A memorial match to remember eight Basingstoke youngsters killed in a car crash more than three decades ago is finally set to return this week.
The Millwall fans were heading down to Southampton for a game in February 1978 when their car collided with a pick-up truck. The lads, all aged between 19 and 21 have since become known as the ‘Basingstoke Eight’ and supporters from Basingstoke and London are desperate to keep their memory alive.
To honour them, the two clubs founded a memorial match and Millwall sent their first team down to the Camrose for an annual friendly. But the south London club began to send the reserve and youth teams – which angered their passionate supporters – before the game was quietly shelved.
Now the two supporters clubs have come together in what they hope will become an annual event and will play a game at the Camrose this Monday.
Steve Perry, from the Millwall Supporters Club, said: “The last game featuring a Millwall side was back in 2007, then nothing materialised for 2008, which is why I got in touch with Basingstoke supporters club to try and organise something. I am very disappointed the memorial matches stopped between the two clubs, perhaps interest died down, I know the side Millwall sent was a reserve and youth side – perhaps it became less of a priority – I am not sure what the attendances were like.
“I am ecstatic that we have managed to get it sorted this year and if successful and enjoyable we would like to make it an annual event. It would be nice if the first team got involved again in he future, even so, I would like the supporters game to continue, maybe both on the same day but – as ever – finance will dictate if this ever happens.
“Personally, I didn’t know the Basingstoke Eight but over the years listening to people who did know them and some of the stories you head, it’s the same old at Millwall. It’s a bit of a cliché, but you feel like you’re part of a big family, therefore knowing the history involved, the fact these lads were Millwall, it makes you want to be involved in remembering them.”
Scott Naylor, Basingstoke Town Supporters Club, told the Observer: “We were approached by Millwall fans who felt upset that the team had not given the fixture the recognition they felt it deserved. The Basingstoke Eight were Millwall fans on their way to a game so there always was a memorial game between the two clubs.
“At first, Millwall sent down their first team but after a number of years then sent down their youth team, which the fans weren’t happy with and the fixture became defunct. So when I was contact with a view to getting a supporters club game together in memory of the Basingstoke Eight we were only to happy go get involved.
“We have full use of the Camrose and I am sure it will be a great day.”
Entrance to the ground costs £1 and for more information contact Basingstoke Town FC on 01256 327575.
