I’m truly sorry I wasn’t at the Mem today, but the tribute to Ben Hiscox came over loud and clear on Geoff Twentyman’s excellent show on BBC Radio Bristol this afternoon.
My village boys (and girls) have done us all so proud today. Whilst the area has been greatly developed over the years, the spirit of Stoke Gifford remains. This tragedy is the last thing I would have wanted to remind me of that spirit. The spirit is the only positive I can think of. I just hope that it will see us through the coming days.
There are too many people to thank, but at the risk of missing out a few, I’d like to give my thanks to Dan Dunt who helped arrange the little gathering at the field this morning when BCFM radio presenter and Rovers PA announcer Nick Day came along to meet Ben’s friends and to record some lovely interviews, hopefully for broadcasting next week. Nick immediately agreed to come along when I made the suggestion and I know he was deeply affected by the words of Ben’s friends and team mates and of course of the floral tribute. Thanks, Nick. Nothing is ever too much trouble for this wonderful man whose raison d’être appears to be making people’s lives better, as the family of the young City fan Oskar Pycroft will testify.
I would like to thank Bristol Rovers for their excellent gesture in allowing the minute’s applause for Ben. Normally, these are reserved for former players and officials of the club. The board of directors made a very sound judgement when deciding, very quickly I understand, that there was an exception for this general rule.
I will not pretend that Ben was my best friend. As I said before, he just made me feel that way every time we met. I have learned, unsurprisingly, that he was like that with everyone. No wonder the applause rang round the Memorial Stadium today.
Tomorrow afternoon, we will have the semblance of some form of return to reality when the first team play their first game since Ben’s passing. It is pointless me suggesting that the lads will have to keep their emotions in check because mine are not exactly a model of stability but somehow life, and football, will have to go on.
Bill Shankly was one of the greatest football managers who ever lived and was famous for a legendary quote. He said: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that”.
Whether Shankly was right about that – and somehow I doubt it! – it certainly mattered to 8000-odd Rovers fans today and it mattered to the Rovers players who were deeply affected by the situation.
If Ben had still been around, you wouldn’t have heard the last of it from him, with his beloved radio clasped to his ear, fag in one hand, beer in the other.
This one’s for you, Ben. For once, the Gas did everyone proud.
