RIP John Bickerstaffe

[jdrobbo]

John Bickerstaffe sadly lost his battle with cancer just over a day ago, having first being told of his illness not long after Burnley's Wembley win in 2009.

I think at the time he was given just a short life expectancy, but agreed to participate in a trial treatment which significantly increased the number of years he had left. Indeed, at the start of this week he was being his normal happy self on his social media page and had taken his granddaughter to school on her first day.

John was a lifelong Claret, from Barrowford and he had a close connection with Barrowford Clarets. Many of you might know him through there. He took me, as a friend of the family, to my first away game as part of a Supporters Club, the 2-2 draw away at Stoke on that terribly windy day in 1999-2000. He had previously taken me to my first away game by car, the 1-1 draw at Lincoln a year or so previous.

For me, I got to know him well through playing the game itself. I started playing football for Barrowford Celtic at eight years old, in their Under 9s team. After a few years, they we were left without a coach and John, a goalkeeper, agreed to step in, alongside his good friend, Paul Taylor. At ten years of age I was a rather round centre forward, but John turned me into a keeper, a position I love and still play to this day.

John and Paul coached the group all the way through from Under 12s to Under 16s. Their commitment to youth level football and to Barrowford Celtic in general, was astounding.

I was in his son, David's year group at Colne Park High School and we were good friends. I was lucky enough to holiday with them in Cornwall, for a fortnight, one summer at the start of the millennium, such was the generosity of John and his wife, Eileen.

I'm gutted that John's fight is over. Whenever I bumped into him at Burnley games, he always made time for me. He really was a truly great bloke. Thanks for everything John.


Sending best wishes to Eileen, David, his sister, Charlotte and the rest of the family.

Cheers Bickers. You'll be missed.

Robbo!

[Ooogeorgeorgeoghani]

John always had time for everyone, spent many mornings chatting with him while walking the dog, lovely man ,and put in a heck of a lot of work into celtic over the years , Have a rest John.

[MACCA]

RIP fellow claret

[DAVETHEVICAR]

A great tribute by Jdrobbo.
Did not know John Bickerstaffe but he was obviously one Top Guy
RIP

[ALP]

I was fortunate enough to grow up with John in Barrowford, he was a couple of years older than me and when I was a scout, he took me well under his wing, along with Simmo. I haven't seen him much in recent years as I'm not out and about much in the village, but whenever we did bump into each other we always had a good catch up. A truly great bloke and a gentleman, John will be sadly missed around Barrowford, but will never be forgotten

Rest in Peace John, a good friend, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

[Herts Clarets]

Late 70s my uncle Geoff Smith played centre half for Barrowford Utd. Bickers was the keeper and a bloody good 'un. Years later i played for Pendle Forest Jnrs and he coached keepers. I learned a lot from him.

Terribly sad to read that he has died. Condolences to his family. RIP Bickers.

[Jel]

John truly was a great man and I am sure that everyone who knew him will be saddened. The work that he's done for Barrowford Clarets, Celtic and the village as a whole over many years deserves recognition in itself but he was also really a great bloke too.
Today the world is a poorer place!
My thoughts are with Eileen, David, Charlotte and all the family.

[Cirrus_Minor]

John has been a good friend of mine since I was a lad in Barrowford. I even played football with John, who incidentally was a fine goalkeeper. He was a true claret and wanted me to get involved with the Barrowford clarets, which I never did. He was indeed a top guy. His older brother, Bob, also died in July.

I was truly shocked when I heard about his death yesterday.

My thoughts are now with Eileen and his family at this sad time.

RIP young Butch.

[HatfieldClaret]

A lovely tribute.

RIP

[jdrobbo]

He was an excellent keeper, I agree. Always told me to look after me knees and hips!!

[ClaretTony]

Really sad news that John has finally lost his fight. My thoughts with Eileen and his family.

[Lonsdaleclarets]

Bickers was a truly lovely bloke. After being in oz for ten years we returned to live in the uk and moved to Barrowford after living in brierfield and harle Skye previously. I first spoke to John on the phone with regards joining Barrowford clarets a week after coming back after seeing his name and number in the nelson leader. I thought it would be a quick two minute call to put my name down. I was on for a good twenty minutes and it was like talking to someone I had known for years. Not only was I signed up to join but he also had me take down my young son the morning after to join the mini pro's at Barrowford celtic. A fantastic bloke who will be a great loss to all who knew him. Rest in peace mate.

[MT03ALG]

John was a tremendous person, a great family man, a lifelong supporter of Burnley F.C., a brilliant ambassador for amateur football and a first-class goalkeeper. He played for many years for Trawden Celtic F.C. with distinction. His strength of character was shown by his determined fight against his illness throughout which he never complained but just got on with life as well as he could and was invariably cheerful and a joy to meet up with to discuss football etc. He will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Sincere condolences from all at Trawden Celtic F.C. and John's many friends in the village of Trawden and the surrounding area to Eileen, David, Charlotte and their families.
RIP John.

[Andingle]

RIP John

[cricketfieldclarets]

Ffs. Is this real? Probably one of nicest people ive ever met. An absolute gent.

[Steve1956]

RIP my fellow Claret.

[cricketfieldclarets]

What a **** year. 3 great clarets that i know passed. ****.

All characters in their own right. But john was a true gent whenever I met him.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Johns not on this picture. But the guy on my right (ive got grey hoody on) is actually from glasgow. This is after the rangers game and john gave him his shirt.

Theyre rangers fans and ironically theyre comig to anfield next week with johns shirt

Tim noone knew him well i think.

[jdrobbo]

This is a picture of me being presented a trophy by Paul Taylor at Barrowford Celtic, alongside John, who is on the right of the picture.

IMG_3657.JPG (87.71 KiB) Viewed 4845 times

[tim_noone]

RiP lad... He was always chatting,saw him at the west brom game and didn't break his conversation : ( Sure I saw him at the spurs game,though maybe it was west brom. A nice Lad.

[1968claret]

Got to know Bickers a few years back when I was coaching at Barrowford Celtic. As others have said, a lovely fella.
RIP John and best wishes to his family and friends

[California Colner]

RIP John
Went to school and played football with him
Sad Sad Sad

[Goodclaret]

Another young Claret lost. Thoughts with all his family and friends

[jdrobbo]

Bump.

[tybfc]

I recognise his face but did not know him.

We seem to have lost too many at such young ages during the past few years.

My prayers to his family and RIP.

[MT03ALG]

John's funeral service is next Thursday 21 September at St.Thomas' Church Barrowford at 1 p.m.

[Spike]

Really Sad. God Bless.

RIP John