Paul Duester - A Tribute

When the word legend is used in local sport or in modern times, it’s usually always overstated. However, when we reflect on the life of Paul Duester, the word doesn’t do justice to what he achieved.

Paul was simply the man that built Chadlington Sports Club into what you see today on and off the field. A man born and raised in Chadlington, his impact spread far and wide to many places and with many people. It was a life of dedication and commitment without the desire for credit and recognition.  

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It was back in 1978 when Paul returned to play football for his village team after a 10 year spell away and with Chadlington not having won a major local trophy for 20 years since the hey days of the late 1950s.

Paul had come off the back of a successful spell at Chipping Norton Town where they had won the Oxfordshire FA Senior Cup and the Hellenic Premier Division.

Before that he had an impressive 5 year spell as a centre forward at Banbury United. Where, at the age of just 20 in the 1972-73 season he played in the 1st round of the FA Cup and won the Oxfordshire Professional Cup beating Oxford United and scoring two goals. He built a reputation as one of the clubs key forward players and was Banburys top goal scorer in 1975-76. When he left at the end of that season he had played 196 games and scored 53 goals.

Paul had started playing for Chadlington when he was just 16 and his return at 26 in 1978 coincided with the steady emergence of a new generation of local sporting talent. It gave him the opportunity again to play alongside his older brother, Graham. Things were about to change spectacularly for the club, and it was built upon the leadership of Paul.

Over the course of the next 10 years that group of players would pick up a staggering 30 local trophies and win everything they could possibly do so. As the captain and now playing at centre half, Paul lifted the Oxfordshire Charity Cup, two Oxfordshire Junior Shields, two W&D Premier Division titles, one W&D Senior Challenge Cup and three W&D Fred Ford Cups. Other local tournaments such as the Moreton Floodlit Cup and Chipping Norton Charity Cups were collected amongst many others. These achievements formed a life long bond between those players and 40 years later back in March this year, they had the opportunity to reunite and reminisce.

Pauls heading techniche , his natural organisation and ability to persuade (or drag) players out of their houses to play football was legendary. So when after a long and distinguished playing career he hung up his boots in the late 1980s it was natural that he’d follow into management and true to form he helped the side lift the Junior Shield once again in 1993 and the Charity Cup in 1996. 10 years later he returned to manage the Reserves in both the W&D and Oxfordshire Senior League. Many that have played full back or on the wing will recall that perhaps patience on the touchline was not his best trait. And while tolerance of watching players who could never quite live up to his own abilities was constantly put to the test, he was however, unwaveringly supportive of all young players coming through.

The encouragement for young people playing sport was part of Paul.  He was instrumental in helping establish Chad as a thriving place to play junior football, not only in the organisation but the hard graft of jobs on the ground. He also served as a boys team manager at Chesterton and as Chairman of the Oxfordshire Youth League emphasising his commitment to giving young people opportunities.

During all this time from his playing days to his last, Paul did many things behind the scenes also. He was Chadlingtons longest serving committee member serving as Secretary, Chairman and as Treasurer. His ability to keep the club in fine working order and to raise funds was remarkable and often unseen to many. His achievements included the fundraising and building of the clubhouse, extensions and refurbishment of the dressing rooms, the addition of an extra playing field in 2012, purchasing of endless maintenance equipment and the introduction of an artificial cricket wicket opened by the then Prime Minister. But he wasn't just a talker, Paul did things. He wasn’t the most practical of people and machinery often needed ‘adjustment’ after he used it but he rolled his sleeves up and did whatever he could to help.

Paul of course was also a talented cricket player for Chadlington and Great Tew. He played from his youth right up into his early sixties, giving him the chance to play alongside sons Paul and Matthew for the club. When he stopped playing he then became an umpire and executive of the Oxfordshire Cricket Association. His efforts though were most felt in the organisation of junior cricket. This saw hundreds of children given the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the excellent club facilities. Yet again, Paul gave back to the club and the community.

It wasn’t just Chadlington where Paul made an impact. He also returned to Banbury United when they became fan owned and led. He became treasurer and financial director. He helped them on their rise once again as they won the Southern League Premier Division and returned to the FA Cup first round giving Paul the opportunity to relive his days in those famous striped shorts! His careful and experienced hand improved Banbury United club finances hugely and he was described simply as ‘irreplaceable’ when he left. He was always supported endlessly in his role by wife Susan who organised the away day travel coaches which gave them both the opportunity to meet many grateful Banbury supporters.

Paul loved sport, whether playing or managing but also often just supporting. Whether he could make a game or not, he would keep a keen interest. But it wasn't just Chadlington and Banbury he supported, of course he also loved Spurs and was delighted to see their Europa League Trophy win earlier this year.

In life Paul won many games and plaudits but I think ultimately it’s us and our community that have won by knowing him. To those that had the privilege to play along side him, play for him, watch him or just know him, he was a role model to many, a great man, a friend, and that true sporting legend.

The greatest servant the club and the village will ever have. He will be missed but his impact will live on.

Paul Duester 1952 - 2025

Written by Greg Kemp in memory of a friend and role model.