John O’Hara
John was born and bred in Farnborough and his involvement with senior football in the town began in 1958 when he joined South Farnborough FC as a player and continued subsequently with Farnborough AFC. When the latter became defunct he joined the steering committee which led to the foundation of Farnborough Town FC in 1967.
It is recorded in the club’s history that the first competitive match was played in the Surrey Senior League on 31 August 1968 and was a 7-6 win against Surbiton Byron. Humble beginnings but John bore witness to the meteoric rise of the club through the leagues under manager Ted Pearce to the highest non-league level now known as The National League in 1989. This was incredibly quick by any standards.
John continued as a player in the early years until injury forced retirement in 1972. By his own account he had been a rather tenacious full-back! The club then appointed him as ‘sponge man’ and carried out this role for the next 10 years together with player coaching.
Following this, John’s role became off-field and he embarked on a long and renowned career involving many aspects of the club. Initially he served as a club committee member which extended to many guises including washing kit, helping the groundsman prepare the pitch, helping with painting and decorating the ground, match day duties, ground maintenance jobs and running errands to purchase the club’s everyday needs such as essential playing kit, food for the clubhouse, kit washing powder, etc. Needless to say, all his duties were voluntary and in view of John’s long and valuable service the club granted him a Founder and Life Membership Award in 1993.
When Farnborough FC was formed in 2007, he continued with many of his previous duties and until recently attended nearly all matches both home and away as a club official.
In 2013, the club offered further recognition of his dedication by naming a stand after him. This was indeed a very proud moment for him.
Further recognition came John’s way when a Hampshire FA Grassroots Award for his commitment to football over 25 years was given in 2018. This was rather belatedly received and the following year the Football Association presented him with a framed letter of commendation together with a long service engraved medal and an FA lapel badge recognising 50 years service to football!
John always had the club at heart and until recently with his regular match day hosting duties was a well known figure with various opposition officials and other guests. He always provided a good point of reference to us all when looking back to a moment or person in the club’s history.
The first Pre-Season Friendly at the Saunders Transport Community Stadium in July will be played in honour of John.
The club offers sincere condolences to Kate and Gary and all his family and friends at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace John.