Brighton and Hove Albion pay tribute to groundsman and fan who died in Shoreham airshow crash

Brighton and Hove Albion paid tribute to two of the people who died in the Shoreham airshow crash yesterday (Saturday 22 August).

Matt Grimstone, 23, a member of the club’s ground staff, and Albion fan Jacob Schilt died as they were heading to a match to play for Worthing United. Mr Grimstone used to play for Mile Oak.

Jacob Schilt

Another victim of the crash was named by his family as Matt Jones, 24, from Littlehampton, who worked as a personal trainer.

The club said: “Brighton and Hove Albion employee Matt Grimstone and Seagulls supporter Jacob Schilt are both believed to be among the victims of yesterday’s tragic Shoreham air crash.

“Matt, a member of the club’s ground staff at the club’s training facility in Lancing, a keen amateur footballer and talented goalkeeper, was on his way to play for Worthing United against Loxwood in the Southern Combination Premier Division at Lyons Way, along with his Mavericks team-mate Jacob.

“The vehicle in which the pair were travelling to the match was hit by the aircraft which crashed on the A27 at Shoreham during the airshow.

“A former Varndean student, Matt, 23, has worked at the club for the past seven years, starting with the Albion as part of matchday event team at Withdean.

“He became an apprentice groundsman in 2013 and was given a full-time role with the grounds team having successfully completed his apprenticeship.

Matt Grimstone

“Jacob, who alongside Matt was part of Worthing United’s Sussex County League Division Two championship-winning side last season, also played for an Albion supporters’ team in this year’s Robert Eaton Memorial Fund match against Crystal Palace at Lewes in April.”

Albion defender Lewis Dunk, 23, who also went to Varndean School, took to Twitter to share his sorrow.

RIP you two! Have some great memories smashing it for our school team with you both! My thoughts go to your families https://t.co/fPB6mXiL8X

— Lewis Dunk (@lewisdunk) August 23, 2015

Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: “The thoughts and prayers of everybody at the club are with Matt and Jacob’s family and friends at this shocking time.

“Our thoughts are also with all the people who have lost loved ones in this horrendous accident.”

Albion manager Chris Hughton said: “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this news.

“Matt has been part of a great team we have at the club and our thoughts go out to his and Jacob’s families at this devastating time.”

Chief executive Paul Barber said: “Matt’s been a very popular member of our ground staff team and has proved to be an absolute credit to the club and his boss Steve Winterburn.

“I also got to know Jacob as one of the REMF squad during the coaching sessions we held leading up to this year’s charity match against Crystal Palace.

“As well as being a very good footballer, Jacob is a popular and impressive young man.

“It is hard to the find the right words to express the full extent of our shock and sadness at this time but Matt and Jacob’s family and friends are very much in our thoughts along with all those who’ve been affected by this terrible tragedy.”