SURPLUS donations from Dick Mattick’s appeal to restore Sam Allen’s grave have contributed to the successful creation of a plaque commemorating Swindon Town’s fallen players.

Dick, a Town historian, took it upon himself in the summer of 2013 to restore the grave of the club’s longest-serving manager at his Radnor Street Cemetery resting place.

More than £1,000 was raised in donations from the public, and £300 not used was put towards the new County Ground project to remember former players 100 years after the outbreak of the First World War.

At a cost of £900, with £600 from new donations following previous Adver pieces, Deacon and Son Jewellers has created the plaque, which will stand above the players’ tunnel.

The plaque will fill the gap left by a similar monument to those who died in the war which went missing when the new Arkell’s stand was built in the 1970s.

A plaque dedicated exclusively to three players who died in the Second World War currently stands above the tunnel.

Dick said: “It started off as a project, really to keep something that had been part of the heritage.

“In having a small plaque for three of the players in World War Two we felt it was appropriate at the turn of 100 years since the outbreak.

“Those players, who perhaps lost the chance of becoming famous after being cut off by an early demise should be remembered.”

The new creation includes a column for each global conflict, with names, dates of birth and death, and regiments, of the five who died in the first war and 10 from the second.

No official plans have yet been finalised for the formal unveiling, but it is hoped it will be in place, above the tunnel, ahead of Saturday’s home match with Fleetwood Town.

Dick is now appealing for any surviving relatives of fallen players to come forward and ensure they are a part of any ceremony.

“You feel that Sam would’ve been pleased the money left over was used for this,” said Dick.

“The response from people clearly shows this is something people wanted to see.

“Portsmouth and Leicester have done things, so it’s nice we are able to do the same.

“This will be a lasting tribute, which will be there for people to see for years to come.”

Dick thanked two other club historians, Jim Turner and Paul Plowman, for their efforts in tracking down information on those who played and served.