Ex-Wimbledon winger Fairweather dies at 63
Former Wimbledon player and Sunderland coach Carlton Fairweather has died at the age of 63.The Camberwell-born winger was a member of the infamous Crazy Gang as they won promotion to the top flight and later became founder members of the Premier League in 1992.Fairweather established his career after working as a draughtsman and started out in non-League with Dulwich Hamlet, Bromley and Tooting and Mitcham United before joining the Dons as a 23-year-old, for just £3,000.He missed the Dons' 1988 FA Cup final triumph over Liverpool with a broken leg but made 164 appearances for the club and scored 28 goals.After leaving Wimbledon in 1993 he travelled to play in Hong Kong and the United States after a brief spell with Carlisle United.After becoming a youth coach back at Wimbledon and then reserve team manager at Crystal Palace, Fairweather moved to Sunderland where he spent 22 years in various coaching and community roles, including three seasons as manager of Sunderland Ladies.
Sunderland paid tribute, external to Fairweather, saying he was "a beloved character behind the scenes at the Academy of Light" and said he died on Monday night, surrounded by family.Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "Carlton's personality and charisma was unique. He worked across all aspects of our club and the reason he's so highly thought of is down to his dedication, humility, and work ethic. "Within a sporting environment, you need consistency, and Carlton's character very rarely shifted from enthusiastic, bubbly, and infectious. "Add this to someone who crafted their skill of coaching and mentoring over so many years and it's a special mix."Wimbledon said in a statement on their website, external: "To this day Carlton is fondly remembered by the Wimbledon faithful and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him well."
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