John Goldsworthy – R.I.P.

Vital Wycombe says goodbye to John Goldsworthy, a man who came to represent all that is unique about Wycombe Wanderers.

John passed away on Sunday 15th August 2010, aged 90. Born in North London just after the end of the Great War, John’s devotion to Wycombe Wanderers began almost 80 years ago. Back in 2001 he explained to the Daily Telegraph newspaper: “I went on my own, aged 11, I knew nothing about Wycombe Wanderers but I lived in Holloway and attended matches at Highbury. One day I noticed them putting up a poster advertising the Amateur Cup final, Wycombe v Hayes. I said to my father, `That might be interesting’ and he said, `You’d better go’. So I did. I don’t remember much except that Wycombe won 1-0 with a late goal.”

He moved to the High Wycombe area in 1956 and rekindled his interest in the football club. He soon became a member of the committee and in 1975 was appointed Honorary General Secretary. He played a significant part in the move from Loakes Park to Adams Park alongside Brian Lee. He resigned from the post as Secretary in the summer of 1989. He wrote a detailed history of the club for the last match ever to be played on Loakes Park.

He returned to the job during the summer of 1990 when the club made the move to Adams Park and was described as ‘the administrative power behind Martin O’Neill’ as the Irishman led the club to glory. He resigned again as Secretary in 1994 only to return again in 1995.

During the early years at the new ground John penned his own ‘Behind the Scenes’ programme column which was the first article you came to after opening the cover. It revealed his personalty to everyone and his wholehearted adoption of satellite television which enabled him to enjoy his obsession with sport of all kinds and his fondness of fine wine. The piece was so unique that it spawned an infamous spoof from The Adams Family fanzine.

He eventually retired as Secretary in 1997 but his involvement continued into the 21st century. He oversaw the extension of the Hillbottom Road away end in 2001 and was appointed as an associate director and made a life member during the last decade.

Fittingly the club have announced that a minute’s tribute will be observed before the fixture with Oxford United at Adams Park on Saturday 21st August 2010.

Vital Wycombe would like to extend our condolences to John Goldsworthy’s family and friends. John was part of the fabric of the club we all love and we will all raise a glass to him this weekend. We’re sure he’ll be doing the same.