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Post by Huddysleftfoot on Jun 30, 2011 21:50:08 GMT
Just a thought but I've just ordered the first two books in the series as I've not read them and heard so much about them through this thread. Maybe others reading this in the same situation as me could order the books as a tribute to Steve?
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Post by Will_75 on Jun 30, 2011 21:52:58 GMT
It’s great to see so many lovely words said about Steve. Along with his son Jack, Steve and I have travelled to Stoke games together for the past 10 years (and more recently with my son Matty), making the long trek from Norwich to Stoke (or wherever we would be playing). After my partner Angela and my son Matty, Steve was the person with whom I spent more time with than anyone else. I’ve spent much of the past week in tears and still find it very hard just writing this. Steve and I have been on a terrific journey, from the depths of Grimsby-away at the bottom of the third division to the final of The FA Cup. Steve wasn’t just someone I watched football with. The sight of his silver BMW rolling up outside my house (always fashionably late) filled me with happiness, knowing that whatever the score, I was going to have a good day because I was about to spend the next 10 hours with the most dignified, cultured, clever, generous, friendly and funny person I’d ever had the pleasure to call a friend. As he pointed out in one of his books “If it wasn’t for football, Graham and I would never have been friends”. I am a scientist who spends most of his spare time birding. Steve was a writer who spent most of his spare time with his dogs. We were very different, but our love for Stoke City brought us together and made us the best of friends. I now look forward to the forthcoming season with a heavy heart. I'll never jump for joy and have that human embrace that two grown men can only really have whist celebrating a goal. I'll never be able to laugh with him over the funny chants and the daft callers on praise-and-grumble and the 606 phone-in. I'll never be able to send him a text knowing I'm going to get the most wittiest reply imaginable. But what I do have is some fantastic memories and I'll treasure those forever. They say you should enjoy life before it's too late and Steve certainly did this, living a full and successful one. However great my grief, I know it can't be comparable to those of his family. Carol, Diane, Bumble, Arthur, Jack, Trezza – my most sincere condolences. Steve was a very special person. I'll miss you terribly Steve. Your friend forever, Graham Graham I've not logged on the the oatie in my own time for years. Your post made me glad I did. Manly tears over here x |
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Post by OldStokie on Jun 30, 2011 22:13:42 GMT
Hello Will. *Waves handy over the ethernet*
A superb post from Graham. I've spoken to him and I know how he's hurting.
Trezza emailed me tonight and I'm sure she won't mind if I put an edited version of her email on here for all to read.
Dear Mick,
What incredible, wonderful tributes on the messageboard. I'm blown away by all those messages. I don't feel capable of putting anything on there myself just now, it feels so heart-shredding, but if anyone wants to know, it means the absolute world to me. I wish he was here to see it. So much love from so many people.
Tx.
For those who wish to know, the plans are for a very private cremation and funeral in Norwich for family and very close friends, and then winger's ashes will be brought to Stoke-on-Trent for a Memorial Service, and will be a celebration of his life as a lad of The Potteries and a passionate Stokie.
OS.
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Post by surreystokie on Jun 30, 2011 22:14:09 GMT
Huddy, I determined immediately upon hearing of Stephen's death, that I would buy the two of his books as yet unread. It's only a small tribute but, multiplied by the number on here alone, who speak so highly of him, the commission could be a boon for Jack, at this stage of his life.
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Post by MarkWolstanton on Jun 30, 2011 22:16:28 GMT
There is little that can be added to the tributes already posted reflecting the fine man Stephen was.
It was simply a pleasure being in his company, reading his books or laughing at the wit of some of the brilliant one liners he posted on the Oatcake.
I have no idea what exactly makes up the chemistry of a message board but whatever it is a piece of this one has passed on with Winger.
Strength and many best wishes to all his family and many friends.
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Post by Huddysleftfoot on Jun 30, 2011 22:20:29 GMT
Huddy, I determined immediately upon hearing of Stephen's death, that I would buy the two of his books as yet unread. It's only a small tribute but, multiplied by the number on here alone, who speak so highly of him, the commission could be a boon for Jack, at this stage of his life. Well that was in my mind also but wondered if I might appear vulgar. To me it would be a wonderful tribute and a contribution to those Steve has left behind. |
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Post by saturnuranus on Jun 30, 2011 22:22:58 GMT
We'll be with you, Stephen.
She Stood There Laughing documents exactly what being a Stoke fan is about, what a legacy to leave.
Rest In Peace.
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Post by theloudest on Jun 30, 2011 22:27:05 GMT
Did not know he wrote the books they were class.
RIP
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Post by 58Potter on Jun 30, 2011 22:31:14 GMT
Rest in peace Stephen  Once a Stokie always a Stokie. |
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jun 30, 2011 22:31:48 GMT
Rest In Peace Stephen. My condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends. Never read any of his books but that will change!  |
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Post by chell_rosey on Jun 30, 2011 22:32:42 GMT
Very sad news, he was a class act.
RIP
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Post by theginsoakedboy on Jun 30, 2011 22:36:20 GMT
lots of banter in the good old days, sorry to hear the news. He still owes me the commission from using the name 'She Stood There Laughing' as we had used for the Wembley fanzine versus Stockport in 92. I think we had agreed on a couple of pints of Pedigree, just never got round to sharing it.  |
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Post by A-teen_six_T3 on Jun 30, 2011 22:56:51 GMT
Read his books, and they've given me so much enjoyment and brought back so many memories, from his writing and the thoughts he wrote he seemed like a top top bloke. I've also exchanged conversations with him via the PM facility on here. Tragic tragic news
RIP fella.
we'll be with you
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Post by RWChris on Jun 30, 2011 23:00:54 GMT
Winger, I was always jealous of your wit and intelligence. A thoroughly decent guy you will be missed on here and in the wider footballling world.
Condolences to your partner and son...I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through but I hope in time they can bring themselves to look at this thread and smile knowing that you were one of life's good guys and appreciated for it too.
Rest in Peace.
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Post by hertsseasider on Jun 30, 2011 23:04:07 GMT
Blackpool fan here. On behalf of those Tangerines that "knew" winger through AWAG, can I express my heartfelt condolences to Stephen's family and friends (Elt, Old Stokie, Will etc)
She Stood There is one of my favourite footie books and I'm proud to say I got a quote in The Book of Lists
God bless and never forget, Everyone's a Stokie
Herts
Blackpool FC
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Post by barmystokie1 on Jun 30, 2011 23:05:47 GMT
RIP Stephen.
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing you but I have read your books a few times and they meant a great deal to me and most of my family who have all read them.
When I went on my gap year to NZ in 07/07 I took "She stood their laughing" to remind me of Stoke (missing the whole promotion winning season!!). The book helped to rekindle my passion and made me me feel so proud of our city and team, as his words so eloquently and humourously described all the emotions I had ever felt at the match. Thank you
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chinapotter
Academy Starlet
"Looking jolly from Stoke" -Mark E. Smith
Posts: 219
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Post by chinapotter on Jul 1, 2011 1:17:27 GMT
Condolences to friends and family and thanks to Stephen for conveying what it is to be a Stokie.
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Post by JoeinOz on Jul 1, 2011 1:26:34 GMT
RIP Winger.
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Post by rhodesy on Jul 1, 2011 1:31:07 GMT
Saw this picture on Amazon, thought it needed to be shared.  RIP |
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Post by johnnypotter on Jul 1, 2011 1:37:41 GMT
A Stoke Legend, R.I.P. Thoughts go to his son and his partner. Try to take some comfort from all the genuine lovely comments from his Stoke City family. A family which you are both part too and always will be. God bless.
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Post by nottspotter on Jul 1, 2011 1:38:32 GMT
Huge fan of all his books and writing style. gutted I never got to talk to steve on here. my thoughts go tho his partner and son.
rest in peace winger
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Post by Dallas Cowboy on Jul 1, 2011 4:45:08 GMT
I never met Stephen but came to know the warmth of his personality, his sense of humour and kindness through his books, newspaper articles, blog site and e-mails.
An erudite man, his prose was always a joy to read.
Since learning of his death my sense of loss has been profound but it can only pale into insignificance when compared to that felt by his partner, son, family and close friends.
My thoughts go out to them all.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Jul 1, 2011 6:01:10 GMT
It’s great to see so many lovely words said about Steve. Along with his son Jack, Steve and I have travelled to Stoke games together for the past 10 years (and more recently with my son Matty), making the long trek from Norwich to Stoke (or wherever we would be playing). After my partner Angela and my son Matty, Steve was the person with whom I spent more time with than anyone else. I’ve spent much of the past week in tears and still find it very hard just writing this. Steve and I have been on a terrific journey, from the depths of Grimsby-away at the bottom of the third division to the final of The FA Cup. Steve wasn’t just someone I watched football with. The sight of his silver BMW rolling up outside my house (always fashionably late) filled me with happiness, knowing that whatever the score, I was going to have a good day because I was about to spend the next 10 hours with the most dignified, cultured, clever, generous, friendly and funny person I’d ever had the pleasure to call a friend. As he pointed out in one of his books “If it wasn’t for football, Graham and I would never have been friends”. I am a scientist who spends most of his spare time birding. Steve was a writer who spent most of his spare time with his dogs. We were very different, but our love for Stoke City brought us together and made us the best of friends. I now look forward to the forthcoming season with a heavy heart. I'll never jump for joy and have that human embrace that two grown men can only really have whist celebrating a goal. I'll never be able to laugh with him over the funny chants and the daft callers on praise-and-grumble and the 606 phone-in. I'll never be able to send him a text knowing I'm going to get the most wittiest reply imaginable. But what I do have is some fantastic memories and I'll treasure those forever. They say you should enjoy life before it's too late and Steve certainly did this, living a full and successful one. However great my grief, I know it can't be comparable to those of his family. Carol, Diane, Bumble, Arthur, Jack, Trezza – my most sincere condolences. Steve was a very special person. I'll miss you terribly Steve. Your friend forever, Graham Lovely words Graham and spoken from the heart. Do you remember the last time you, me, and Steve shared a conversation? It was a bit of a weird one. You and I found ourselves sitting next to one another at Hull (in the game when we secured our Premiership status for a second season). Steve was away with some Oatie regulars on a "Dender Bender" and you mentioned this to me - to wind me up. It worked, I came out with a mouthful of abuse about Steven being a PHW and asked you to to pass it on. Then you showed what a true friend you were - he happened to phone you on your mobile and you handed it to me and said "I don't need to pass it on you can abuse him yourself!" That's real friendship and I'm sure he appreciated it! ;D |
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Post by LphPotter on Jul 1, 2011 6:19:37 GMT
sad news. RIP winger
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Post by spiderpuss on Jul 1, 2011 6:31:06 GMT
RIP winger. Sad news indeed.
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Post by greyman on Jul 1, 2011 7:00:17 GMT
It’s great to see so many lovely words said about Steve. Along with his son Jack, Steve and I have travelled to Stoke games together for the past 10 years (and more recently with my son Matty), making the long trek from Norwich to Stoke (or wherever we would be playing). After my partner Angela and my son Matty, Steve was the person with whom I spent more time with than anyone else. I’ve spent much of the past week in tears and still find it very hard just writing this. Steve and I have been on a terrific journey, from the depths of Grimsby-away at the bottom of the third division to the final of The FA Cup. Steve wasn’t just someone I watched football with. The sight of his silver BMW rolling up outside my house (always fashionably late) filled me with happiness, knowing that whatever the score, I was going to have a good day because I was about to spend the next 10 hours with the most dignified, cultured, clever, generous, friendly and funny person I’d ever had the pleasure to call a friend. As he pointed out in one of his books “If it wasn’t for football, Graham and I would never have been friends”. I am a scientist who spends most of his spare time birding. Steve was a writer who spent most of his spare time with his dogs. We were very different, but our love for Stoke City brought us together and made us the best of friends. I now look forward to the forthcoming season with a heavy heart. I'll never jump for joy and have that human embrace that two grown men can only really have whist celebrating a goal. I'll never be able to laugh with him over the funny chants and the daft callers on praise-and-grumble and the 606 phone-in. I'll never be able to send him a text knowing I'm going to get the most wittiest reply imaginable. But what I do have is some fantastic memories and I'll treasure those forever. They say you should enjoy life before it's too late and Steve certainly did this, living a full and successful one. However great my grief, I know it can't be comparable to those of his family. Carol, Diane, Bumble, Arthur, Jack, Trezza – my most sincere condolences. Steve was a very special person. I'll miss you terribly Steve. Your friend forever, Graham Lovely words Graham and spoken from the heart. Do you remember the last time you, me, and Steve shared a conversation? It was a bit of a weird one. You and I found ourselves sitting next to one another at Hull (in the game when we secured our Premiership status for a second season). Steve was away with some Oatie regulars on a "Dender Bender" and you mentioned this to me - to wind me up. It worked, I came out with a mouthful of abuse about Steven being a PHW and asked you to to pass it on. Then you showed what a true friend you were - he happened to phone you on your mobile and you handed it to me and said "I don't need to pass it on you can abuse him yourself!" That's real friendship and I'm sure he appreciated it! ;D I think we were in Krakow. You should have heard the abuse you were getting from a bar in The Rynek |
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Post by basingstokie on Jul 1, 2011 7:44:28 GMT
Just logged onto Oatcake this morning and was shocked to this this story.
RIP Winger, Foster, you will be sadly missed.
Sincere condolences to Trezza, Jack and the rest of your family
She stood their laughing is a great read. I didn't know there was a follow up, but I'll be ordering it in a minute
Matt
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Post by GlennA on Jul 1, 2011 8:01:37 GMT
Limitations of time and tolerance dictate that you can't read everything on the Oatcake M/B these days even if you wanted to, but Winger was one of those whose contributions were always worth checking. He always came across as thoroughly likeable both on here and AWAG back in the day. Very sad news and I hope his friends and family can take some comfort from all the obviously heartfelt tributes on here.
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Post by Morganghost on Jul 1, 2011 8:26:10 GMT
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salut
Spectator
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Post by salut on Jul 1, 2011 8:31:46 GMT
It's great that Stephen's partner, sister, other relatives and friends have seen the extraordinary warmth of these messages. It's a tiny additional tribute from a Sunderland fan - see my earlier message (page 5) - but I have this morning, as promised, republished the answers Stephen gave last season (before the game at our place) for my site ... salutsunderland.com/2011/07/farewell-stoke-citys-man-of-letters/ |
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Once a Stokie always a Stokie.
