It is with great sadness that we learned this week of the passing of Roy Godfrey at the age of 79 after losing a courageous and dignified 5-year battle against Alzheimers.
It was during what became known as the ‘Golden Years’ between the late 1960’s through to the early 1980’s that Roy made his mark at Royston both as a player and latterly as a manager at the Club. As a player he was an outstanding defender, a ball-winner both in the tackle and in the air combined with a creative ability to play the telling pass forward.
He was one of the key members of Royston’s league and cup winning teams beginning with the Herts County Division 1 Championship 1973/74 followed by the Premier Division Championship in 1976/77. It was a real surprise when at the end of that season he announced his playing days were over. With tongue in cheek blamed me for his decision on the basis that I’d beaten him in the training sprints – me being not renowned for my speed over the turf!!
He decided to become the manager of Royston’s Reserves for the 1977/78 season before admitting the error of his ways and returning to first team football playing a leading role in Royston’s best FA Vase run in reaching the 4th Round before going out to the eventual Vase winners, Billericay.
When Dave Bullock became first team manager for the 1980/81 season he recruited Roy as his assistant and his experience proved decisive in winning the Herts Charity Shield.
It was a privilege to count Roy as a personal friend and outside of football we shared many rounds on the golf course and some epic times at Old Trafford watching his beloved Manchester United.
On behalf of RTFC we extend our sincere condolences to his lovely wife Rose, daughter Anna, son Paul and all his friends and family – he will be missed but always remembered for the giant of the man he was.
RIP Roy
Alan Barlow
President RTFC