With deepest sympathy - Mickey Lewis

All of us at Ignite Sport are heartbroken at the passing of our dear colleague Mickey Lewis.  Mickey had been a senior part of our leadership team and a mentor to our coaching team since July 2017.  We broke the news to colleagues yesterday and are in close contact with his family and many friends at this difficult time.  Support has been offered to our colleagues.

Justin Merritt,  our director said: “We are heart broken. Football and the development of colleagues was everything to Mickey.

“We have offered support to our colleagues should they need it at this difficult time and on-going. We are also gathering our memories and tributes and will share them with the family.

“Mickey was a remarkable coach, footballer, mentor, colleague and friend to so many people. He will be desperately missed by everybody and our thoughts are with Suzanne and Zach.

“Mickey worked for Oxford City FC and Ignite Sport for many years in various roles and his contribution to City, Oxfordshire and football is vast. He coached thousands of youngsters and his passion was the same whether it was a first team match, or coaching children.

“His was an inspiration and he will never be forgotten.”

Josh Ashby, Ignite Sport coach and Oxford City FC first team player said: “I’ll never forget the day Mickey offered me my first contract at Oxford United and all the memories and laughter we have shared since. He was an inspiration to me, not only as a player but as a coach, but most importantly as a friend. I will be forever grateful for everyone Mickey taught me. I miss Mickey, all his stories and laughter at Oxford City. Our love is with Suzanne and Zach.”

Jack Tutton, Ignite Sport Coach, said: “Mickey inspired me so much and I’ll never forget everything he has done for me coaching and playing wise. I will always remember when I was 7 years old having Mickey as my coach at Peers School for Oxford United, he helped my love of football. I loved his laughter, impressions and brilliant stories.”

Jordan Piper, Ignite sport Coach and Head of Football at Oxford City Junior and Youth, said: “Mickey was so much more than a colleague. He was a friend, an inspiration and someone I will always hold in the highest regard. It was always a pleasure to be in his company and our love goes to Suzanne and Zach.”

Mickey had an excellent football career. He started playing in the West Bromwich Albion youth team, winning Young Player of the Year award in 1984 and winning seven England Youth caps. After making 33 appearances for West Brom he moved to Derby County in November 1984 for £25,000.

Mickey was with Derby for just under four years, scoring one goal in 50 games, before joining Oxford United in August 1988. He played for United for more than a decade in midfield and defence. He later became youth coach and caretaker manager of the first team.

He joined Oxford City in 2000 as player coach and then became assistant manager after hanging up his boots. He later coached in America before returning to Oxford City. He also coached Oxford University football team, Slough Town, Doncaster Rovers, Abingdon Town, and Oxford United U11s. He returned to Oxford United as assistant manager and was a key figure in the club’s promotion at Wembley in 2010. He also managed Hayes and Yeading.

Rest in peace Mickey.