Farewell Graham Watson

[Dogwatcher]

By Rob McLean

I was recently saddened, as were many in the football community, to hear of the passing of Graham ‘Grumpy’ Watson, a stalwart of the Elizabeth Football Club.
My first involvement with the Eagles was in about 1985 and he was there then, known to me as Mr Watson.
By the time I had played my last game for the club in 1997, leaving to pursue my chosen career, he had done just about every role possible in the club.
By this year, he’d probably done them all over again.
Grumpy was a staunch supporter of the EFC, a man who bled blue and gold.
For many junior footballers in the 80s, including me, he was their first coach at Elizabeth.
Many, many league footballers, including the great John Platten, had the honour of listing Graham among their coaches.
As a kid who mucked around a bit, just like my mates Lee Nicholas and ‘Mouse’ Prosser, you never quite knew if he liked you or not.
He did appear a little grumpy – but that’s not why he copped the nickname.
However, by the time we all grew up, Graham, in his taciturn way, was always happy to have a chat, whether it be at the footy club, whilst on his chair at the bar, or when he was manning the bingo booth at a local shopping centre.
By the time I was playing senior football, he was the man in charge.
At times that would have been a challenging job, especially when the infamous Pebbles Nightclub was up and running.
It was around this time that, as I recall, the Grumpy nickname was born.
Not because of any personality deficiency, more because of a supposed likeness to Walter Matthau in the movie Grumpy Old Men, which was a hit at the time.
When I was at the club, the nickname was whispered more than anything but over the years it seems to have become more affectionate.
Over the years, on my regular visits back to the club, Graham would always have time for a chat.
Most recently I saw him about two months ago, selling bingo tickets at the Craigmore shops.
We had a chat, he asked about my family and if I was still playing football.
When my wife had finished shopping, we said “goodbye”.
Now, we have all said those words to Graham for the last time.
It is hard to believe that there will be no more Graham Watson at the Elizabeth Football Club.
I hope that the club can find a suitable way to remember the contribution he and his wife Pat have made to keeping the place going.
RIP Mr Watson.

[Big Phil]

A sad day indeed Rob, well spoken...

In my one year of Under 17's at the Elizabeth FC, I remember seeing Mr and Mrs Watson around the club all the time, putting their heart and soul into the Eagles.

RIP Mr Watson, condolences to Pat, the families and the Elizabeth FC.

[BenchedEagle]

Great post DW. I do actually remember chatting to him about you once, ur a man he spoke very highly of.

you never quite knew if he liked you or not.

This sums the man up to me, such was his personality. He was a great club man albeit a very stubborn and frustrating man, as i learnt on my 2 years on EFC committee. He always wanted what he thought was best for the club so he always had that respect. Who knows where the club would have been if it werent for the dedication of Grumpy and Pat. I was never coached by him as many kids where over the years, but still luvved the man. He will be sorely missed.

In his honour EFC have officially named the downstairs bar 'Grumpy's Bar'