Modest but proud grandson of Rams legend Steve is mourned
THE grandson of Derby County's legendary all-time leading scorer Steve Bloomer has died.
Alan Quantrill suffered a heart attack while in hospital in Weston-Super-Mare close to his home and never recovered.
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Derby County's Andy Appleby, left, and Alan Quantrill at the unveiling of the Steve Bloomer statue at Pride Park last year. Alan's youngest son, Richard, said the day the bust was unveiled was one of the proudest of his father's life.
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Alan Quantrill's grandfather was Rams legend Steve Bloomer, left.
His youngest son, Richard, said the day his father saw the bust of the Rams legend scorer unveiled at Pride Park, last year, was one of the proudest of his life.
The father-of-two, whose father, Alf, was Steve Bloomer's son-in-law and also played for Derby County and England, was 81.
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Leading the tributes to Alan was son Richard.
He said: "Dad was a kind and gentle man and very proud of his heritage.
"He was, however, quite private and kept his own counsel and would never tell people of his illustrious father and grandfather.
"In his later years, Dad was so proud to accept the award on behalf of the family for Steve Bloomer's entry into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
"The occasion of the unveiling of the Bloomer bust at Pride Park in January 2009 was a great treat for dad and his cousin, Steve Richards.
"To the pair of them, both in their 80s, unveiling the bust was a brilliant sight for the whole family and a great day for Rams supporters."
John Vicars, Derby County's vice-president for operations, said: "We are saddened at the passing of Alan Quantrill.
"On behalf of the club I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Alan's family and friends."
Derby County fan Kalwinder Singh Dhindsa, of Littleover, who was instrumental in seeing the Steve Bloomer bust come to fruition, met Alan at the unveiling. He said: "Alan spoke with great pride about his own footballing father, Alf Quantrill, as well as speaking about his legendary grandfather Steve Bloomer.
"Alan told me he was very proud that both his father and grandfather represented England and Derby County.
"Both he and his cousin, Steve Richards, fought for years to make sure that Steve Bloomer's efforts and contribution to the world of football would never be forgotten.
"I find it quite fitting and touching that Alan finally got to see his grandfather receive the recognition he truly deserved."
Rams legend Steve Bloomer scored 238 goals in 375 appearances for the club and 28 goals in 23 games for England.
Jim Wheeler, former chairman of the Rams Trust, which fought to have the Steve Bloomer bust commissioned, said he was saddened to hear about Alan's death.
He said: "Alan was always very supportive of the trust in getting a lasting memorial to Steve Bloomer.
"I know he was really pleased, particularly as it is unique compared to many other statues in that Steve Bloomer is actually watching every game."
Alan leaves his wife of 58 years, Jean, sons Andrew and Richard and grandchildren Nicola, Stephanie, Samantha, Jacqueline and Benjamin.
His funeral service will be held at 1pm, on August 24, at St Peter's Church, Portishead, Somerset, followed by a committal at Portishead Cemetery.
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