My father's legacy

[Mutley 190]

On Sunday my father died aged 90. Throughout his life he supported Norwich and introduced me to the highs and lows of being a supporter. I have subsequently introduced my son.

He was born into a farming family and was one of nine in the Waveney valley where you either go north or south. He would bike eight miles to Diss train station to attend games as a boy because his father would not take him in the car as he was an 1p5wich fan.  His fondest memories of following the team were undoubtedly the 59' cup run. 

I am unsure how many years Dad was a season ticket holder for, being a season ticket holder was more rare in his early life and not necessarily needed to attend, but he regularly followed Norwich for over 80 years. After the South Stand was built my father, son and me were able to sit together for almost twenty years which was very special. That to me was so nostalgic as I first stood on the terraces in the South Stand with Dad in the 60s and early 70s. Most seasons we would go to a few away games as well and we have witnessed some incredible games through the years. The day at Wembley in 2015 was incredible and I have a fabulous photo of us all on the platform at Wembley Park. The night at Portaloo Road was also very special when we beat them 5-1! 

The club has lost a loyal supporter but he has passed the baton onto me and my son.

Edited October 23, 2024 by Mutley

[king canary 8,949]

4 minutes ago, Mutley said:

On Sunday my father died aged 90. Throughout his life he supported Norwich and introduced me to the highs and lows of being a supporter. I have subsequently introduced my son.

He was born into a farming family and was one of nine in the Waveney valley where you either go north or south. He would bike eight miles to Diss train station to attend games as a boy because his father would not take him in the car as he was an 1p5wich fan.  His fondest memories of following the team were undoubtedly the 59' cup run. 

I am unsure how many years Dad was a season ticket holder for, being a season ticket holder was more rare in his early life and not necessarily needed to attend, but he regularly followed Norwich for over 80 years. After the South Stand was built my father, son and me were able to sit together for almost twenty years which was very special. That to me was so nostalgic as I first stood on the terraces in the South Stand with Dad in the 60s and early 70s. Most seasons we would go to a few away games as well and we have witnessed some incredible games through the years. The day at Wembley in 2015 was incredible and I have a fabulous photo of us all on the platform at Wembley Park. The night at Portaloo Road was also very special when we beat them 5-1! 

The club has lost a loyal supporter but he has passed the baton onto me and my son.

Lovely post and I'm very sorry for your loss.

I similarly got to go to Carrow Road with my father for many seasons before he passed, those memories are incredibly special to me as I'm sure yours are to you and your son. 

[Satriales 1,052]

Sorry for your loss mate.

[cambridgeshire canary 7,933]

As someone who also has had the pain of losing a father I feel for you. Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have a lot of good memories to look upon

[Mr Tea 140]

I feel for you but you have alot to thank him for . Imagine if he had gone the other way !!

Smile at that thought.

My boat is very very similar , could have gone either way but i was taken north and not south.

On a slightly different note isnt this what football should be about and not the financial race that it now is .

The terraces filled with dads and their offspring , collecting those programs and the hope of an autograph or two ?

Look back at those great games and like me give an extra secret smile to those that are not with us when we pop another one in our favorite goal.

 

[TheGunnShow 7,470]

No matter how old they are, our parents always leave too soon. Lost both of mine before I turned 21 but that's a different story. I hope you can remain strong in your loss and also be able to grieve.

 

[The Bristol Nest 612]

Lovely post. I have not been to Carrow Road since my father passed as it was something we did together. All away games now. However, my sons want to visit Norwich to see a game and it will be a pleasure to take them.

[ROBFLECK 135]

May he rest in peace!  I remember my first game at Carrow Road with my father besides me. May the fond memories remain and I wish you and your family all the best in coping with this loss.

[TIL 1010 5,303]

A wonderful tribute to your Dad. Sunday will be emotional for you I am sure.

[Robert N. LiM 6,442]

What a beautiful tribute. All the best to you and on the ball, City. 

[CANARYKING 720]

Wonderful story, just remember the good times you had together 

[Nexus_Canary 1,254]

Sorry for your loss.

But those memories ❤️

[dylanisabaddog 6,197]

A lovely post. I know you need to mourn but perhaps take time to celebrate a life well lived 💛💚

[Midlands Yellow 4,714]

Beautiful post. I can still picture my father waiting for me and my brothers by Carrow bridge. The last time was near on 20 years ago but the special memories never go. 

[RugbyCanary 107]

I missed out on the 'dad' times.....mine passed away at 45 (I was 6). My step dad didn't come into my  life till I was 13. He passed when I was 28.....

Unfortunately my daughter has no want for sport. 

Sorry for your loss, celebrate the memories and enjoy them!! 

Otbc

[wcorkcanary 4,839]

1 hour ago, The Bristol Nest said:

Lovely post. I have not been to Carrow Road since my father passed as it was something we did together. All away games now. However, my sons want to visit Norwich to see a game and it will be a pleasure to take them.

Do it Nesto, I avoided so many places for a long while after my wife passed away, fearing the emotional reminders...they are now happy memories, being relived with other people. 

[......and Smith must score. 1,637]

1 hour ago, TIL 1010 said:

A wonderful tribute to your Dad. Sunday will be emotional for you I am sure.

Agree with this 100% Tilly. 

As you know a close relative of mine who I used to go to football with died four years ago. It’s the anniversary on Sunday so I’ll definitely be sharing Mutley’s thoughts.

[Graham Paddons Beard 2,888]

Wonderful post Mutley. So sorry for your loss . Sounds like a fabulous legacy. 

[Herman 11,178]

I very lovely tribute to your old man. Biggest respects for you posting it here and I hope the great memories you have of him help through the mourning.

All the best to you and your family.

[All the Germans 1,246]

Very sorry for your loss. You will have lovely memories being with him that will stay forever.

One of my favourite memories was the night we got promoted under Worthington, as a very young man still living at home, I was with my Mother at home and on Anglia news it mentioned a reserve game that was happening but also playing was the team in 3rd (I think Sunderland but cannot really remember) and we would be promoted if they didn't win, my mother said "shall we go?" (she had a passing interest, but nothing major, my father and I had a season ticket). We went, and Sunderland(?) didn't win and we had a lovely time and celebrated with Delia coming on the pitch at the end. My mother died not too long after in her early 50's. I am so glad we did that and I often think about it.

Edit - to add, I have no idea what happened in the reserve game, we didn't really pay much attention but generally just had a fun time following the team in 3rd and the atmosphere created.

Edited October 23, 2024 by All the Germans

[Faded Jaded Semi Plastic SOB 1,234]

So sorry for your loss Mutley, may your Dad rest in peace.

You were clearly close to your Dad and I feel your pain as I lost my Dad two years ago, my heart goes out to you, your family and friends..

The wonderful memories I have of my Dad have been great help and comfort to me and I hope the many memories you have of your lovely Dad will help you in the coming days, weeks and years.........

[Pockthorpe 636]

Beautiful post Mutley in such sad circumstances. Must’ve been very emotional for you . My sincere condolences. Pretty sure your father would mightily approve of your post. And you have such great memories ! 

Shared memories through the generations are such wonderful poignant things. Binds us together so strongly , pretty much what’s it’s all about really I reckon. 

I’m 60 now but every single time I cross Carrow bridge on the way to a game, I think of myself as a 7 year old desperately clinging on to my father’s hand on the way to my first game. So excited and scared but just so pleased to be with my Dad. And my own sons clinging on to mine when they went with me to their first games. Hairs on the back of your neck stuff. Football in life at it’s finest . 

 

 

[Ken Hairy 4,336]

Great post mate👍, very sorry for your loss but what a great innings, I'll be amazed if I make it that far.

I'm not a generational Norwich fan, I'm the first in my family and I often think I missed out when hearing stories of parents and grandparents taking you to games as kids etc.

Great memories and a post that has done your father proud.

[littleyellowbirdie 3,148]

That was a lovely post to read; a lovely tribute to a man who must have counted himself lucky to clearly have a lot of love and shared joy with his family in his long life. 

 

[S_81 1,138]

Moving words, he’d be proud. Sorry for your loss. 

[daly 556]

I remember going with my Granddad just after the war and  leaving our bikes in a terrace house garden cost probably 1d

[Capt. Pants 5,152]

Sorry for your loss, it's tough isn't.

It sounds as though you and your son have already grabbed the baton, which speaks volumes for your dad and safeguards his legacy for many years to come.

RIP Mutley Snr

OTBC

 

[Faded Jaded Semi Plastic SOB 1,234]

1 hour ago, daly said:

I remember going with my Granddad just after the war and  leaving our bikes in a terrace house garden cost probably 1d

My parents moved in a house owned by Colmans in King Street (opposite Reads Flour Mill) in the late fifties/early sixties. My Dad came home from playing footy to find a load of bicycles parked in the back garden and coins on the windowsill. They were happy for the bikes to be there but my Dad told people they did not have to pay, gradually word got round that a new family were living there and the number of bikes parked in the garden dwindled down to none..........

Edited October 24, 2024 by Faded Jaded Semi Plastic SOB

[ricardo 8,109]

Thanks for that Mutley. 

So much of what we love about being NCFC fans is the people who share that love with us. My dad had to work Saturdays so all of my memories of being with him are at the few evening matches we attended in the late 1950's and Early sixties. The first ever floodlit match is one that particularly sticks in my mind.

I began taking my own son when he was only about 8 years old and we laughed and cried together for the next forty seven seasons until I lost him two years ago. Carrow Rd will always be the place I feel closest to him.

[raunds canary 238]

So sorry for your loss Sunday will be an emotional day for you. 

I was lucky back in 1978 my mate at schools dad was a Norwich fan and took us to see us draw 3-3 with the great forest side of the time. My dad then took us to Ipswich which at the time was nearer to Braintree ( still is)  and Norwich got battered 4 nil if I remember that day.  We also had a teacher at school who used to bring me and my mate a programme back each that had cost him 2p each.   

My youngest daughter and son now as passionate about it as me