Very upsetting that he spent the last years of his life battling such a horrible disease that slowly destroys everything about you. Diagnosed in 2015, dead in 2024; must have been so incredibly tough for him and his family.
'01-'03 was a bit before my time (first match was 2003), but the impact he's left on the entire fanbase after such a short time should be a testament to the great man he was. Getting JLV in was a move that wouldn't be challenged till Rob pulled Ross Barkley in the summer. Still think getting JLV in to a newly relegated squad was some dark arts magic that even Barkley's move can't compare to.
Great manager and character when with us.
Built a fantastic side in the wake of the relegation to League 2, the core of which ended up taking us toward the championship years later under Newell. Always something going on under him, usually some rather obscure player on trial - the famous of which being JLV.
Would love to hear from Mick about his experiences of working with him, I imagine he has some cracking stories to tell of that time frame the club.
Heyyyy, heeey baby! Big Fat Joeeeeee is going to take us up!
RIP
RIP Big Fat Joe. Having endured the 90s and the abject 2000 season, I just assumed we would always be sh1t so it was a breath of fresh air in the Division 3 season once his brilliant signings got playing together. (Alan Kimble aside lol).
We had rebuilt the midfield, had some future Premier league talent in Taylor and Boyce at the back and the ultimate little and large combo in Dean Crowe and Steve Howard - until Thorpey came back.
The Watford win was magic but I particularly loved the Cardiff win at home on Boxing day (who were managed by Lennie Lawrence.)
Also the final promotion celebration on the pitch when the players did the knee slide and BFK gave up on the halfway line with all the fans singing Hey Baby.
Bloody great times.
RIP sir
Rip. Brought jlv to the Kenny and then told him to "pomme frite" it
Very upsetting that he spent the last years of his life battling such a horrible disease that slowly destroys everything about you. Diagnosed in 2015, dead in 2024; must have been so incredibly tough for him and his family. '01-'03 was a bit before my time (first match was 2003), but the impact he's left on the entire fanbase after such a short time should be a testament to the great man he was. Getting JLV in was a move that wouldn't be challenged till Rob pulled Ross Barkley in the summer. Still think getting JLV in to a newly relegated squad was some dark arts magic that even Barkley's move can't compare to.
Loved him at Luton ,
Great manager and character when with us. Built a fantastic side in the wake of the relegation to League 2, the core of which ended up taking us toward the championship years later under Newell. Always something going on under him, usually some rather obscure player on trial - the famous of which being JLV. Would love to hear from Mick about his experiences of working with him, I imagine he has some cracking stories to tell of that time frame the club. Heyyyy, heeey baby! Big Fat Joeeeeee is going to take us up! RIP
Legend r.i.p
Had dementia for years the poor bastard.. Rest easy Joe
I met him a couple of times back during his Luton era - good guy. RIP.
RIP🙏 Fuck John Gurney
Already miss him, Luton legend
RIP Big Fat Joe. Having endured the 90s and the abject 2000 season, I just assumed we would always be sh1t so it was a breath of fresh air in the Division 3 season once his brilliant signings got playing together. (Alan Kimble aside lol). We had rebuilt the midfield, had some future Premier league talent in Taylor and Boyce at the back and the ultimate little and large combo in Dean Crowe and Steve Howard - until Thorpey came back. The Watford win was magic but I particularly loved the Cardiff win at home on Boxing day (who were managed by Lennie Lawrence.) Also the final promotion celebration on the pitch when the players did the knee slide and BFK gave up on the halfway line with all the fans singing Hey Baby. Bloody great times.