Gordon Rimmer was among the many who immigrated to Tasmania in the 1950s and 1960s. Arriving in Devonport from England, he came to manage the Tootles textile company following its relocation. Beyond his professional role, Gordon became a pivotal figure in establishing soccer in the region.

In those early days, the sport faced numerous challenges—chief among them, finding a permanent place to play. Through determination and community effort, the Devonport United and Mersey Soccer Clubs eventually amalgamated to form the Devonport Soccer Club in 1967. That same year, the Devonport City Council proposed Valley Road as the home of soccer in the city.

At the time, the land was nothing more than swampy bushland, and Lovett Street had yet to be developed. A bush track was created from half-way along Valley Road to access the area, which was then cleared to form a playing field.

Construction of the first clubrooms began in 1970 at a cost of $16,500 and was officially opened in 1972, with Gordon Rimmer serving as Club President. The building was modest—so much so that a curtain was used to divide a portion of the space into a makeshift change room. This often led to some unintentional glimpses for those in the clubroom when players passed through!

As the club grew, so did its facilities. However, in 1987, tragedy struck when a fire completely destroyed the original clubrooms. Undeterred, the club rebuilt new change rooms and facilities the following year, continuing to expand and improve them over time.

Following Gordon’s passing in 2001, the original grandstand was named The Gordon Rimmer Stand in his honour—a tribute to his lasting legacy and dedication.

In 2023, it became necessary to demolish the original stand to make way for this magnificent new facility. With seating for approximately 800 people, elite-level amenities for players and officials, and impressive spaces for corporate, media and public use, the new stand carries forward Gordon Rimmer’s name—a fitting tribute to the foundation he helped build and the vision he inspired.

Gordon’s contributions extended well beyond administration. From 1980, he played a key role in securing overseas coaches to lift the club’s standards. Known for his infectious personality, he was a gifted entertainer, always ready with a humorous skit or song at social functions.

In the club’s early days, Gordon also arranged for the production of team shirts and other apparel through Tootles. One of those original shirts—kindly donated by Lorraine Pattison, wife of legendary life member Harold Pattison—remains a cherished symbol of the club’s rich history.

The new Gordon Rimmer stand was officially unveiled at today’s Valley Road game between the Strikers and South Hobart FC.

Thanks to Devonport Strikers and Chris McKenna for the images and text supplied. In the team photo above, Gordon Rimmer is in the back row, second from right. In the other photo, Gordon (seated), is reviewing damaged documents with Harold Pattison following the clubroom fire.

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