Gillingham’s former captain and popular non-league coach Dave Mehmet has died at the age of 63.
Mehmet was top scorer for the Gills during the 1983/84 season with 17 goals and he played 132 games for the club between 1983 and 1986.
He went on to play for a number of non-league clubs including Maidstone United and had several spells with Erith & Belvedere.
Mehmet played and then managed at Stansfeld and his former club announced his death today (Tuesday), writing of their “profound sadness” at the passing of their former player, manager, coach “and most of all friend.”
Stansfeld have said they will hold a minute’s silence before their game with Erith Town tonight.
Mehmet started out as a Millwall youth player and was part of their 1979 FA Youth Cup winning side – playing in the first team the following day – and also gained England youth selection.
He played over 100 games for Millwall before a spell in America with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Within a year he returned to play at Charlton for a season.
When he was released by the Addicks, Gills manager Keith Peacock signed him up on a free transfer and appointed him as captain.
As described in Roger Triggs’ book ‘The Men Who Made Gillingham’ he was “a class performer in an attacking midfield role, linking up well with his forwards and scoring some memorable goals.”
He continued playing in his 40s during his time at Stansfeld in the Kent County League.
Mehmet was also a coach at Beckenham Town who posted a message on social media saying: “A true friend to many at our club and more across all levels of football, Dave will always be remembered and the memories never forgotten.”
During his time as manager at Phoenix Sports he led the reserve team to a league title.
Millwall have said their players will wear black armbands for tonight’s match against Leicester City.
