Basingstoke football in mourning as two legends pass away

Goff, a former player, manager, and chairman of Tadley Calleva, died on Tuesday, April 23, at the age of 70.

He is survived by his wife Tina and their two sons, Peter and Barry.

Goff, who also played and managed Basingstoke Town, enjoyed a long and distinguished career in football, both on and off the pitch, and is remembered as "a genuine football man".

His close friend Robbo, who also played for Basingstoke Town, died in Portsmouth on Wednesday, April 24. Robbo's son Darren also played for Basingstoke Town, years later. 

READ MORE: Basingstoke Town FC to pay tribute to fan who died

The duo's friendship blossomed during their time playing together at Waterlooville in the 1980s.

An old photo and write-up of John Robson during his time at Waterlooville (Image: Contributed)

Both battled dementia in their last years, possibly due to their long football careers.

Goff played for several clubs in the Southern League since his teenage years and transitioned to coaching after retirement.

The 1980s saw Goff take the helm as manager of Basingstoke Town. He later went on to coach the Newbury youth team and Tadley Calleva. He served as Tadley Calleva's chairman until 2016.

An old photo and write-up of Goff White during his time at Waterlooville (Image: Contributed)

His wife Tina described Goff as a very good man who touched so many lives.

“He was so many things. He was totally committed to family while being passionate about football," she said.

Tina fondly remembered his outgoing personality, his love for jokes, and his strong opinions, traits that undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

“You always knew Goff was in the room because of his opinions,” she said.

Goff White was a lifelong Portsmouth FC fan (Image: Contributed)

A lifelong and devoted supporter of Portsmouth FC, Goff's final weeks were overshadowed by dementia, a condition he had bravely battled for several years.

The cruel disease ultimately prevented him from witnessing Portsmouth's recent promotion to the Championship.

Following Goff's dementia diagnosis in March 2021, with symptoms of stress and depression manifesting since 2012, Goff was diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Both Robbo (pictured) and Goff battled dementia in their final years (Image: Contributed)

In response to this life-altering diagnosis, Tina joined Head for Change, a charitable organisation pioneering positive change for brain health in sports.

She is now a strong advocate for initiatives that protect current and future footballers from brain damage caused by heading the ball in the game.

While efforts are underway to ban heading in football at schools, Tina remains concerned about the practice continuing in other countries.

SEE ALSO: Family of Basingstoke man who died on A33 in Berkshire pay tribute

Tadley Calleva said in a statement that Goff was, and will remain, an integral part of the growth of the club and his legacy will live on throughout the club.

Their general manager Murray Knox said: “Without Goff's input over the last 30 years, we as a club would not be in the position we are today. Goff put a massive amount of time and energy into the club not only securing the land at Barlow's but also securing the funding. I can honestly say if it had not been for all his hard work we would not be seeing the success we continue to achieve.

“I would also like to say that I was lucky to to call this man my friend and will truly miss his company. I'm honoured to have shared some truly great memories with Goff. He is a true Tadley legend."