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Carlton Fairweather RIP
- Thread starter jarrowdiamond
- Start date
Sunderlandellight
Central Defender
RIP Carlton. Massive thoughts and prayers for all his family and friends at this difficult time.
BeefCurtains
Central Defender
Sad news, RIP.
Alan Partridge
Winger
RIP Carlton.
Randy Savage
Striker
RIP Carlton, thoughts with all his friends and family.
Black-siamese-cat
Striker
Rest in peace.
The Situation
Striker
RIP Carlton. 
hospitalball
Midfield
R I P carlton .condolences to hes family
Weremuthe
Striker
Around about 10 years ago - after I got dropped off at St Peters Metro (8:30ish) and was walking across the Wearmouth Bridge I used to bump into someone jogging in full SAFC training kit coming the other way, who would give me a smile and a wink of his eye. From those pictures I think it could have been Carlton.
Club historian Rob Mason pays tribute.
Carlton Fairweather
22 September 1961 – 14 April 2025
Rarely is anyone as popular behind the scenes as Carlton Fairweather was at Sunderland AFC. Everyone at the Club is extremely saddened by the death of Carlton at the age of 63 due to pancreatic cancer.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman led the tributes, saying: “Carlton’s personality and charisma was unique. He worked across all aspects of our Club and the reason he’s so highly thought of is down to his dedication, humility, and work ethic. Within a sporting environment, you need consistency, and Carlton’s character very rarely shifted from enthusiastic, bubbly, and infectious. Add this to someone who crafted their skill of coaching and mentoring over so many years and it’s a special mix. I was blessed to spend time with Carlton on many occasions and he always brought the gift of wisdom, a gift only very few people can give. He will be truly missed by all within our Club.”
Speakman’s thoughts are echoed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Carlton. There was nothing crazy about this former member of Wimbledon’s infamous ‘Crazy Gang.’ Carlton was a complete gentleman. His beaming smile and welcoming handshake were known to everyone he came into contact with. Always eager to help, Carlton’s greatest gift to SAFC was the encouragement and advice he gave to the players he helped to develop in over two decades of service. Skipper Dan Neil was one of many people eager to express their gratitude to Carlton who attended last month’s match with Preston North End when he was given a guard of honour as he came onto the pitch to bid his emotional farewell.
“Carlton has had a massive influence on my personal development coming up through the academy and I know it’s the same for many others who came through” commented Neil who added, "Many of those are in the first team now and others who have gone on to play for other teams. His personality in and around the building was amazing. He lights up whatever room he comes into, and he has an infectious smile and laugh.”
Fairweather first came to Sunderland in 2003. In the years that followed Carlton was an influential and inspirational figure in a variety of roles within the academy and also through the work SAFC do in the community. Between 2014 and 2017 he managed the women’s team who he always championed. More recently Carlton worked with the Under 18 team, showing the same passion for the game he always had since being a young boy in his home city of London.
Bestowed with the middle name Upton because his father was an ardent West Ham fan, Carlton’s playing days began not with the Irons but in non-league football with Dulwich Hamlet in 1979. After five years playing for a variety of non-league clubs he was given his big opportunity by Wimbledon.
Carlton scored the winner on his league debut at Oldham on New Year’s Day 1985 in what is now the Championship. He went on to play 138 league games for the Dons, his 26 goals including strikes at Roker Park and a winner at Upton Park. In 1987-88 Carlton was at his peak. He had scored against Manchester United and Liverpool as well as in the first game of Wimbledon’s cup run only for a broken leg to rule him out as the Crazy Gang sensationally went on to lift the FA Cup.
Leaving Wimbledon when he was 32, Carlton joined Carlisle United before spells in Hong Kong and the USA as he continued his footballing journey that had taken in loan spells in Finland before his league debut. During his time in Hong Kong, Fairweather played alongside former Sunderland goalkeeper Iain Hesford for a Hong Kong Select XI who were only beaten 1-0 by England.
Carlton returned to England to become a coach Wimbledon and also worked with Crystal Palace before coming north to Sunderland, the home of his partner Lesley. It was SAFC’s good fortune that this led to Carlton coming to work at the Club. He has been a person who did such a lot of good as a coach, a mentor and most of all as a person who set an outstanding example of how to be a good human being as well as a good coach.
.
Dave Jones - Carlton always had a huge handshake and an even bigger smile. He will be sorely missed.
Peter Reid -
RIP Carlton
Keira Ramshaw - A lovely bloke with a heart of gold! Always had a smile on his face and always put one on everyone else’s. Rest in peace Carlton.
Darren Holloway - Sad, sad news! RIP Carlton.
David Connolly - Oh no. So so sorry to hear this. Carlton and Lesley messaged me back four weeks ago when I sent my best wishes. Sending my condolences
Max Stryjek - RIP One of the best, taken too soon.
Rachael Laws - One of the best, RIP Charlton
Ben Wilson - What a man, such sad news! Rest easy Carlton mate!
John O’Shea - RIP Carlton, a gentleman
Victoria Williams - Rest in paradise, gaffer
Stephen Elliot - RIP Carlton. A lovely man with a heart of gold.
Lynden Gooch - RIP Legend
Beth Mead -
Gordon Armstrong - Without doubt one of the nicest men you could ever meet, so sad to hear this. Always had a smile for everyone. If there is a heaven Carlton will be there now. Sending Love from all the SAFC family.
Kenwyne Jones - Condolences to the SAFC family.
Adam Asghar - One of the best people you could ever wish to meet. I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside Carlton for a year. An absolute gentleman who brought a smile to your face everyday and a brilliant developer of young people.
Carlton Fairweather
22 September 1961 – 14 April 2025
Rarely is anyone as popular behind the scenes as Carlton Fairweather was at Sunderland AFC. Everyone at the Club is extremely saddened by the death of Carlton at the age of 63 due to pancreatic cancer.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman led the tributes, saying: “Carlton’s personality and charisma was unique. He worked across all aspects of our Club and the reason he’s so highly thought of is down to his dedication, humility, and work ethic. Within a sporting environment, you need consistency, and Carlton’s character very rarely shifted from enthusiastic, bubbly, and infectious. Add this to someone who crafted their skill of coaching and mentoring over so many years and it’s a special mix. I was blessed to spend time with Carlton on many occasions and he always brought the gift of wisdom, a gift only very few people can give. He will be truly missed by all within our Club.”
Speakman’s thoughts are echoed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Carlton. There was nothing crazy about this former member of Wimbledon’s infamous ‘Crazy Gang.’ Carlton was a complete gentleman. His beaming smile and welcoming handshake were known to everyone he came into contact with. Always eager to help, Carlton’s greatest gift to SAFC was the encouragement and advice he gave to the players he helped to develop in over two decades of service. Skipper Dan Neil was one of many people eager to express their gratitude to Carlton who attended last month’s match with Preston North End when he was given a guard of honour as he came onto the pitch to bid his emotional farewell.
“Carlton has had a massive influence on my personal development coming up through the academy and I know it’s the same for many others who came through” commented Neil who added, "Many of those are in the first team now and others who have gone on to play for other teams. His personality in and around the building was amazing. He lights up whatever room he comes into, and he has an infectious smile and laugh.”
Fairweather first came to Sunderland in 2003. In the years that followed Carlton was an influential and inspirational figure in a variety of roles within the academy and also through the work SAFC do in the community. Between 2014 and 2017 he managed the women’s team who he always championed. More recently Carlton worked with the Under 18 team, showing the same passion for the game he always had since being a young boy in his home city of London.
Bestowed with the middle name Upton because his father was an ardent West Ham fan, Carlton’s playing days began not with the Irons but in non-league football with Dulwich Hamlet in 1979. After five years playing for a variety of non-league clubs he was given his big opportunity by Wimbledon.
Carlton scored the winner on his league debut at Oldham on New Year’s Day 1985 in what is now the Championship. He went on to play 138 league games for the Dons, his 26 goals including strikes at Roker Park and a winner at Upton Park. In 1987-88 Carlton was at his peak. He had scored against Manchester United and Liverpool as well as in the first game of Wimbledon’s cup run only for a broken leg to rule him out as the Crazy Gang sensationally went on to lift the FA Cup.
Leaving Wimbledon when he was 32, Carlton joined Carlisle United before spells in Hong Kong and the USA as he continued his footballing journey that had taken in loan spells in Finland before his league debut. During his time in Hong Kong, Fairweather played alongside former Sunderland goalkeeper Iain Hesford for a Hong Kong Select XI who were only beaten 1-0 by England.
Carlton returned to England to become a coach Wimbledon and also worked with Crystal Palace before coming north to Sunderland, the home of his partner Lesley. It was SAFC’s good fortune that this led to Carlton coming to work at the Club. He has been a person who did such a lot of good as a coach, a mentor and most of all as a person who set an outstanding example of how to be a good human being as well as a good coach.
.
Dave Jones - Carlton always had a huge handshake and an even bigger smile. He will be sorely missed.
Peter Reid -
RIP CarltonKeira Ramshaw - A lovely bloke with a heart of gold! Always had a smile on his face and always put one on everyone else’s. Rest in peace Carlton.
Darren Holloway - Sad, sad news! RIP Carlton.
David Connolly - Oh no. So so sorry to hear this. Carlton and Lesley messaged me back four weeks ago when I sent my best wishes.
Sending my condolences Max Stryjek - RIP
One of the best, taken too soon.Rachael Laws - One of the best, RIP Charlton
Ben Wilson - What a man, such sad news! Rest easy Carlton mate!
John O’Shea - RIP Carlton, a gentleman
Victoria Williams - Rest in paradise, gaffer
Stephen Elliot - RIP Carlton. A lovely man with a heart of gold.
Lynden Gooch - RIP Legend
Beth Mead -
Gordon Armstrong - Without doubt one of the nicest men you could ever meet, so sad to hear this. Always had a smile for everyone. If there is a heaven Carlton will be there now. Sending Love from all the SAFC family.
Kenwyne Jones - Condolences to the SAFC family.
Adam Asghar - One of the best people you could ever wish to meet. I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside Carlton for a year. An absolute gentleman who brought a smile to your face everyday and a brilliant developer of young people.
Last edited:
Kingdom Bhoy
Striker
Lovely tribute to a lovely man.
