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Micky Foot
'Footie'
Gainsborough Rugby Club
Mick Foot, backbone of the club, from his first game in the mid seventies, all the way through the eighties and nineties, was tragically killed in a train accident on Wednesday evening, 7th March 2007, while working over in Warrington.
Gainsborough is, and always has been a 'grass roots' rugby club, never will they be a big club, but well known, and respected at thier level. Over the years some very talented players have worn the black shirt, but no one will argue that Mick was the best, and what is more, he never moved on up to the levels he should have played at, just simpley proud to be an 'Gainsborough All Black'. But everyone who knew him, and wow, thats quite a few, Mick was simpley unique, and just 'Footie'. The one great thing was, and we can say this without the slightest fear of contridiction, was that once you met and talked to the guy, you felt that you had made a friend.
Those who played with him, or against him, remember one thing above all, the sweetist right foot. In open play we loved to see our opponants kick the ball over our head, a beaming smile would follow, as we watched the ball sail back, usually twice the distance it had just travelled. Mick could kick penalties with ease from his own half on the biggest of pitches, but also he could drop a goal from the same range.
Not that he could only kick, when he joined the line he either broke the line, or created overlaps for those outside him. Our opponants were always so happy that footies one fault was the 20 a day, which stopped him joining the line every time.
Probably the best sporting adulation is that even with his abundant talant, he never bragged or boasted, and was more than happy to nurture those less gifted around him, a true team player, never wanted to be anything more than 'one of the lads'. The one thing he always was, and that is loyal, always there for you.
Not only that....the boy could drink! When on form we could often see him in a boat race drinking a pint at number one and if required then the anchor leg as well. At least in later years he went bald, (so he was only human after all).
At this time our thoughts must be with Jo, loving wife of over twenty years, and sons Stuart, Garrie, and Craig, not forgetting Micks Mum, Dad, brothers and sister, as well as Jo's family. I dont think we can imagine the pain and grief they must be going through, but equally, we can only pray that they have twice the fond memories that we all share of him.
If you can read this with a small smile, through the tear in your eye, you knew Footie. If you didn't, i'm sorry you never had the honour.
Rest in Peace dear friend, from all of us that knew you.
