RIP Gregsgas (including fundraiser)

For those that don't know, which one is John the Stripe?

So Greggs checked shirt, glasses.

Absolutely gutted to read this. Had some great laughs with him at the FFSC games and always stopped for a good chat whenever we bumped into each other. We've lost a really top bloke.

RIP Paul and love to Clare and his family.

League cup 13th August  2019, Gas won 3-0

Ah ok. Not far off my wedding day so guessing I was penny pinching.

Pretty sure you were both at the first ever FFSC meet up 6 or 7 years ago?

I don't think Gregs missed a single FFSC function.

You know what? You are absolutely correct - bloody hell! What a time to have a bit of a senior moment! Thanks for jogging the (failing) memory Hugo.

Ahhh that is terrible - Great guy

Ok, after spending a sleepless night and all day thinking of my/our friend I’ve decided to get a few words written down, as I start to write the tears are literally rolling down my face, so sorry if I write weirdly.

Most of us first encountered Greggs Gas on the old forum and he was always a popular poster who enjoyed some fun, but it was only really when many of us met at our first FFS sponsored game did any of us really get to meet other forum users, Paul was one of those (god this is hard). You probably had to meet him to understand, but he was just someone you immediately felt easy with, he always made an effort to meet anyone/everyone and always with such warmth. He never judged anyone. The best bit was within moments of meeting him you knew this was a fun guy, no heirs or graces and so down to earth, you couldn’t help but be comfortable in his presence. He also always greeted you with a kinda grin and with such enthusiasm, I think in some ways he may have been a bit infectious to be around, people always felt at ease round him, he really was instantly popular at those early sponsored games.

As time went on we all got to bump into Greggs in and around the stadium, he would often start in one place and make the effort to come and see others (f..king hell I’m gonna miss seeing him), I know Kev (GHB) and Dave (Bideford) were always two he made that effort to see regularly along with Hugo, Simon, Phil, Sean and many others, and I will always remember how their faces lit up as he bumbled his way over in his own chilled out manner. We also found out how Paul put himself out for others as well, from organising things (he literally organised the last sponsored match all on his own), to just carrying things, finding others when they couldn’t find the group or organising something or other, he was always first to offer and often put himself second. 

Greggs also used to bring his wonderful girlfriend Clare along, and I think most of the time she was pretty much the only female attending, they belonged together and she had that same grin, mainly because she was wondering what he was up to now! You’d struggle to find a nicer couple who only meant well to others, I think all of us who met them considered them friends immediately even if our meetings were only short. We sure had some great chats sharing a fag/vape around the ground. My thoughts are massively with Clare at this time, I can’t imagine what it’s like for her.The last time I was lucky enough to enjoy their company was the Cheltenham game 2019 we won 3-0 it was so good a time I didn’t want it to end, and we carried on drinking till we were asked to leave….. and I missed my bus home, having to walk back to Stapleton, god what I’d give to miss my bus again for another night with you Gregsy. 

Paul had his problems as we all do, and the last few years , particularly through the pandemic had been really tough both physically and mentally for our friend , through it all of course he stayed his jolly self, we spoke through lockdown and I know Hugo was of particular help with regular calls/texts. Through all that on here he projected a positivity and a fun outlook, although deep down he was struggling, to be working in the hospitality trade these last few years must have been so hard. You know, I often thought of Paul in quiet times hoping someone or something would give him a break, he deserved more good fortune than he ever got.

I think we will all have a few memories personal to us of Greggs, whether in person or on here, where in my opinion he was a legend and this platform will miss him greatly, he can’t be replaced he had his own unique brand. He was thoughtful, entertaining, respectful and always dignified in his responses to others. This football club we all support and this forum has lost a massive asset that can’t be replaced. 

My thoughts go out to Clare and Paul’s family at what must be a terrible time, I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say….if you need anything, anything at all Clare please contact one of us and we will be there for you.

Im actually in bits trying to write all this, but just felt I had to, as if I was having one last chat with my/our friend, I’ll never forget you Gregsy, you were special and the world is gonna so much duller without you my friend. I’ll miss you buddy, I hope you find peace, Bless you my friend . X