Just wanted to mention the passing of my Dad, Ted Couchman.
My Dad was a massive football fan at all levels.
His first love was Fulham, being that he was born in Putney. He first started going to Craven Cottage in the mid 1940’s.
His final visit to Craven Cottage was on the 7th May 2016, he was not in good health by then. He knew this would be his last visit. I surprised my Dad in 2008 with a season ticket, and said he never ever believed he would have one of them. He then admitted to me, that as a child and teenager, he had never paid to watch Fulham , always “bunking in” at the Putney end.
In December 1972, we moved from London to Hastings. By now, I was also an avid Fulham fan, as he had been taking me to home games since 1969. I was concerned about not seeing Fulham again, but my Dad said, “don’t worry, Hastings have a football team, we can go and follow them”. A few months then past. One Saturday morning in April 1973, My Dad says, “ I have seen the ground and they have a game this afternoon, we are going”. I will never forget 21st April 1973, Hastings United v Met Police. I was devastated, what was this place, this is not like Craven Cottage! I cried a lot that evening, bare in mind I was only eight. Fortunately, we still made the trip to Fulham three or four times a season. I still do.
But my Dad needed live football week in, week out. So by the start of next season, we were season ticket holders at Hastings United. During the late 80’s and into most of the 90’s, I drifted away from football, due to marriage, children, and other commitments. So was not a regular. But my Dad never stopped watching all variations of United/Town. Also popping up top to watch St. Leonards/Stamco/Stamcroftcountlesstimes.
His health was declining by 2008, and he had a tumour of the lung and part of the lung removed. This returned in 2013 and the complete lung was removed. The one that was left was only functioning at about 25%. So not good.
My Dads last visit to the Pilot Field, was for the Harrogate replay in 2013. This was his first visit since 2010.
He never stopped following Hastings, myself and my Son Jack, would keep him updated at half time and full time, and drop the programme in on a Sunday, for him to read.
Away from Craven Cottage and the Pilot Field, he was always involved with Sunday League football. Helping to form and manage newly formed Hastings Printing Company football team in the mid 1970’s. Then working with teams at Westhill Boys Club and Tackleway in various roles, even helping out with the boxing as well. Always with long time friend Jack Payne. This all stopped by 2008. During this period, he qualified as a Referee and Physio, even running the line at the Pilot Field on a couple of occasions.
I know some of you forum members knew my Dad, but for those of you who did not, you know a little now.
His funeral will be on Thursday 13th June 2019 at 12.30pm at Hastings Crematorium and afterwards at “The Welcome” in Silverhill. All are welcome.
I have posted a few pics;
1.Managing Hastings Printing Co about 1975 (far right).
2.and 3. Tooting & Mitcham playoff final 2007
3.Staines away 2008
4.Wycombe Wanderers v Fulham 2012
6. Fulham v Bolton Wanderers 2016 (final visit).
-- Edited by Vernon on Tuesday 4th of June 2019 07:13:01 PM
