I wouldn’t do this under normal circumstances but I’m sure from previous topics and threads a number of users knew my grandad Ian Nicolson - more than likely through the local football scene where he was a referee right the way up till his mid 70’s with his last match being the Keighley Cup Final in 1998 between Habergham and Ivy Bank. He was also a regular at Burnley CC watching his son in law Michael and later on my cousin Andrew play for the first XI.

Unfortunately, he passed away on Monday aged 93. A lifelong claret he used to sit in the Cricket Field End until the two new stands were built and he would pass on his memories to me of the great teams of days gone by. Unfortunately, he’s not been able to appreciate the recent good times due to his health but I always remember his delight and the promotions of 92 and 94.

God bless Grandad and Up the Clarets.

Grandparents have a special place in our hearts, don't they? I'm sorry for your loss but remember the good times. I'm sure there were many.

Sorry to hear your sad news ..Grandparents are very special..

RIP Ian x

Rest in peace fellow Claret

My condolences to you and your family. At that age he would definitely have many claret memories to pass on to you. I'm sure you had some lovely times together with lots of memories of your own.

RIP Ian.

He booked me on several occasions but never sent me off. I left that for others.

As has been said, grandparents are very special people so always remember the good times
and the very special part they played in your life.

Please accept my condolences.

RIP.

Sorry to read this.

Sending best wishes to you and your family.

RIP Ian, Condolences to all family and friends.

End of a connection with WW2 and all that meant. I understand your loss and wish you well. Remember him always at his best.

I never had grandparents - a lifelong regret. I'm sure Ian was a good 'un.

My word, I knew Ian well from his refereeing days, had one or two run ins with him too during those 90 minutes. And I know his son Stuart, who was also a referee, even better.

And the biggest argument I had was a disallowed goal. Even to this day I know he got that one wrong.

He’s lived to a grand old age but that won’t make his passing any easier for those close to him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Remember that day well Tony, it was a bit like the Geoff Hurst goal, I think Stuart was doing his first match that day, a bit of a tough one for him as there was a fair contingent of Redrose support there to tell him where he went wrong. Ian was a good age and outlived a lot of his contemporaries and was good mates with my in laws. All the best to the Nicholson family.

It always brings a tear to my eyes when we lose a Claret. RIP Ian.

ClaretTony wrote:My word, I knew Ian well from his refereeing days, had one or two run ins with him too during those 90 minutes. And I know his son Stuart, who was also a referee, even better.

And the biggest argument I had was a disallowed goal. Even to this day I know he got that one wrong.

He’s lived to a grand old age but that won’t make his passing any easier for those close to him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

My dad is still reffing Tony, I think he is down Gawthorpe in a couple of weeks running the line for the Youth Team.

In regards to my grandad, I think I was only told off by him once and that came on the football pitch for a poor tackle one Sunday morning in a game he was officiating.

Thanks for everyone’s kind words - he really will be missed.

IanMcL wrote:End of a connection with WW2 and all that meant. I understand your loss and wish you well. Remember him always at his best.

Thanks Ian. He was a WW2 veteran, sailing on the HMS Woolston for the Navy.

burnmark wrote:Thanks Ian. He was a WW2 veteran, sailing on the HMS Woolston for the Navy.

Sounds like that has a Southampton connection! Used to be shipbuilders there,vin Woolston.

Vosper Thorneycroft, in modern times.

IanMcL wrote:Sounds like that has a Southampton connection! Used to be shipbuilders there,vin Woolston.

Vosper Thorneycroft, in modern times.

Yep, you are right Ian....

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