Spennymoor Town rocked by family tragedy as Graeme Lee & club pay emotional tribute

Yahoo

12-05-2025

SPENNYMOOR Town were rocked by family tragedy just 48 hours before their FA Trophy final against Aldershot Town, when the father of their teenage goalkeeper Ryan Johnson died suddenly.
Despite the immense shock and heartbreak, the schoolboy international goalkeeper was adamant he still wanted to travel with the squad to Wembley the following day.
And manager Graeme Lee brought the 18-year-old off the bench to make his competitive debut in the final moments of Sunday's game.
Lee told of the devastation in the squad following the sudden passing of Barry Johnson, an "unbelievable man" who was only in his mid-40s.
"We wanted to give Ryan that moment," said Lee.
"It was very emotional for all of us. Barry was an unbelievable man who helped us immensely.
"Ryan didn't want to miss it. His dad would never let him miss it.
"We had a conversation on Friday when he told me, which was probably half past two on the afternoon. We had another conversation on the night and he was adamant he wanted to come.
"I was on about him maybe coming down on the day just for the game and to be with the family but his family wanted him to come.
"We knew his dad wouldn't want him to miss the moment. He's shown unbelievable strength and to get him on the pitch was huge.
"We have a good bunch of lads who care for each other. It's a massive, massive loss for Ryan and his family and that moment today was the most important thing."
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Spennymoor Town posted a tribute on social media on Monday morning, saying: "Ryan Johnson made his competitive Moors debut at Wembley on Sunday just 48 hours after the sudden loss of his beloved father Barry.
"His strength and courage are a credit to Barry and his family, to whom we send our heartfelt condolences.
"Some things are bigger than football."
Spennymoor Town Youth FC also posted a tribute on social media.
They wrote: "Wembley may not have brought the result we all hoped for, but the team made the town proud. Well done to everyone involved.
"We are especially proud of Ryan Johnson, who made it onto the pitch at Wembley. Ryan has been part of Spennymoor since 2019, rising through the youth ranks to the first team, which is a brilliant achievement in itself.
"This week, Ryan suffered the devastating loss of his dad, Barry. Despite the heartbreak, Ryan showed incredible strength and maturity to be there on such a huge stage. He is a true credit to himself, his family, and to Barry, who would have been immensely proud.
"Barry was a much loved part of our club. Kind, generous, and great figure in our club community, always present, always supportive, and always smiling. His loss is deeply felt by everyone at Spennymoor.
"We are all so proud of the young man Ryan has become. He is truly professional, grounded, and a credit to everyone who has supported him along the way.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ryan and all of Barry's family and friends.
"Ryan, your dad would be so proud. Everyone at Spennymoor Town is there for you and will support you all the way."
Spennymoor defied the odds in reaching the FA Trophy final. Their run came to an end with a 3-0 defeat to National League side Aldershot, with all the goals coming in the second half.