Hoppy... a true mate. It's difficult to try & put into words what a top bloke the man was, and I'm just so glad I was able to spend so many memorable hours with him & can't thank him enough for all the support, advise & friendship he gave to myself, & I know many others. Its over 25 years ago now since we met. I started as a newly qualified teacher at QEGS & given the responsibility to run the football. A year in to my time at QEGS, the 1st XI were missing something, that something was Hoppy. For someone who had led the 1st XI to become ISFA Champions a few years earlier & not to be around the squad was simply wrong. The following season he was back on the grass with myself and Vince - I'm pretty sure he even bought some new boots for pre-season! Hoppy's subtle, but effective words of wisdom, always timed to perfection - both to the lads & myself, will last long in the memory. Pre-season tours with QEGS always got us well prepared for the season ahead. I have many stories & fond memories of them - one to share, is a "Where were you when...." moment - Germany 1v5 England? I was with Hoppy. I'm sure all others who were present will remember those few hours fondly! There are so many brilliant times we had together with the 1st XI over the years, long road trips in the Cup, Saturday morning's playing the circuit - I'm pretty certain all the lads over the years will have their own stories to tell, & I suspect Hoppy will be featured somewhere in those stories. The icing on the cake to all this was that the 1st XI went onto lift two more National titles, the evidence sits in reception at QEGS - the cup was presented to the school for winning it on three occasions - Hoppy was the only person who was involved in all of them! Hoppy got me involved with the ISFA rep teams, once again I loved every minute spending time with him... Well apart from 'one minute' on the M1. Hoppy driving in lane 3 decided he would try and go into lane 4, problem was, there wasn't a lane 3! Hitting the central barrier, spinning 360 degrees across 3 lanes and ending up on the hard shoulder. Unhurt, scrape on the side of the car, we continued our journey back to Leyland! Once again with ISFA teams I learnt so much from Hoppy - his ability to bring a group of lads together & set them up to play in so little time - amazing. The ISFA family loved Dave & the respect he had from the ISFA family, I can whole heartedly say will remain forever. I've always stayed in touch with the great man since leaving QEGS, & I'm so glad I did - he was a true friend. Hoppy... thanks for everything pal - we are all missing you, Rog x