Steve Burt retires as one of Mousehole’s most popular and respected players, with an impressive record stretching back over ten years.
by Andrew Large and Kevin Bishop
Jake Ash has led the tribute to Steve Burt who has decided to hang up his boots after a decade-long career at the club: “I remember thinking back to my first training session at Marazion and this lad turned up with a ponytail and I just thought he was a surfer who’d come along to join in training. But I came away and sent messages to everyone saying there are some good players there but one in particular who is just unbelievable, technically brilliant with every tackle.”
Local lad ‘Burtie’ joined Mousehole at the start of 2013/14 season, and missed very few games over three consecutive seasons, being awarded the captain’s armband by player-manager Wayne Quinn.
As captain, he led Mousehole to a record-breaking and historic ‘double’ in the 2015/16 season, winning both the South West Peninsula League Division One West and the Cornwall Charity Cup.
After a serious season-ending injury near the start of the 2016/17 campaign, he joined nearby Ludgvan for a year, returning to Mousehole for the 2018/19 season.
He was a key defensive midfield player during The Seagulls two-Step promotion years, and is noted for scoring the team’s first-ever goal at the club’s highest-ever playing level – the Western League Premier Division – at the start of the 2021/22 season (against Wellington).
Before the home match against Exmouth Town at the end of March of that season, Burtie was presented with a plaque to commemorate 250 First Team appearances for the club.
Jake added: “I don’t think you’ll find a single person in football or the world in general who has a single bad word to say about him. Everything he does, he does with real integrity and honesty. He’s been an absolute pleasure to manage.”
Historically & certainly of late, many team members have shown great passion for our club! But fair to say, none more so than the Incredible Steve (Burty) Burt!! – Senior Volunteer Brian Richardson
Having made another 36 appearances in this season’s League title-winning side, Steve Burt retires with a Mousehole career total of 288 appearances and 11 goals. His final appearance for the club saw him lift the Western League trophy after a 3-0 win against Wellington.
Enjoy your retirement mate I’ve watched you and obviously refereed you so many times over the years,truly a great player but most of all a great man.
Burtie played against you and with you, I know which one I preferred. Class act !