Not many people can have done more jobs at Shrewsbury Town than Malcolm Starkey.
Born in Nottingham, Starkey started his footballing career at Blackpool, where he played alongside the great Stanley Matthews, before joining the Town in 1959. An inside forward by trade, Starkey played alongside fellow legend and Shrewsbury’s top-scorer Arthur Rowley. During his four years as a player at the Gay Meadow, Mal scored 33 goals in 121 appearances before finishing his career with local neighbours Chester.
However, Starkey had set up home in Shrewsbury and after retiring from playing he set up Salopian Sports in Shrewsbury alongside his former Town colleague Dave Pountney and then became a coach at the Gay Meadow during Harry Gregg’s reign as manager.
Starkey hasn’t left the club since. He became Secretary in November 1969, replacing Les Rimmer, and would remain in the role for many years later becoming a board member in 1986. He even managed the first-team back in 1987 after Chic Bates left the club.
His loyalty with the club was rewarded in 2002 when he was given a testimonial match between Shrewsbury Town and Aston Villa.
Starkey was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. He continues to be a familiar face around the club today and is now the club’s President.