By Gerry Cox
We at the FWA are devastated to hear that our much-loved colleague Paul Lagan has passed away at the age of 66.
Paul was a familiar face at Stamford Bridge, Kingsmeadow and other grounds around the country where he covered Chelsea’s and England’s men’s and women’s teams for a host of publications including the South London Press and Capital Football, the website he set up over a decade ago.
A long-standing member of the FWA, Paul was a regular at our annual events including the Footballer of the Year dinner, and was always warm and welcoming to fellow journalists, particularly those new to the business.
Paul’s wife Vicky said he had been admitted to hospital recently because of a blood clot in his leg, had two successful bypass operations and seemed to be doing well, but collapsed due to complications and died peacefully on Thursday morning. They have two sons Danny and Jake.
Tributes have been pouring in from colleagues since the news broke on Thursday.
Gerry Cox of Hayters said: “I first met Paul playing non-league football in 1981, we won and lost cup finals and league titles together over the following 15 or so years, and had great fun. I encouraged him to get into sports journalism and the FWA. He was a really good friend to have, a smashing guy who loved his family, football and especially Chelsea. The last time I saw him, fittingly, was at Chelsea’s victory over Spurs last month. He enjoyed the win, enjoyed teasing but didn’t revel in it. He’ll be missed enormously.”
Matt Law said on X: “Paul was a friendly face at Stamford Bridge ever since I started reporting on Chelsea and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the club.”
Simon Johnson, another Chelsea stalwart, added: “I’m devastated. Sat next to Paul for many years in the press box having met him doing my very first Chelsea game on work experience 25 years ago. I’m going to miss him and all our exchanges during 90 minutes. RIP mate.”
Nizaar Kinsella posted: ‘I am very gutted. I’ve spent a huge amount of time with Paul Lagan at Chelsea men’s and women’s matches. He welcomed me into the press box when I was green and first starting out. He gave me lifts to difficult to reach matches and was always great to work alongside. RIP.”
Suzy Wrack knew him from covering Chelsea’s women’s team for many years and said: “Awful news. Paul was a pleasure in the press box at Chelsea games, he loved that team so so much. He was sharp, he was funny and he was kind.”
Emma Sanders of the BBC said: “Incredibly sad to hear the shocking news of @CFCJourno ‘s passing. He was always so kind and warm in the media box. He would have loved to have celebrated Chelsea’s WSL title. He will be missed. Sending all my love to his family and close friends.
Paul was a staunch supporter of women’s football, covering the game in depth for many years, and David Gerty, head of women’s football communications for the FA, sent the following message: “Our love to everyone impacted by Paul Lagan’s tragic passing. He was someone we loved hosting in our press boxes and we know the Lionesses meant a lot to him. A chat with Paul could take you in many different directions but you’d always end up back to his beloved Chelsea (hopefully last night’s success gives him reason to smile). He will be sorely missed by us all and the thoughts of all of our team are with everyone impacted. RIP Paul.”
A fuller tribute and funeral details will follow.
Paul Lagan (right) with one of his sons, Danny.
