Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

'Kerrins' wrote this tribute to 'Goochie' in 2008...
In Memory Of Paul Gooch

'Paul Gooch was part of my childhood. It’s as simple as that. We grew up together in 1950’s Shepherds Bush
and attended the same primary school, Victoria Junior Boys in Becklow Road. Although I have not spoken to
Paul since January 1976 (Euston Station for the 2-0 defeat of Villa) it does not diminish the twinge of grief I
feel at his sad and premature death.

We played football in the original ‘jumpers for goalposts’ format at Ravenscourt and Southfields Parks and also
at the Victoria School playground during the far off days of the late 1950’s era. Paul was QPR through and through.

I know for a fact that he was going to Loftus Road two seasons before me so that marks him down as an R’s supporter
since the 1955/56 season. I’m sure there are many stories and anecdotes that can be told about his entire life but I
am only able to relate mainly to those early years of long ago.

Paul was a likeable, eccentric kid from Emlyn Gardens, lithe with light brown hair, with a tendency to just stand around
and ‘goal hang’ on the left wing. This was not always a popular style of play with some of the other lads, perhaps that’s
why he subsequently became a referee!

Yes he had it tough as a child. I understand that there was an unfortunate family bereavement when his Father had a tragic
fall from some scaffolding and certainly his personal circumstances were a struggle. It is also true to say that Paul had
generosity and a kind heart as the following example will illustrate.

Once when involved in a ‘kick about’ over at Ravenscourt Park with my brand new Frido plastic football, a great big German
Shepherd dog came from nowhere and sunk its teeth into the ball, bursting it in an instant. As a ten year old boy I was
distraught and in tears.

Paul did his utmost to console me (no easy task I can tell you), when he bought me a glass of milk from the
Tea House and generally calmed me down. He then went on to make every effort to trace the owner of the dog to seek
redress.

The QPR stories about Paul are legion. My particular classic is from the December 1959 2nd Round FA Cup tie at
Loftus Road against Port Vale. A thrilling 3-3 draw and Paul was in the Boys Pen decked out in traditional bobble hat
and scarf, parading up and down the enclosure ringing this bell which had the longest piece of blue and white ribbon
attached to it that I had ever seen in my life, dragging along the ground as he walked like some Royal bridal gown!

Alas all this fanatical display of support was to avail. Port Vale equalised five minutes from time and we lost the replay 2-1.

God bless you Paul, a true and loyal R’s supporter and childhood friend. In 1972 at the entrance to Turf Moor, you
were thwarted in your attempts to air your views with Chairman Jim Gregory. Okay Paul you may have failed at the
Burnley Gates but your chance has come again in the proximity of the Pearly Gates! This time no brush off eh.'

Bernard Lambert (Kerrins)

[Steve Russell]

Colin Rose wrote this on the Indy's Facebook Group...

'I also went to school with Paul at Victoria. And often saw him on the pitch at QPR.
I don’t in what capacity he worked there?'

[Steve Russell]

And this from the 'Probably from W12' Facebook group...

Linda CarpenterChaplin..
My husband Reggie Chaplin knew Paul quite well also remembered his mum and Dad they lived round the
corner in Emlyn gardens flats my husband stuck up for him on many occasions

He took a lot of stick when he refereed But always had time to speak to my husband and was always about the
Rrrss, he loved the Rrrss.

God bless you Paul

[Steve Russell]

Two more from the W12 Facebook group....

Peter Trott
My memory of Paul was a Christopher Wren sports day at White City Stadium. He entered the mile race and
was lapped by all the other boys - but he got the biggest cheer when he finally crossed the finishing line.

Dave Barnes
Peter Trott I was there and saw that. He also entered the swimming gala at Bloemfontein baths, but lost his sense of
direction and swam diagonally across the pool. Once again he finished and got the biggest cheer.