Ronnie Stinson’s proud legacy of helping heal ‘broken’ Portadown

Ronnie Stinson actively rejected the limelight but has left a lasting legacy as Portadown chairman of bringing stability back to a football club left ‘broken’ by severe financial problems and deep mistrust between fans and officials.
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News of his passing on Tuesday night started to spread around Shamrock Park as his beloved Ports produced a spirited performance in the 2-2 draw with Crusaders.

That result marked another positive step on a return to the Irish League senior stage which seemed more aspirational than achievable when the long-standing Portadown fan, sponsor and director took on the role of chairman in 2017.

Stinson stepped into the senior position with reluctance at the increased profile but a fierce determination to repair and rebuild a club left reeling by disciplinary action from the Irish FA for financial issues that included a points deduction, transfer embargo and fines - off-the-field difficulties alongside widespread resentment within the fanbase.

Portadown chairman Ronnie Stinson.Portadown chairman Ronnie Stinson.
Portadown chairman Ronnie Stinson.

“Ronnie took over such an important role at a time when the club was in a sad and sorry mess and most people would have instead decided to run in the other direction,” said Portadown club secretary Bill Emerson. “In what has been a relatively short space of time, over the past three years or so, Ronnie played a vital and central part in helping to repair a club left broken.

“He was a man of actions over words and his legacy, beyond that of someone widely respected as a person, is we can now say Portadown Football Club is in a position of stability.

“It was far from just dealing with the financial problems for Ronnie and his Board of Directors, he had a strong belief in the importance of building bridges with the supporters.

“Ronnie was a driving force in staging meetings between the club and fans and the addition of a supporters’ representative on to the Board.

“He also identified the importance of improved links between the parent club and youth section, plus the role of The Ted Clarke Memorial Trust.

“So much of the positivity around the club and the forward direction we are now moving is down to Ronnie’s dedication, loyalty and determination.

“Given the situation Ronnie faced when stepping in as chairman and the subsequent progress made, he would have taken great pride in the display against Crusaders on our first season back in the Danske Bank Premiership.

“The tributes from around the Irish League mean a lot and show just how much respect people had for Ronnie.

“As a club, we must now honour that legacy and continue the progress established by Ronnie’s example.”

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