Carlton Fairweather dead at 63: Ex-Wimbledon ‘Crazy Gang’ member and legendary Sunderland coach dies after cancer fight
FORMER Wimbledon star Carlton Fairweather has died at the age of 63.
The ex-Crazy Gang member passed away on Monday evening after a battle with cancer.
Fairweather rose up the football pyramid in the late 80s, going all the way from non-league to the Prem.
A native of Camberwell in London, he started his career at Dulwich Hamlet.
Spells with Bromley and Tooting followed, with scouts from Wimbledon spotting the tricky winger in 1984.
He would go on to make 138 league appearances for the Dons, scoring 26 goals.
Fairweather joined the club in the third tier and helped them rise up the pyramid, with Wimbledon founder members of the Premier League in 1992.
He was part of the famous Crazy Gang, who memorably beat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final – although Fairweather sat the game out at Wembley due to injury.
Fairweather would go on to play for Carlisle and Connecticut Wolves in the US before retiring in 1999.
After hanging up his boots, the winger became a coach with Sunderland Ladies in the WSL.
The club wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carlton Fairweather, aged 63.
“A beloved character behind the scenes at the Academy of Light, Carlton passed away on Monday evening surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
Sunderland’s sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, told the club website: “Carlton’s personality and charisma were 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.
“He will be truly missed by all within our club.”
A statement from AFC Wimbledon added: “Everyone at AFC Wimbledon was deeply saddened to learn that popular former Dons winger Carlton Fairweather has passed away.
“Our thoughts are with Carlton’s family and friends at this difficult time.“
Fans from both clubs paid their respects on social media after Fairweather lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
One fan wrote: “So so sad such a lovely man, RIP Carlton, you were one in a million.
Another said: “A lovely man with a heart of gold.”
While a third added: “One of life’s true gentlemen who will be sadly missed by so many at the AOL both players and staff alike. Taken far too soon.