to you and your family,

Mark

Dear Tony

I am very sad reading the news on here, especially for you personally.

You have provided much information and settled many an argument down the years with the most comprehensive website around.

My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.

Adrian (NWS of Maidstone United)

Sorry to hear the sad news. You will be sorely missed by everyone in non-league circles.

A true legend.

All my best wishes.

Kenny (South Liverpool F.C. and Liverpool F.C.)

Tony,
Our thoughts and best wishes for you and your family. Reading your blog has shown the ups and downs, so we hope and pray there are more ups to come.

Thinking of you

Keith Higham
Chairman - Romulus FC

I would like to say on behalf of all at Bromley FC and Cray Wanderers that you have been a credit to non league football. I have used your site for results and info on fixtures and statistics for the last 4 or maybe more years. Hearing your news has been very upsetting for me and the thousands of people who use your site. There will be lots of prayers said for you and your family and hopefully by some miracle things will turn around for you. What you have created on this site for me personally is better than any other football site on the internet. Your site gives me every bit of info I wish to find out on any game up and around the country. Even the BBC or other funded commercial websites can't or do not supply the info that you do. Thankyou for your service to the beautiful game, and hopefully we'll see you next season and beyond. Take care Tony, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Tony

I am deeply saddened to hear of your bad news. I have been using your website for many years now and would like to thank you for your hard effort and commitment you have shown. It is obvious to me (and many others I'm sure) that it has been an extreme passion of yours. As an expat living in Australia, your site has kept me up to date with facts and figures that John 'Motty' Motson would be proud of.

May God give you peace.

John (Millwall Fan)

So sorry to here this terrible news - Always been my No1 source of info for non-league info.

God bless you

Simon Dickens
Kidlington F.C.

Tony, I have used your excellent site as a reference source for many years now, but have only just found out about your health situation. My thoughts are with you and your family and I wish you the very best. Thank you for all your hard work over the years, the non-league scene just won't be the same.

Keith Iles, Cheltenham Town FC supporter

Just wanted to thank you for several years with great updates of the non-league, from the folowers from Norway. Because of your great work with this site, I've got the chance to visit several towns, stadiums clubs and I never would have known about if you have not created it. It has given me new friends and favorites all over your country, and thought me about life under the Money League.
It just give me so much more than going to Anfield, which used to be my favorite place to visit.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Totto, Kil/Hemne Fotball, Norway

I thought of your site the moment the season finished yesterday, knowing "If anyone has the info up to date, it's Tony"

I cannot believe this news, it's totally new to me, having not visited the site for a while. All my thoughts and prayers to you. The fun I used to have following non league sides around your site!


God bless you, sir.

Tony, again like others your site has been an amazing source of information and I can happily while away hours flicking through it. Thank you sir.

I hope that you enjoy your life to the full until it is time to go to football heaven. You will have left a remarkable legacy.

All the best Tony, and everyone knows the hard work and effort you have put in over the years. Non League football won't be the same without you.

Take Care

Tony - I haven't checked in to your site for a few months so was very sorry to hear your news. You have been a source of great information and entertainment for my son and I. Thanks so much for what you have done. You are in all of our prayers.

Courtney Kronk
North Olmsted Ohio USA

Tony
I was shocked and saddened to read the news when I checked your site today, for the first time in a couple of weeks.
Your name and website has become a watchword for reliability and accuracy, and for uncannily accurate forecasts in the often confusing world of non-League football, and - on behalf of all at Staines Town FC - may I thank you for the countless hours you must have spent creating and maintaining the site.
With very best wishes,
Steve

Tony,
Thanks very much for creating the best football website bar none.

I'm saddened by your news & wish you well.
I hope you draw some inspiration from the messages posted here - you're a legend!

Paul Needham (Forest supporter)

Dear Tony

My heart felt sympathies to yourself and your family for what must surely be a difficult time.

I would just like to echo the sentiments of all the messages above. The website is a tribute to your love, passion and knowledge of non-league football. I know of very few non-league fans who have not visited the website for one reason or another. It is a site where I would often come, not just to research, but also just because I knew there would always be something here that I would find interesting.

You and the website had become an integral part of what is non-league football, and the contributions you have made will be sorely missed.

In an age when the word legend is thrown about freely, to genuinely see the work of one is a truly humbling experience.

Much love and respect.

Thomas (Ebbsfleet United)

tony you are legend, surely someone could take over running the site, then you will be remembered for ever

Tony: Very sadly, I guess your wonderful site will now be frozen - but you can be sure that your name will be spoken with awe and admiration for many years to come. Not much more I can add to all the comments already posted, except for my own Thank You.
Very best regards to you and your family, John M.

Tony,

Your site has been so useful to a humble Hednesford Town supporter (though I live in London, so I'm probably classed as a prawn sandwich Pitman!) My own little boy was diagnosed with liver cancer at 5 months, and though he survived we have always known that to be with Jesus is better by far if our trust is in him. I'll be praying with Ollie (who's now 3) that you'd be able to trust Jesus for eternal life where this life seems so fragile. Thank you for all your work.

Richard

Tony,

I'm going to leave the religious angle out (although I am religious, I don't know if you are) and just say that, for several years now (since Chorley FC used to point to your website for a NPL table) I've relied on your site. I'm a Frome Fan (in Bath) and an ex-pat Chorley Fan, and today I learn from your site the confirmed line up for next season for both teams leagues.

Sir Christopher Wren said "If you seek my monument look around you". Your monument is here, but whatever our loss, your families is so much greater. You seem to be looking at the final whistle with strength and courage. Please know that you mean more to more people than you could ever imagine.

Patrick

So sorry to hear this and have been a massive fan of your website over the years and especially with playing non league football so when I get up on a sunday you were the first site I put on and sure enough you have all the results and updates on there without fail!
Never met you and dont know you but just want to thank you for everything and appreciate all you do.
God bless you
Gavin

Dear Tony,

I have only just found out about your illness.

I lost my wife of 37 years in January 2007 after an 18 month brave battle with pancreatic cancer. I have been very fortunate in meeting another lovely lady and we were married last August. I can understand and sympathise with the thoughts that must be going through the minds of both yourself and your wife.

The Chemo really does make a difference, because pancreatic cancer is about the most lethal and Marion, my late wife, would probably have lasted only a few weeks without that treatment - and she packed a lot of things into that 18 months, such as holidays abroad etc.

I hope that this will give you some encouragement and hope for the future. The best medicine seems to be to be positive and enjoy your life to the full.

Thank you for running the website for all us football fans.

All the best

Malcolm Harrison (Gills and Salisbury fan)

Tony,

My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

I would just like to thank you for all efforts over many years, you have been the fount of all non league football knowledge. Anyone who has an interest in non league football knows who Tony Kempster is, they may not know you personally but mention your name and people know you and they know about this site. Your labour of love has been the first port of call for me personally and Saturday evenings will never be the same again.

Best Wishes

All at Petersfield Town Football Club

so sorry and sad to hear the news thanks for all the time and effort you put into this brilliant site even when you might of been to ill you still kept it up,god bless you x

I hope by some miracle you get through this. You're in my thoughts and prayers

Dear Tony,
I'm devastated to read this. Your page was one of the most interesting and (immaterial) valuable ones for us in the word wide web. In our mind you are an absolute football idealist, one of the persons football needs more than ever in times where money rules the game. I know that many cancer patients got strenght when reading the book of Lance Armstrong. He had a 2 % chance of surviving when diagnosed.
May God protect you and your family!
All the best wishes from Vienna,
Martin and Herbert Schiller

Dear Tony,
Just wanted to add my thoughts and wish you all the best. Living in the USA, it was a total joy to discover your site some years ago, and it has never failed to educate and enlighten me. Thank you for all your work and the enjoyable hours you have provided. All the best.
Hal Madsen
Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA

I'm gutted, your website is one of the best websites on the internet and following non-league football will be more difficult and less interesting without you.

Thinking of you and your family and friends at was must be a difficult time for you all,

Thank You, Luigi Di Falco (Arsenal,Fiorentina and Enfield Town fan)

Dear Tony

I cannot say anything that's not been said before. I just wish you and your family all the best. Thank you for being such an enigmatic source of non-league updates and statistics. You're one of the reason why I've been dubbed "statto". Take care, mate. Vaya con dios.

Joachim, Oslo

Tony Kempster = Legend.

Very sad news.

Best wishes.

Rob (Newport IOW fan)

Tony

Its all been said, but I sit here and wonder why.

I hope you do all you want and you get everything you wish for

I cannot begin to imagine how things must be for you and your family on this sad day. All I can really say is that I have been so very sorry to hear of your cruel illness and your news today. I feel shocked even though you had let us know this was coming.

This will be the least of your priorities now but you have got the affection and respect of so many people who you have never even met and you'll be long remembered as such a top man. You have been so brave. I'm glad you and your family are together and I wish you all the comfort you can share together.

Helen.

Tony

Many thanks for all the hours of effort you have put in over the years. You will go down as a legend in non-league football circles. May God bless you and all your friends and family.

Steve (Mr Happy) Morgan (Enfield Town FC)

Tony,

There is no question that your work will go down in history for all non league fans.

As a manager your site helped me no end with my planning and preparation.

Thoughts and prayers to You and Yours

Simon

Tony,

I have followed your site for many seasons from afar (Australia) being an ex pat this has been my only way to follow Maidenhead's fortunes. Can I say a heartfelt thank you and wish I could say something other than my thoughts are with you and You will be remembered with affection.

Thanks again for your efforts

Nick

Tony,
Your website has given me such joy through the years. And even though we have never met I felt so genuinely sad when I read about your health. I wish you all the best for the future.

Greetings from Sweden
Jonas Holmgren

B17, mms, alkaline diet

Dear Tony,

I am so sorry to hear about your news. Like countless others I have used your site over the past few years and found it invaluable when following my team King's Lynn through their ups and downs.

Make the most of every day you have left and surround yourself with those people and those things that mean the most to you. I will pray for you.

sorry to hear the sad news . from everyone in scottish junior football
everyone always remembers legends thats what you are

god bless tony

RIP Tony

Thanks you for everything. This is very sad for every true football fan. My condolences to his family and friends.

BB

As someone who lost my father to cancer very recently, I'd like to offer my heartfelt message of condolence to Tony's family and friends, and thanks for the services to Non-league football he so diligently provided.

Rest in peace.
-Stuart