We are deeply saddened to share the news that Cecil Irwin – known fondly to many as Cec – passed away peacefully on Easter Monday at the age of 83.
Born in the small mining village of Ellington in Northumberland in 1942, Cec was a proud Sunderland supporter from boyhood who lived the dream of playing for the club he loved. Turning down a move to Arsenal, he made his debut for the Black Cats at just sixteen against Ipswich in 1958. He would go on to make 348 appearances for Sunderland, earning a reputation as one of the game’s early overlapping full-backs – tough in the tackle, yet always fair, and blessed with an exceptional positional sense. He also represented England at youth level on six occasions.
In June 1972, having turned down opportunities with Reading and South Shields, Cec was appointed player-manager of Yeovil Town at the age of thirty. With a young family in tow and a house included in the deal, Cec embraced life in Somerset wholeheartedly.
He succeeded the popular Mike Hughes and inherited a squad brimming with talent. Though faced with early challenges – including the task of rebuilding a side after key departures – Cec’s Yeovil made an immediate impact. The 1972/73 season saw thrilling football and an FA Cup run remembered fondly for the dramatic 2–1 win over Brentford at Huish. That season, Yeovil finished just one point behind Kettering in the Southern League – a near-miss that still evokes “what ifs” today.
Although the following campaign brought setbacks – including early cup exits and disappointment in the FA Trophy – Cec remained dignified, dedicated and respected by all. He convinced the board to invest in promising talent and worked tirelessly for the club, both on and off the pitch. The 1974/75 season saw Yeovil again battle for top spot, but a shock Trophy defeat to Canterbury City proved a turning point. In April 1975, it was announced that Cec’s contract would not be renewed.
Despite the disappointment, Cec remained the consummate professional, continuing to manage the side with commitment and grace. His final appearance as a substitute against Bath City was met with a warm ovation from the Huish faithful, and a presentation by his players – a silver salver given with genuine affection and respect.
After leaving Yeovil, Cec returned to the North-East, going on to manage Gateshead and Ashington while also running a newsagent in his native Ellington. Ever loyal, he would continue to help Yeovil with scouting reports when the Glovers played in his region. Until recent years, Cec remained an active presence at Sunderland, attending matches at the Stadium of Light and enjoying rounds of golf whenever he could.
Remembered fondly by those who played under him and those who watched from the terraces, Cec Irwin was a kind-hearted gentleman and a dedicated football man. As the late Stuart Housley once said, “a lovely man and a very good manager.”
Cec leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, integrity and warmth that will be cherished both in the North-East and in Yeovil, where he is still held in the highest regard..
I was a ball boy at Huish Park for the whole Cec Irwins time at Yeovil. He presided over a team with great John Clancy, Stuart Housley, Terry Cotton, Bev Dixon, Dicky Plumb and many others who played a style of football that was both successful and exciting to watch. He certainly got me hooked on Yeovil Town. A man to look up to. Rest in peace boss.