Tribute to Enfield FC manager hit by train

Tributes have poured in for a “much loved” football club director who was tragically found dead on a railway track.

Simon Needham, 51, was killed after being hit by a Stanstead Express train as it crossed Bishop’s Stortford, Essex, on Wednesday.

The operations director of accountancy firm Croucher Needham was reported missing from his family home in Braintree the day before, with hundreds of worried family and friends appealing for his whereabouts.

Enfield Football Club, where Mr Needham served on the board, said on Thursday: “We can confirm that our much-loved director Simon Needham has died after being reported missing on Tuesday.

“Our thoughts are with the immediate family of Jo, Sarah, Holly, Grace, Emily, Harry, Fred and George, plus family and friends.

“Everyone at Enfield FC is completely devastated by this sudden news and we ask for people’s privacy and respect for the family at this time.”

The club, who play in the Isthmian League North Division, said on Facebook on Wednesday night when they shared the appeal from Essex Police: “A man who always put everyone else’s needs before his own, now we all need to bring him home to his family . “

Three-time British Kwik Fit Touring Car Championship (BTCC) winner Ashley Sutton paid tribute to Mr Needham, posting: “It is with great sadness and regret that Simon Needham passed away last night.

“Yes, you were the last piece of the puzzle that made my BTCC career possible and I wouldn’t have lined up on the grid in 2016 if it wasn’t for what you did for me.

“You were not just a sponsor, but a better friend. We love you and miss you.

“Sleep well my friend.”

The tributes came after British Transport Police said in a statement on Thursday: “Officers were called to Bishop’s Stortford station at 9.24pm on August 30 following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Paramedics also intervened, but unfortunately a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Train operator Greater Anglia said one person was hit by the 9.13pm Stansted Express service to London Liverpool Street. The line was blocked and trains could not run until 23.30.

A statement from Essex Police said the force called off a two-day search for Mr Needham upon the discovery of a body.

The force said: “We have suspended our search for Simon Needham, 51, who was reported missing from Braintree.

“Following the discovery of a man’s body in Bishop’s Stortford.

“No formal identification has yet taken place but Mr Needham’s family have been informed and there is support for them.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious.”