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Post by geddingtongull on Sept 29, 2008 12:29:53 GMT
Quite distraught at the news I have just read on the web-site.
Tommy was my all time favourite player and was undoubtidly a great servant to the club and especially the supporters.
One of my fondest memories is hugging him after the 3-3 draw against Spurs.
I hope the club will take this opportunity to mark his contribution in some way. I know his family was always upset that he never received the necessary recognition when he was not needed anymore.
Thank you Tommy for the years of pleasure you gave us.
My condolences to his family.
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jerry
TFF member
Posts: 165
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Post by jerry on Sept 29, 2008 13:21:44 GMT
Before my time but by all accounts a real Torquay legend and a decent bloke to go with it.
Condolences to his family.
I know in these days of sponsored stands it might not be the most profitable thing to do but other clubs have stands named after former greats, surely if anyone deserved this honour it would be Tommy?
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Post by romfordkev on Sept 29, 2008 13:32:31 GMT
Although I never saw Tommy play, I was lucky enough to work with him in the late 80's. Based at the Toorak, Derwent and Victoria hotels, I spent 3-4 HILARIOUS years in the company of Tom (a plumber by trade) and also the late GRAHAM BOND (electrician). I, myself, was a young boy learning the carpentry ropes amongst about 15 or so others that comprised the TLH (Torquay Leisure Hotels) resident maintenance/ refurbishment team. I could probably go on for HOURS about the things we all got up to - and Tom was probably one of the worst!! A "loveable rogue" is how I would describe him during those years - and I am sure he would agree with that description, were he here today. A few years ago, the Capital Gulls sponsored a game at Plainmoor and through Merse's efforts we invited the Torquay promotion winning team of 1965/66 to be our guests. Tom was there on the day - I hadn't seen him for a few years - but to me, it didn't seem like the jokey old Tom that I had known. Infact, after our pre match meal, he simply disappeared. We later discovered that a "confused" Tom had eaten his dinner, and then gone back home - missing the game. Alas,it was a little while later that I learnt that Tom was suffering from Alzheimers. I know we all have to go at some stage, but when a disease such as Alzheimers robs you of all your dignity and spark, it really is quite cruel. A sad demise of a former Torquay United hero. I, and I'm sure MANY more fans/ friends will mourn Tom's passing. TOMMY NORTHCOTT
1931 - 2008
RIP
"A TRUE LEGEND" |
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chelstongull
TFF member
Posts: 6,646
Favourite Player: Jason Fowler
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Post by chelstongull on Sept 29, 2008 14:06:45 GMT
I like RomfordKev worked with Tommy at the Hotel Group and Tommy was certainly a character who used to drink at the Haywain.
Met his brother a year back who talked with fondness about Tommy but heartache about his illness.
You try getting Tommy out of the 'Wain when you had a plumbing problem!!
RIP Tommy.
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merse
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Post by merse on Sept 29, 2008 18:34:37 GMT
 I was quite distraught the afternoon we managed to "lose Tommy" - I had sat beside him at lunch and it was all he was really interested in, I knew it was either dementia or Alzheimer's as my own mother was suffering similarly from dementia at the same time. The only time he mentioned football was to tell me the most he ever earned from the game was a basic fifteen quid a week in his last season (65-66)! In my youth I had the privilege of training with, and playing a few games with him at Newton Spurs...................he was very demanding, if you didn't play the ball to his feet he would give you a withering look and a snort; but he was a good ole boy and I well remember him "sorting someone out" who had just hit me for seven bells - I enjoyed that! Good old Tom, R.I.P.
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Sept 29, 2008 18:43:27 GMT
A very moving post Merse and It Is so sad what that illness can do to once such active and great people.
Tommy you were a hero, but a true gent as well and loved by all TUFC fans who ever saw you play.
R.I.P Tommy
Dave
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Post by petergodfrey on Sept 29, 2008 19:09:56 GMT
Just getting the news about Tommy - really sad. He was a gentle giant on the pitch and I haven't seen anyone better at holding up the ball, laying it off (especially with his head) and bringing others into play. I particularly remember him turning on a sixpence (yes, big fella that he was! ) on a boggy Plainmoor pitch and smacking one in against Walsall. God bless Tommy !
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merse
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Post by merse on Sept 30, 2008 3:00:30 GMT
Dwelling on Tommy's passing and the fact that he suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, I guess it will be used as another example of those who used to head the old style footballs so hard suffering this degenerative and eventually fatal form of dementia. Tommy certainly could head a ball and his other great characteristic was his ability to "chest" the ball with power and accuracy over a fair distance, he was a big man but not tall (5'8") yet surprisingly light on his feet for all that. Definitely built for "comfort not speed" he was the perfect example of the type of player that old school Eric Webber found top of his list on the team sheet each Saturday - as indeed did his successor Frank O'Farrell................until we found ourselves winning promotion in that very first season of his in 66 and Tommy was deemed too slow for the higher league. But hey, he was 35 by then and still playing up front with Robin Stubbs. Time had simply caught up with him, whilst history will never forget Tommy!
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bbcgull
Programmes Room Manager
Posts: 1,346
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Post by bbcgull on Oct 3, 2008 14:54:11 GMT
Just an idea, could we have a Obituries page?
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Dave
TFF member
Posts: 13,081
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Post by Dave on Oct 3, 2008 16:35:34 GMT
Just an idea, could we have a Obituries page? Brett can you explain In more detail, what you want? do you mean a special board and for who, ex players? Thanks Dave |
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bbcgull
Programmes Room Manager
Posts: 1,346
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Post by bbcgull on Oct 3, 2008 16:49:17 GMT
A page for obits for ex players or sporting people who posters may have something to say about....
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I was quite distraught the afternoon we managed to "lose Tommy" - I had sat beside him at lunch and it was all he was really interested in, I knew it was either dementia or Alzheimer's as my own mother was suffering similarly from dementia at the same time. The only time he mentioned football was to tell me the most he ever earned from the game was a basic fifteen quid a week in his last season (65-66)!