Farrell to local football legend Bobby Minshull

Jo from Wellington United Associated Football Club

It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Wellington United stalwart, life member and club legend, Bobby Minshull.

Born in Liverpool, England Bobby arrived in New Zealand in 1963 thanks to a job transfer. As a talented midfielder he was quickly signed up by his new workmates to play for Northern. Despite being a highly rated footballer he was quite humble about his talent. In 1966 he came second in the Arcus Trophy competition for best and fairest player, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact he was out for half the season with an injury.

Following stints with Waterside and Wainuiomata in the Central League, he jumped at the chance to play National League when Wellington City approached him in 1972. It was the start of a life long relationship.

He went on to make 154 appearances for Wellington City. In 1976 after they had been relegated from the National League Bobby was one of six remaining players that turned up for preseason training. Taking on the role of player coach he managed to guide City to third with the NZ Soccer Annual stating "Bob Minshull confounded the critics by moulding a balanced side from virtually nothing" While many credit Bobby as being the driving force that saved the City club he was typically humble when asked about it years later, pointing out it was his wife, Ann and the other players wives that did all the hard work saying "I just played football"

While Bobby finished his senior playing career in 1981, his involvement in football never stopped. He was instrumental in creating the junior club at Wellington City, recruiting teams from Lyall Bay and Clyde Quay schools. When Wellington City merged with Wellington Diamond United in 1986, Bobby took on the mantle of reserve team coach establishing the team as a regular finisher in the top four of the table.

Bobby's involvement in the club was enormous, he couldn't remember the details but it wouldn't be far off to say that he had served in almost every position available, player, coach, manager, Chairman, President, ball boy (in his 70s!) and supporter. When asked about his contribution to the club he summed it up by saying "Every little bit I can do means someone else doesn't need to do it"

Bobby's contribution to football in Wellington was immense and has been recognised with him being awarded life membership of Wellington United, Capital Football and in 2017 being inducted into the Wellington Football Hall of Fame.

We have lost a great friend and true gentleman our thoughts and love go out to his wife Ann and the family, who are still recovering from the recent loss of their son Ian.

RIP Bobby

Funeral details will be posted when advised