John Lobley, R.I.P

Thursday 24th November 2011, 8:12 PM

Harrogate Town recently lost one of it’s longest serving committee men, with the death on the 9th of November of John Lobley.

John joined the backroom staff of the then, Harrogate Hospurs in 1946, after war service in India and Burma with the Green Howards.

For over the next 60 years, John was an ever present at Wetherby Road, serving in many capacities ie gateman,fund raiser and helping with ground development. In the early sixties he was a prominent member of the supporter’s club committee.

It was a familiar sight to see John,together with his brother Tom and friend Johnny Walker, cycling from Bilton to Wetherby Road in all weathers.

Never afraid to speak his mind, John however, didn’t bear any grudges, and was a loyal and generous companion, who was always ready to help financially when the club was in difficulties.

In 1992,together with fellow Town stalwarts, John Walker and John Wyatt, he was presented with a commemorative silver salver by HFS Loans League (Northern Premier League) secretary Duncan Bayley to commemorate his long and distinguished service

John,who watched Town home and away until a few years ago, was one of the unsung heroes who keep non-league football going and Wetherby Road will be the poorer for his passing.

Written by John Harrison.