Del Pratt, 1949-2022
Posted by Brian Spurrell on 29 December 2022
We're sorry to learn of the death of Derek Pratt on 2 December. Del made 52 starts and 7 sub appearances for the Deres from 1969-72, scoring 15 goals, but has a crucial role in the club's story as the man who sealed promotion.
One moment more than any other marks Del’s place in Deres history – on 27 April 1971 when he scrambled a Tommy Ord corner over the Finchley goal-line to score the goal that clinched promotion for Roy Dwight’s team from Athenian League division 1.
Del had made his debut in a 3-0 home defeat to Letchworth on 23 August 1969, when no fewer than five first-teamers were on their holidays! He made 5 appearances in 1969-70, 12 starts the following year, and boosted by the promotion success, 35 starts and 13 goals in 1971-72, including 5 in the first 4 games as Deres made a good start, but left at the end of the season.
Del died on 2 December 2022, having made his last visit to a Deres game for the centenary celebrations on 29 August.
His funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday 12 January at Eastbourne Crematorium , Hide Hollow , Eastbourne BN23 8AE. After the service there will be a wake at The Fishermen’s Club , Royal Parade , Eastbourne BN22 7AA. Family flowers only , however if you would like to donate to Dementia UK , which was a charity close to Derek's heart , then please do so via Dereks memory page: www.derekpratt.muchloved.com
