Football / Fan's View
‘Higgs shows generosity over tragic death’
It was a great pleasure to meet Nick Higgs this week. Yes, the very same Nick Higgs, the Bristol Rovers chairman, whose decision to ban a friend of mine from attending matches for “consistent criticism” has meant I have not seen a game at the Memorial Stadium for over three years.
But some things are more important than banning orders which are not a matter of life and death.
Earlier this year, there was a tragedy in my village when Ben Hiscox, a brilliant footballer for Stoke Gifford and an even better person, lost his life following a tragic accident during a game.
Bristol Rovers, who are supported by the entire Hiscox family, gave the family immense support following Ben’s passing and last Thursday I went with Ben’s dad, Clive, to meet Mr Higgs to thank him for everything he had done.
Much of what we talked about will remain private, but suffice to say it was an extremely moving occasion and we are very grateful to the chairman for sparing us so much of his valuable time. Little things, as they say, mean a lot.
It reminded me, if I needed reminding, how football clubs remain a vital component in the community. Mr Higgs spoke passionately about how he saw Rovers as very much a family club and the actions of the club is looking after its own supporters in difficult times simply went to prove it.
From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Clive and his lovely family, I thank Mr Higgs for his generosity.
Sadly, Mr Higgs was not prepared to budge on the issue as to why I am no longer attending matches (he raised the issue, not me) but as chairman and effective owner of the club that is his prerogative and, reluctantly, we have to accept that and move on with our lives.
Anyway, what happened with our meeting far outweighed any negatives and I am genuinely grateful to him for his kindness.
My main thoughts at this time are for the family of Ben Hiscox for whom this will be a very difficult Christmas. Nothing, but nothing, matters.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
