• Home
  • About
  • Behind The Arse
  • PopuHolics

Goonerholic

Eat, sleep, breathe, drink, Arsenal

Feed on
Posts
Comments

Clive (Gooner Since ’54) – My short but richly rewarding Skype adventures with Gooner Terry

Jul 22nd, 2013 by 'holic

Hello ‘holics,

A brief apology for not reporting on the match today. Everybody who wants to watch it will. Those seeking another view of what happened have lots of options out there.

I make no apology for publishing something very personal by own of our own, about one of our own.

In my pre-holic days it is no secret I was an avid follower of Arseblog, and the community that developed around that remarkable man, and his remarkable site, suffered when misfortune befell a fellow Arseblogger. Eventually one suffered the ultimate misfortune, and others have followed. All provoked the shedding of tears and the smiling at special memories of happier times.

I have arrived home this evening to hear of the sad passing of one of ours. Please forgive my insensitivity if I am wrongly acknowledging it as ‘our’ first. I say our because we have developed, on a much smaller scale obviously, the sort of community that grew around Arseblog. I don’t mind admitting, although I knew the situation was reaching a conclusion, that I am saddened by the confirmation, and I know you will be too.

After Terry shared his news with us last year Clive was one of those who contacted him direct, and what followed is recounted below in his own words. Thanks Clive for sharing this with us.

Terry Adams-Williams

Little did I know back in November last year, when Terry requested several Gooners (myself included) contact him via email as he was going through a bad time health wise, where that simple request would take me.

Having sent Tel an email as requested, and getting a lengthy response detailing how seriously ill he was, I suggested maybe we could have a few chats on Skype if he wanted to.Terry’s response was, ‘ when can we start ‘ and so began an 8 month ‘virtual friendship’ that I will remember with great fondness for the rest of my days.

From our very first Skype video call, which like many, lasted for over 2hrs, until the last one at the end of our journey, it felt as though I had known Terry all my life. We talked about anything and everything, from his childhood growing up in London, his travels as a young man, the girls he loved and lost, to how he met his beautiful wife Taina, and how he came to finally put down his roots and raise a family in Jamaica, his spiritual home.

Most of all, as two lifelong Arsenal boys, albeit growing up a decade or so apart, we talked non-stop about our memories of growing up following the Arse. The time just seemed to fly by, and even though we both knew Terry’s illness was terminal, it was never allowed to cloud our conversations.

He really was a lovely man, who always had a wonderful smile that lit up the screen when we made contact. I also had the privilege of meeting his lovely wife and his 2 beautiful girls, Ria and Asha, who are both very musically minded, and gave me an impromptu performance of a couple of songs they were going to be performing at the High School concert over Christmas last year.

As his health deteriorated in the final couple of months, and our conversations became shorter and shorter, Terry told me he had made his peace, and was content to accept his fate. We shed more than a few tears as his prognosis dwindled down to weeks rather than months, and he told me how sad he was not to be able to see his girls grow up, and that he would never get to see his grandchildren.

As time became more precious, a very good friend gave Terry and his family the use of his Private Villa right near the beach in a little town called Bluefields, where Terry had lived and worked for many years, and felt most at peace.

I spoke to him for the final time on Saturday, just a few minutes basically, but I told him without any embarrassment that I loved him like a brother, and that I would never forget him, and would always recall with great fondness our chats together.

I also told Terry that his fellow Holics’ were thinking of him and that he was constantly in their thoughts. Taina told me that when I mentioned the Holics, even though he couldn’t speak, a big smile spread across his face.

Terry took his final breath late on Sunday afternoon, and his pain and suffering were finally at an end. A lifelong Gooner had reached journey’s end far too early, but we are safe in the knowledge that his spirit is now up above us, sharing a few yarns with Holic Dad and Sweeper Dad, and being welcomed into the Gooner Pantheon in the sky.

Vale Terry Adams Williams.

It was a pleasure knowing you my friend.

Thanks Clive. Could I ask you all tonight please to raise a glass to Terry, and to think a moment of Taina, Ria, and Asha.

Posted in Guest Tales | 134 Drinks

134 Responses to “Clive (Gooner Since ’54) – My short but richly rewarding Skype adventures with Gooner Terry”

  1. on 22 Jul 2013 at 7:59 pm1Ollie

    Thank you Clive, and ‘holic. This brought tears to my eyes.
    Sadly, I cannot raise a glass of anything else than water or mango juice, but when the spirit is not in the glass, I hope its presence is still felt in the air.

    RIP Terry.

  2. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:02 pm2imissbergkamp

    RIP GT

  3. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:07 pm3takeabowson

    Thank you Clive and ‘Holic.

    So so sad. In bits.

    RIP Terry.

  4. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:07 pm4Sydneyred

    Nice one clive

  5. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:10 pm5Steve T

    Written only as you can Clive. A wonderful tribute to a man I have never met but feel as if I have known for sometime. Terry, I hope you are now at peace and pain free. To those you leave behind my love, best wishes and deepest condolences. I sincerely hope that your pain and hurt starts to ease as each day passes.

    Clive, yours are some of the posts that I have always loved to read. Whilst the news you bring today is incredibly sad, the tribute you pay is of great comfort. The news of the friendship that you struck up does not surprise me in the slightest. I will break my non beer midweek rule and raise a glass to Terry. I will also raise a glass to Clive. A true Gooner legend.

    God Bless Terry. RIP.

  6. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:11 pm6Thundertinygooner

    Clive,
    A very fine epitaph to a man who was taken much too early. Somehow after reading this the sort of concerns about signing A or B doesn’t seem anything like as important.
    Cheers Terry. You will be much missed. Rest in Peace

  7. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:16 pm7scruzgooner

    clive, and ‘holic,

    thank you. what a wonderful epitath. i hope you both find your memories of terry bring you both joy and relief from your grieving as time goes on.

    rest in peace, terry. i hope you heard my apology about robin gibb…:(

    a case of red stripe on the bar for those who’d like, my tab.

  8. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:18 pm8zicoinexile

    Very sad news.

    RIP GoonerTerry.

  9. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:19 pm9nelly

    Lovely post. Some perspective on the truly important things in life.

    *raises glass*

    RIP Terry.

  10. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:21 pm10Catalan Gunner

    Fine words Clive, for someone who was obviously a fine man.

    You got to know him much better than most of us, but I do remember that he always seemed positive and happy (as much as that is possible through the medium of a keyboard).

    I have no shame to report tears in my eyes as I read this, and a glass and good thoughts will be raised in honour of GT tonight.

    More especially, all thoughts are with his family. I hope that with time they can adjust and find peace with their personal tragedy.

  11. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:23 pm11arseblog

    Lovely piece, fellas. Will raise a glass to him and you.

  12. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:23 pm12StilldontrustWenger

    Rest in peace brother, my thoughts are with your family.

  13. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:23 pm13Goonertown

    Thank you Holic and clive.

    RIP Terry!

  14. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:24 pm14Buxtongooner

    What lovely words at an awful time.

    God bless. Raising a glass.

  15. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:25 pm15Poppet

    RIP Terry.
    Thank you ‘Holic and Clive for a charming and moving tribute.
    xxx

  16. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:27 pm16Esso

    Tragic news especially for Terry’s close family. However, a fitting post which sums up the quality of this site and the people who populate it. I’ll now raise a glass to Terry and his memory, as well as to Holic and many others on here.

  17. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:35 pm17And Lester

    Thanks Clive.

    Too, too sad. RIP Tel.

  18. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:36 pm18Toby

    I can only echo the sentiments of others. I didn’t speak that much exclusively with Terry, but I always loved having him around here. I am sincerely saddened and that feeling is a lot stronger than I thought it would be. I guess that’s the way it goes when someone’s words are what you get to know, instead of superficial fluff. When what someone finds meaningful, or for that matter – funny, to say is what you get to know. I’ll remember some good discussions and laughs, fondly, and I am glad that those very words are still here in that big old archive. It feels comforting to me.

    Lastly, a few words for all of Terry’s friends here, and each and every other person with any relation to Terry that does stumble across this blog, now or in the future – my condolences. I’m glad I got to borrow a few minutes of his time from you.

    You will be missed, Terry.

  19. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:38 pm19HerbieGooner

    RIP Terry.

    There are more important things than transfers.

    Glass duly raised.

  20. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:41 pm20washed up in france

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEAPbjcvsww

    A glass of this is raised to Gooner Terry and commiserations to all his nearest and dearest.

  21. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:42 pm21Rhyle

    Blog of the year.

    Lurk on here regularly but rarely…and I mean rarely…post. You have built a great community here.

    As someone here mentioned…it’s moments, eloquently delivered, that should remind us what’s important to us…firstly, as people and secondly as fans.

    At a time when Arsenal fans have rarely been more divided…your story should remind all of us that, regardless of what separates us in terms of our opinion…one thing, above all, unites us…makes brothers of strangers in both commiseration and celebration….and gets us all on feet.

    We love the Arsenal.

    Well done…you should be proud of yourselves. I’ve rarely read (or heard) a finer eulogy.

  22. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:45 pm22Cent'berry

    R.I.P. Gooner Terry. May the good lord grant his family, us inclusive, the fortitude to deal with his passing, positively.

  23. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:51 pm23Trev

    Lovely words Clive and ‘Holic, perfectly summed up as usual.

    I was very pleased to be one of those who corresponded directly with Terry, albeit in a gentler way than our old #FFF exchanges.

    Many of his posts were stories about his wife and girls.

    They were always full of love and humour.

    There are no finer qualities.

    RIP GoonerTerry.

  24. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:53 pm24Lars

    With teary eyes I am reading Clive’s beautiful words as I bid you farewell, Terry. My thoughts are with your wife and your daughters.

    Rest in peace, my friend.

  25. on 22 Jul 2013 at 8:55 pm25Cent'berry

    And thank you, Clive and ‘holic for the tribute.

  26. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:05 pm26snowy

    Clive I always love your posts, so I hope you will forgive me for saying that this is one I wish we didn’t have occasion to read. Very moving piece; thank you.

    Glass duly raised. RIP Terry.

  27. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:05 pm27Bearded Gooner

    Beautiful tribute. Rest in peace Terry. Love and strength to your family and friends in this difficult time.

  28. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:09 pm28Amy

    What a strikingly beautiful and poignant piece. For those of us who have struck eternal friendships with fellow fans they have met somewhere along the way, it is a reminder to cherish those special rapports. My thoughts with Terry, his family, and his friend Clive.

  29. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:10 pm29arse_jackeen

    What fine words gentlemen, a very poignant post.

    RIP Terry.

    *raises glass*

  30. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:16 pm30Lurky Oliva

    Very, very sad news. Last goodbye Gooner Terry, you will be missed in this bar. My thoughts with your wife and the children. Rest in peace.
    Thank you Clive.

  31. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:17 pm31North Bank Ned

    Moving words, Clive. Beautifully expressed.

    A glass duly raised to one who truly deserves it. I, too, was privileged to be among GT’s email correspondents. As Trev says above, he was a man of love and humour. Rest in peace, GT.

    My thoughts and best wishes, too, to his family at this difficult time.

  32. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:23 pm32bathgooner

    A sad day. The far too premature passing of a good man.

    A fine tribute Clive. You clearly connected.

    A toast to Terry’s memory with the finest malt

    Thoughts are with his family.

    If there is another place, I trust he will have them all making positive Gooner vibes for eternity.

  33. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:33 pm33Goonerholic

    Amy, Arseblog, and assorted Arsebloggers, thanks for dropping by tonight. It is appreciated.

    Thank you ‘holics. I knew you too would be upset at Terry’s passing, but equally fortunate to have known him, if only virtually.

    You have all been pure class tonight.

  34. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:34 pm34Pangloss, formerly Oxon Gooner

    Very sad to read this excellent post. A beautifully written piece, Clive.

  35. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:39 pm35North Bank 1

    As I was writing my view on Suarez in the last drinks I was actually thinking, where’s Gooner Terry when I need him??

    I’m sure he’ll be forever watching over us at this bar and our club.

    May his family, and especially his girls, live life knowing they were blessed to have known him.

    Sad day.

    I raise a Red Stripe in your honour GT.

  36. on 22 Jul 2013 at 9:51 pm36arsabeatbarca

    Evening Friends. Clive, Thank you for being there, for Terry. What a beautiful and moving tribute. His legacy, one of kindness, will live on, through his lovely daughters. Terry, if you are watching right now, you know I’m struggling with this, but you can see what is in my heart. Love you , brother xx

  37. on 22 Jul 2013 at 10:05 pm37The Neighbour

    RIP GT

  38. on 22 Jul 2013 at 10:21 pm38Uplympian

    A very real and heart rendering eulogy Clive. GT you will be missed but never forgotten. Deepest sympathy to his beloved wife and children.

  39. on 22 Jul 2013 at 10:32 pm39Garsguns

    Rip terry.thoughts and prayers with the family.

  40. on 22 Jul 2013 at 10:44 pm40PaGooner

    My condonlences to family and friends. Glass raised.

  41. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:16 pm41Goonerholic

    It’s taken a while, but I have found Terry’s first post here. Our paths so crossed…

    Submitted on 2011/12/11 at 5:58 am

    @ Holic: Wonderful, wonderful stuff indeed. This has been a very emotional last couple of days for me made more poignant by the fact that I have been in self-imposed exile in Jamaica and have only ever visited the Emirates on a single occasion…All the talk of the past has set off a flood of memories..

    Like you I am of a previous generation – before the present “let them eat cake” generation and so, like you, I have found my thoughts drifting to the heroes of mt youth: gone but not forgotten. I have always had a soft spot for the unsung among Arsenal’s Pantheon of immortals: I spotted some in the crowd today – Sammy “show us your ass” Nelson was a particular favorite of mine. I remember a conversation I had with him on a long train journey back from Carlisle when I was just a young Gooner. What a wonderfully intelligent man he is. I remember Ken Friar whom I met while sitting in an empty Highbury on one of my frequent visits to the empty stadium (I lived around the corner in Sotheby Road off the Blackstock Road at the time) and that chance meeting led to me becoming a Travel Steward and a 6-year unbroken record of not missing a single game home or away. I remember Stevie Walford, David Price, Paul Davis & Willie Young – all favorites of mine in their time. Stevie Walford and Charlie George went to my school – Holloway Comprehensive. And although Charlie left before I got there in 1966, Stevie Walford was a contemporary. I remember how distraught we were when the Spuds offered him schoolboys forms ahead of his beloved Arsenal and how delighted we were when we eventually signed for the Arsenal.

    My entire life (since the age of nine has been wrapped up in the lore & traditions of the Arsenal Football Club. And as I watched the game today today with my two Daughters – neither of whom have ever been to a game nor even have they been to England – seeing them calling out the names of the assembled Invincibles, a shiver went through me at the realization that I have unwittingly embedded the seed of The Arsenal into the next generation of my own family…..It was that thought that finally made me shed a tear of joy..

  42. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:19 pm42N7 Gooner

    Terribly sad news. Well done Clive and RIP Terry – you’ll be missed.

    Well said that man @21: this is a remarkable place and moments like this remind you what’s really important.

  43. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:28 pm43Gunner Rob

    R.I.P Terry

    A very heartfelt eulogy Holic, thoughts and prayers with Terry’s family and friends.

  44. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:35 pm44GPN

    R.I.P Terry.

    Lots of love and strength to all his friends and loved ones.

    sree

  45. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:44 pm45Impec1

    My sincere condolences to Terry’s family.

    R.I.P GoonerT. You will be missed.

  46. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:49 pm46Cynic

    As a newbie I didn’t know Terry at all, but this is a lovely tribute.

  47. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:49 pm47Bearded Gooner

    Wonderfully poignant pic too. Smiling on his departure skyward… Arsenal shorts on.

  48. on 22 Jul 2013 at 11:51 pm48Wind

    When I finished back-drinking on the way home from work and got to the end of the last blog, my heart dropped a bit. Then I went to this blog, and my heart sank fully.

    I’m not too good with loss but I sadly know this feeling well, having experienced loss in my family not too long ago, and yet here I am again, all too soon. But at least the wounds in my heart have healed to a certain degree, yet they must be oh so fresh in the hearts of Terry’s wife & daughters. I pray that the Lord God himself will be there to comfort them in this time of need.

    One of my fondest memories of Terry is trying to compete with him & Trev one #FFF and getting outclassed, also the cheeky stories he would tell with his wry sense of humour, and just talking in general to him late at night UK time 🙂 I wasn’t fortunate enough to be one of the ones to strike up e-mail contact with Terry after the initial reveal of his bad news but I can only hope that the stories I sent him helped him when he was struggling.

    I guess it hurts so much because this feels like losing family, that only goes as testament to the strength of this community & the bonds of its members, like a proper family.

    Rest In Peace, GoonerTerry. I’ll raise a can of Strongbow Dark Fruit to you, my friend.

    Also, Clive, that was a beautiful post, my eyes watered freely as I read it. I’m so glad you got to know Terry in 8 months so well you could tell him you love him like a brother :’)

  49. on 23 Jul 2013 at 12:12 am49Joe

    A restless night.
    Goodbye Terry.

    Thanks Clive & Holic.

  50. on 23 Jul 2013 at 12:17 am50Wind

    Thank you for posting Terry’s first post @ 41 Holic, I appreciate it.

  51. on 23 Jul 2013 at 12:17 am51Oskar the dog

    R.I.P. Terry Adams-Williams

    You sound like the kinda guy who could have some influence up there … if you get a moment between Paradisiacal pleasures could you please put in a word for us this transfer window? Tks.

    Oskar

  52. on 23 Jul 2013 at 12:21 am52Oskar the dog

    …Apropos which the Bernard rumours are encouraging. I just hope it’s not on account of Santi leaving. I felt his early form rather petered out towards the end of last season. Could the home-sick rumours be true?

    Oskar

  53. on 23 Jul 2013 at 12:37 am53Cent'Berry

    ‘Holic, thanks for your 41.

  54. on 23 Jul 2013 at 1:26 am54behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    R.I.P. GoonerTerry. A more good spirited fellow, based on his good hearted and ever so humorous writing style, I could never hope to meet, and, as I hazily recall, the emperor of the Jamaican ‘holics. Thank you ‘holic and Clive for the memory.

  55. on 23 Jul 2013 at 1:32 am55Snir Geuli

    Although I barely frequent the bar these days, I felt compelled to post a post in honor of Terry.

    Terry was one of the few ‘Holics I have on Facebook who I would regularly chat with (albeit not recently due to his illness). We would talk about all kinds of stuff, including how he gave up his passports for a Jamaican one. Jamaica truly was his spiritual home.

    He would cheer me up when I was down, and I would try to cheer him up in the odd case when he wasn’t jolly as he normally was.

    I have a problem with death. I always cry when I hear or see death. Even when I’m watching a funeral on a TV show and know that it is not real.

    This is no different. The tears are dropping non-stop and I wish it could have been different for Terry.

    While I don’t post here as often as I used to, I can certainly call most of the ‘Holics my friends, and Terry was definitely one of them.

    Rest in peace my friend.

    May God bless your family.

    :'(

  56. on 23 Jul 2013 at 2:22 am56Cannons of Rhetoric

    I’m sad to hear about the news of GoonerTerry’s passing.

    I did notice his absence and was informed that he was ill by Clive but, in typical fashion, I assumed he would be getting better. Unfortunately I was wrong. My sincerest condolences go out to the remaining members of his wonderful family. He will be missed.

    RIP brother.

  57. on 23 Jul 2013 at 2:22 am57Derrick

    RIP GT. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

    And thanks Holic and Clive for a very sobering post.

  58. on 23 Jul 2013 at 2:43 am58matty t.

    Sad news indeed. Puts all our football concerns in perspective. R.I.P. Terry. Heartfelt best wishes to your family and friends.

  59. on 23 Jul 2013 at 3:57 am59iLonestar Gooner

    Wonderful tribute Clive and ‘Holic.

    All we really have in life is what we leave behind. GoonerTerry had more than most.

    Cheers, Terry. Godspeed.

  60. on 23 Jul 2013 at 4:52 am60Doctor Faustus

    Such a wonderful, warm, perceptive and positive post when faced with sorrow and pain: generous in spirit just like the man himself — one can glimpse a lot about the true quality of Terry the man from his posts.

    Growing up in a large extended family I have seen many a painful deaths from close quarters, and the tranquility and wisdom and courtesy and humanity in each of Terry’s posts even after the pain became so severely debilitating by his own admission speaks of a rare mind.

    Wishing Terry’s family and friends the best in these grief-stricken times.

    More than just a club, more than just supporters and much more than a blog.

  61. on 23 Jul 2013 at 5:59 am61Down Under But Not Down Hearted

    Thanks Clive and holic for that wonderful tribute.

    It certainly puts things in perspective (transfers or lack of/cricket) and makes you realise what’s really important in life. I always loved reading GoonerTerrys posts and will remember him as a great gooner and more importantly a great man. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
    A glass of Jamaica’s finest in honour of Jamaica’s finest, for all at the bar.
    RIP GoonerTerry

  62. on 23 Jul 2013 at 6:36 am62Vikram

    Great post and puts life in perspective.

    Arsenal is the bond that brings us together but there is so much more to life.

  63. on 23 Jul 2013 at 6:40 am63DanC

    This is very sad news indeed and I am devastated by the early passing of such a wonderful human being, let alone a true Gooner.
    A beautifully open and poignant piece; thank you Clive.
    Rest in peace my friend, you will be greatly missed by myself.
    Dapper DanC.

  64. on 23 Jul 2013 at 8:13 am64Gooneraside

    R.I.P. GoonerT

  65. on 23 Jul 2013 at 9:52 am65True Storey

    Clive

    Thank you for your noble words, it made a fine obituary.

    Condolences to Terry’s young family and to you for the loss of your brother.

    Best wishes, David.

  66. on 23 Jul 2013 at 10:58 am66Delia- Block112

    Sadly I only knew Terry through his posts,a much respected Gooner and one of life’s good guys.Condolences to his family for their sad loss.

  67. on 23 Jul 2013 at 11:01 am67arsenalroo

    Cheers, mate. Too both of you.

  68. on 23 Jul 2013 at 12:53 pm68Goonerholic

    Afternoon all,

    Thanks again for your respectful and touching comments.

  69. on 23 Jul 2013 at 1:43 pm69Chippy

    Such sad news to return to, RIP Terry and Best Wishes to all his Family and those who held him close, Always loved his stories and his sense of humour, will be missed,

  70. on 23 Jul 2013 at 2:14 pm70Buckthirsty

    I liked his posts.

    I bet you that a whole bunch of those old great Gooners was just a waitin’ for you to pop in with all the latest ones.
    R.I.P GoonerTerry.

  71. on 23 Jul 2013 at 4:21 pm71CamGooner

    RIP Gooner Terry

    Your reasoned comments and measured pronouncements will be missed. A voice of reason and logic.

  72. on 23 Jul 2013 at 5:23 pm72Arsenal1971

    God Bless

  73. on 23 Jul 2013 at 5:30 pm73Potsticker

    RIP Gooner Terry. Condolences to the family. Gooner Terry’s posts provided much enjoyment. He is missed.

  74. on 23 Jul 2013 at 8:01 pm74Matt (2)

    Lovely tribute, to a clearly popular man. Puts a touch of perspective to life and makes you realise that friends formed within this community are just as real as those formed outside it.

    RIP Gooner Terry.

  75. on 23 Jul 2013 at 10:31 pm75Trev

    Evening all,

    It has clearly been an emotional day in the bar.

    I have just re-read Terry’s first post courtesy of Holic @41, and it is very indicative as to why.

    Almost every sentence describes a memory and the accompanying emotion of events long in the past. Nobody and nothing is forgotten.

    The whole post is about people, values and pride.

    Not necessarily what many people would expect of the average football fan. But Terry was no average football fan.

    There has not been one single word written in this bar over the last 24 hours, concerning players, transfers, money, or any of our anxieties at a critical time for our club.

    Such is the regard that Terry, and his values, are held in.

    For what it is worth, it has made me even more proud to be a small part of this place.

  76. on 23 Jul 2013 at 10:47 pm76N7 Gooner

    Trev @ 75

    Couldn’t agree more on all counts.

  77. on 23 Jul 2013 at 11:00 pm77Pangloss, formerly Oxon Gooner

    What Trev said @75. This really is the best of all possible bars.

    Drinks all round please, and fingers crossed that Lars does the decent thing.

  78. on 23 Jul 2013 at 11:04 pm78Cynic

    BBC reporting a failed £40m bid for Suarez by Arsenal. Just go and buy Higuain, for gawd’s sake.

  79. on 23 Jul 2013 at 11:16 pm79snowy

    What I’d really like to post is:

    “What Trev said @75.

    Plus £1…”

    And I hope it would have made GT smile…

  80. on 23 Jul 2013 at 11:25 pm80Gedo

    Didn’t know much about him before the post but I do remember his posts being positive with never a bad word to say about anyone.

    One of the good guys.

  81. on 23 Jul 2013 at 11:42 pm81scruzgooner

    definitely what trev said @75.

    here’s for goonerterry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhoKzBm80ZA

    drinks, and tissues, on the bar, at your leisure.

  82. on 24 Jul 2013 at 3:11 am82pires is king

    May he be remembered long and well, rest in peace Terry. Thanks for sharing Clive, and Holic- my heart and support are with you and Terry’s family.

  83. on 24 Jul 2013 at 3:18 am83Mangi_lae

    RIP Gooner Terry,

    Being a long-time reader and only recent poster, over the years I’d come to not only enjoy but seek out GT’s morsels of humour and insight at the bar. He will be sorely missed.

    Condolences to his family.

  84. on 24 Jul 2013 at 4:03 am84Duttlenheim

    Wonderful piece fellas. Rest in peace Gooner Terry

  85. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:07 am85Harsha

    RIP GoonerTerry. Very sad to read this

    Thanks Clive and Holic for putting this tribute together

    *raises glass*

  86. on 24 Jul 2013 at 10:15 am86Kc

    Condolences to his family

  87. on 24 Jul 2013 at 11:47 am87ace

    RIP Gooner Terry

  88. on 24 Jul 2013 at 1:38 pm88Austrian Gooner

    RIP Gooner Terry and condolences to his family

  89. on 24 Jul 2013 at 2:37 pm89Mel

    Beautiful,just beautiful. I reckon Terry’s up there watching Geordie & Rocky terrorising spurs defenders.

  90. on 24 Jul 2013 at 2:57 pm90arsabeatbarca

    Gooner Terry, We hope your beautiful family is taking comfort by the outpouring of affection, by so many holics. Besides your gentle spirit, I want to celebrate your playful sense of humour ! How I would giggle, when you placed a well crafted zinger towards Holic, Trev and others 😉 Secretly cheering you on “Go Terry, you tell ’em!” 🙂 It was a badge of honour to be a recipient of one of your playful remarks. How about the time you reported on ‘arry’s trial, that kept us in stitches, sigh. Or the time, we tried to form two teams for FFF. You and Trev wanted to be on the same team. I said that wasn’t fair! Plus, I wanted Snir on my team. So many wonderfur memories … and yes, I won’t forget how you plead for leniecy towards Robin. We’ll keep your amazing spirit alive and pay it forward, somehow. xx

  91. on 24 Jul 2013 at 3:53 pm91Homer

    God’s Speed Gooner Terry. Wish I’d known ya better.

  92. on 24 Jul 2013 at 4:17 pm92North Bank Ned

    Trev@75: Well said.

  93. on 24 Jul 2013 at 5:07 pm93behind the 8 ball but gunning for glory

    Good memories, Abb. 🙂

  94. on 24 Jul 2013 at 5:24 pm94Lurky Oliva

    GT was the first who knew that I am actually not a female. Remember that abb? You thought that I was a birdie.

  95. on 24 Jul 2013 at 5:26 pm95Ambydex

    R.I.P GoonerTerry, God bless your whole family. Raises glass to a true Gunners.

  96. on 24 Jul 2013 at 5:55 pm96Cynic

    Higuain’s gone to Napoli for just shy of £35m

  97. on 24 Jul 2013 at 6:28 pm97bathgooner

    Predictable for about three weeks.

    Divey, bitey, cheaty, alleged racist will also go elsewhere. No question.

  98. on 24 Jul 2013 at 6:29 pm98bathgooner

    Chips ball from the halfway line into the box for a GT Tribute Century Goal.

  99. on 24 Jul 2013 at 6:49 pm99Lonestar Gooner

    ‘What do you think they’re smoking over there at Emirates?’
    John W. Henry (on Arsenal’s “improved” bid for the bitey diver)

    I dunno, John. I haven’t shipped any llamas to the Ems or Shenley in almost two years. However, whatever sticky is being inhaled, I could surely use a puff or two or ten.

    Damn, the CMC is still locked…

    BMBD

  100. on 24 Jul 2013 at 6:50 pm100scruzgooner

    for GT.

  101. on 24 Jul 2013 at 6:52 pm101scruzgooner

    lonestar, someone tweeted something to the effect that whatever it is being smoked, it’s nowhere as strong as what he was smoking when they signed Andy Carroll!

  102. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:07 pm102Lonestar Gooner

    Ha!

    Well struck, Scruz. GoonerTerry would have approved.

    BMBD

  103. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:10 pm103N7 Gooner

    What are we smoking?

    Champions League football John. Y

  104. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:25 pm104Doctor Faustus

    May I request that as a token of respect to GT as well as an expression of collective self-control we do not indulge in transfer speculations in this set of drinks?

    I am sure ‘Holic will have a new post sometime soon. But how great would it be to have a single blog and the following set of posts uncontaminated by the sheer lunacy and corruption of the whole transfer business, which has got NOTHING to do with real football, the sport itself or the things that attracted people like Terry and us to fall inescapably in love with it !

  105. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:27 pm105Lonestar Gooner

    Good one, N7.

    I still don’t want to ship those preposterous mickey clowns 40mil. It would bail them out of their morass. However, seems the ship has sailed regarding Higuain and others.

    It reminds me of high school dances when it came time to play the slow jams. The hottie on the left was taken by the jock (I never was gonna get her anyhow). The sneaky-cute girl on my right tired of waiting for me while I got my sh*t together to ask the hottie to dance.

    So now it’s either dance with mental, dentitionally-challenged, glee-clubber, or stand with my back against the wall…again.

    One is the loneliest number…

    BMBD

  106. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:30 pm106N7 Gooner

    I agree with Dr F @ 104.

    Let’s keep this thread about GT. Mark of respect and all that.

    I’m happy to either restrict transfer stuff to the previous drinks, or simply wait for a new post.

    A lot’s gone on in the last 48 hours, but it really doesn’t feel right discussing it under this particular post.

  107. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:30 pm107Lonestar Gooner

    I can go for that Dr. F.

    Didn’t intend to sully anything.

  108. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:43 pm108arsabeatbarca

    Hi Lonestar 🙂 and you other gents, as well 😉 8ball, You, Snir, H2H, Cor and GT kept me company late at nite, fond memories, indeed. Lurky, how could I forget!!! 😉 Scruz well in @ 100, Gooner Terry was so good at lurking. Think he used his trusty bat, to trip up others, when trying to score. “I’m telling Holic”, he’d say 😉

  109. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:46 pm109Cent'Berry

    I’m with Dr F.

  110. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:52 pm110Thundertinygooner

    Great call Dr.F.
    GT deserves special respect. It has been lovely to read the great memories of him. I went to an old friends funeral last Friday. After the sadness we started to rejoice in a life very well lived and to be thankful we had known our mate who had enriched all our lives so much. It was a very therapeutic process and much the same has occurred here through Clive’s beautiful tribute and the many recollections of his friends.

  111. on 24 Jul 2013 at 7:59 pm111Doctor Faustus

    Lonestar @ 107: I know you didn’t.

    N7 and TTG, thanks.

  112. on 24 Jul 2013 at 8:08 pm112Lonestar Gooner

    ‘Holic, perhaps you could “amend” the drinks to cull out my droll transfer related comments and create a uniform atmosphere to honor GoonerTerry?

  113. on 24 Jul 2013 at 8:09 pm113Lonestar Gooner

    Hi, ABB. Good to “see” you again, even under the circumstances.

  114. on 24 Jul 2013 at 8:11 pm114Cynic

    I can only repeat what Lonestar said at 107

    Didn’t mean to sully anything but didn’t think anyone would mind the normal flow of Arsenal stuff, done without any bitchery.

  115. on 24 Jul 2013 at 8:13 pm115Duttlenheim

    I also agree with Doctor Faustus …

  116. on 24 Jul 2013 at 8:14 pm116scruzgooner

    thanks, folks. my strike was guided from above.

    dr. f(austus)@104, yes. thanks.

    lonestar@105, but exactly. i still have the callouses from leaning against the wall.

  117. on 24 Jul 2013 at 8:30 pm117Goonerholic

    Evening all.

    Just in from what is now the customary drinks with neighbours in the garden. I could get used to this rare prolonged spell of good weather.

    Can’t go around removing posts now Lonestar. I’m sure Terry would have wanted the debate to flourish, but I will see if I can cobble something new together in what remains of the evening, so we have fresh nonsense to speculate on 😉

  118. on 24 Jul 2013 at 10:28 pm118Goonerholic

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  119. on 27 Jul 2013 at 11:32 am119Thierry Wrightkamp

    Toby:

    “I can only echo the sentiments of others.”

    I too can only do the same. I didn’t have the plesaure of spending much time “talking” with the man, but his words were often legendary here and that alone earned more respect than most.

    Too be honest, I have been trying to keep away a little bit of late. Things are not going anywhere close to “Plan A” and that makes me a bit of a hot cross bunny, but that is not to say that “Plan A.1” isn’t the real deal, if somewhat more “secret!” I certainly hope so…

    Anyway, I have wandered off the point and into the no mans land that I wished to avoid so I will simply say this:

    Clive, you are without doubt one of the most level-headed, honest and interesting Gooners I have ever “met” and I your words are truly astonishing. Your experience of Terry and all that it entailed is something that the whole world could learn something from, let alone us Holics. To you sir, I raise a glass and humbly invite you to share whatever you would choose to drink with me.

    To Terry I raise the rest of the bottle.

  120. on 30 Jul 2013 at 3:14 am120Susan Lowe

    To all you Gooners who have wished the Terry Williams Family so well, your support is ‘goosebumping’ us.

    My niece informed me which of the Goonermania sites to address

    May ‘your side’ keep you happy…testosterone is reported higher in you lot when it wins than after sex 🙂

    Yours Very Sincerely,
    the sister-in-law 🙂

  121. on 30 Jul 2013 at 3:31 am121Ria Williams

    My Dearest Gooners,
    Thank you for all you kind words and well wishes. During this time it is very nice to know that my dad (Terry) made such an impact on so many peoples lives both here in Jamaica and abroad and to know that we have your support. He spent his life attempting to make a better life for the people who reside in the fishing village of Bluefields, Jamaica. I salute my dad for transforming the lives of so many people, especially mine, for he has made me into to woman I am today……

    And too Clive. Love to you Mister Sir (smile)….Thanks for everything.

    Ria Williams
    (Terry’s Daughter and your fellow goonerholic) 🙂

  122. on 30 Jul 2013 at 7:32 am122Goonerholic

    Ria, and Susan, thanks for dropping by. Terry was a very special man, and we are all better people for having known him.

    Thinking of you all.

  123. on 30 Jul 2013 at 7:52 am123Cent'Berry

    Thanks for dropping by Susan and Ria, the words you see here do not even do justice to the man GoonerTerry was, much love to your family.

  124. on 30 Jul 2013 at 8:06 am124Ollie

    Ria and Susan, these couple of posts breathe a touching serenity and positivity that soothes me in the early morning work.

    Thanks for popping in here, and all the best to your families.

  125. on 30 Jul 2013 at 8:12 am125scruzgooner

    ladies, more of what’s been said by the three gentlemen above. may you and your family be blessed 7 times 7 times all that your terry brought to the world.

    now, where is that box of tissues?!?

  126. on 30 Jul 2013 at 8:42 am126DanC

    God Bless you Ria and Susan and may your father and brother-in-law’s warmth remain forever etched in the memories of all he touched. Sincerest blessings to you and all of your loved ones.
    Dapper DanC.

  127. on 30 Jul 2013 at 10:15 am127Susan Lowe

    PS the sea picture on my website is the welcoming doorway of the Williams’ last home in Bluefields, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the seas of which will receive Terry’s ashes…since Kingston was not his spiritual home…by the way, if you Aussies want to bother, it’d make Terry happy if you got on Avaaz and help them fight the planned mining in your cradle of the oceans…The Great Barrier

    http://www.avaaz.org/en/the_great_barrier_coal_mine_global/

    Cheers and thanks again for all

  128. on 30 Jul 2013 at 10:24 am128Trev

    Ria, Susan,

    Good to see you here. We have a little slogan in here that goes,

    “Virtual bar – Real friends”

    With time, that has happily become the case.

    It’s lovely to think that our old nonsense has in any way helped.

    We all owe you too, Clive, for bringing us closer to one very special man.

  129. on 30 Jul 2013 at 4:42 pm129arsabeatbarca

    Ria and Susan, Terry used to say he was surrounded by women folk. The WAY he said it, made me smile … like I am right now, tears and all. Hugs xx

  130. on 04 Aug 2013 at 1:47 pm130Manuela

    A person essentially lend a hand to make
    significantly posts I might state. This is the very first time I frequented your
    web page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made
    to make this actual submit extraordinary. Great activity!

  131. on 04 Aug 2013 at 2:46 pm131fernsehsessel mit aufstehhilfe

    Very energetic article, I loved that a lot. Will there be a part 2?

    my blog post: fernsehsessel mit aufstehhilfe

  132. on 05 Aug 2013 at 6:44 pm132cuisinart coffee makers on sale

    Hello there folks, I am something of a a cup of joe junkie.
    Hi everyone I had been looking at this post and I really appreciated
    it. There are quite a few sincerely excellent insights for me
    to process. I have to bring up, I’ve truly become lonely nowadays because my bro isn’t with me.
    Surfing around websites gives me just a little piece of mind
    . I would personally choose to say thanks to you due to this extraordinary
    internet based write-up which helps to pass on the news relevant to coffee drinks even more!

    I actually was wondering if you currently have rss opt-in list in order to routinely keep current at this site.

  133. on 09 Sep 2013 at 9:10 pm133sue lowe

    Another one for Terry!!!! Jamaica’s Environmental Crisis and Goat island…get on board…by all means we should have been the world’s largest transhipment point from the days of the Spaniards but not this way!!!! We could be minting, let’s not let another Panama happen, ….save the environment, do it right and get license to print money!!!! It can be done!!!!!!! Terry was a Master at negotiating this kind of thing…

    http://chn.ge/18J3adP

  134. on 20 Sep 2013 at 1:49 am134sue lowe

    and if you’d like to here’s another to sign for Gooner Terry as his wife believes he actually negotiated this sanctuary

    https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Proposed_Chinese_Logistics_Hub_on_Goats_Island_Jamaica/?cGQgtdb

    thx

  • Recent Posts

    • David Faber 1957-2019
    • Xhaka? Emery? What Do You Think?
    • Palace At Home – What Could Go Wrong?
    • Amazingly Spirited Gunners Pull Another Cup Win Out Of The Bag.
    • Guest Post – iBtM Europa League Preview
    • Brief Doesn’t Cover It
  • As featured on NewsNow: Arsenal FC newsArsenal News 24/7
    Arsenal charity of the season The Football Blog Network Gunners blogs Arsenal charity of the season
  • Get Adobe Flash player
  • Categories

    • book reviews (21)
    • comment (530)
    • competitions (37)
    • Guest Tales (65)
    • history (102)
    • match preview (746)
    • match review (830)
    • tongue in cheek (76)
    • Uncategorized (1)
    • video (10)
  • Pages

    • About
    • Behind The Arse
    • PopuHolics
Arsenal News Follow TheGoonerholic on Twitter Android app

Goonerholic © 2021 All Rights Reserved.

MistyLook made free by Web Hosting Bluebook