St Margaretsbury FC Chairman, Gary Stock, remembers the club's late president, Lyndon Groucott.

It is with sadness and regret that we have to advise the passing of Club President Lyndon Groucott. Lyndon, who was 89 years of age, fell ill last week and was hospitalised, but sadly passed away on Sunday.

We will be observing a minutes silence at our U18 match at Enfield Town Thurs 8th Feb, and at our next 1st Team home game (Sat 10th Feb vs Edgware Town) as a mark of respect.

Here is a summary and tribute to his wide-ranging involvement and stories within the Club and Football:

In 1953 Lyndon Joined the Committee of Stanstead Abbotts FC (St Margaretsbury's former name) at Millfield, Cappel Lane, Stanstead Abbotts. Meetings were held every Monday evening in the Pied Bull. In 1959 he was asked to take up Referring, which he did, taking promotion to class 1.   

In 1961 Stanstead Abbotts FC renamed St Margaretsbury FC and moved to the present ground. He was asked to become Chairman of the Football Club, a position he held for 10 years. Lyndon and his wife Wyn would often be seen down the club, watching and supporting, and Lyndon was a great supporter of the youth sections.

How the First Team starting squad used to be picked!

When he was Club Chairman, Lyndon spent each Monday night at Committee meetings picking the teams for the weekends. After picking the teams they gave the Manager the team sheet and he had to advise the committee if anyone became unavailable during the week so changes could be made.

It wasn't uncommon for them to still be there at 12.00 midnight, still arguing over team selection! That's why it was subsequently changed and became the Manager's selection!

In 1971 Lyndon was elected onto the Hertfordshire FA Council. He also became a member of the Waltham & District Saturday & Sunday Football Leagues as a Committee Member, and then later as Competitions Secretary, General Secretary, Chairman and finally President. He was a busy man!

In 1981 he was appointed to President of St Margaretsbury FC, a position he held until his passing. He was also on the St Margaretsbury Management Committee and Chairman of the Sports & Social Club, back when it was first formed in the 1980's.

In 2002 Lyndon had a Stroke, so sadly had to give up attending full time Committee meetings of Hertfordshire FA (after 28 Years service) and other club-related activities. But he was subsequently made Hertfordshire FA Life Vice President and attended meetings when he could. He was still an Hertfordshire FA Council Member to the day of his passing.

Throughout his Football life Lyndon had always been loyal and maintained his involvement with the St Margaretsbury FC committee from 1953 - 2009. He was a critical supporter when we encountered the unfriendly and underhand split committee episode in 2009/10, helping us to keep the club in friendly hands.

As a gesture of thanks, we duly named one of the stands in his honour!

We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to Lyndon's family and friends.

Club Chairman
Gary Stock

Lyndon Groucott’s Funeral will be held on Friday 23rd February at 1:00pm at Woollenbrook Crematorium, followed by the wake at Rye Park Conservative Club.

Woollenbrook Cemetary and Crematorium
Hertford Rd, Hoddesdon EN11 9BN

Rye Park Conservative Club
Rye Road, Rye Park, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0JD