Tony Geerts - RIP

[Peter Grummit]

Brian Owen ‏@Brian__Owen · 36m36 minutes ago
Currently writing a piece about Tony Geerts, influential figure in Brighton and Sussex Schools football, who has died at the age of 92.


Those who went to Patcham junior or played against them will remember the be-whiskered behemoth that was Tony Geerts. RIP.

PG

 

[Bra]

Very sad news. Remember being taken for football and cricket by tony geerts. Good memories

 

[shingle]

Unbelievable......I was only telling my boys about life under TG at Patcham Junior School last week, and about how much has changed in schools in the 45 years since I was at Patcham Junior school.

TG was incredibly strict and had a very short fuse. If you annoyed him, he used to grab hold of you, turn you around lift up the back of your shorts and whack you hard on the back of the thigh. Us boys used to call it a Geertsy Slap. It never happened to me though, but I witnessed it numerous times.

 

[HAILSHAM SEAGULL]

He was coach when I played for Brighton Boys in the late 60's

RIP Mr G

 

[essbee]

The man was unfair. Simple as that.

 

[shingle]

The man was unfair. Simple as that.

Did you ever get the Geertsy Slap Essbee

 

[Peter Grummit]

I think I remember him doing the non-league roundup on Radio Brighton for many years.

PG

 

[Crispy Ambulance]

PE teacher at Patcham Middle when I was there in the 70's. I was crap so doubt I registered in his radar! RIP.

 

[West Hoathly Seagull]

He was a mate of Ardingly College's First Eleven coach in my time there, Graham Dawtrey, who knew him when he was an Albion reserve. RIP.

 

[catfish]

I think I remember him doing the non-league roundup on Radio Brighton for many years.

PG

Yes I remember him doing that and the Football League round up as well.

 

[Fulking Seagull]

I can remember to this day one of his sayings from my Patcham Middle School days 'if in doubt... put it out'.

A great influence on many. RIP Tony.

 

[essbee]

Did you ever get the Geertsy Slap Essbee

Metaphorically speaking shingle - yes -

 

[shingle]

I can remember to this day one of his sayings from my Patcham Middle School days 'if in doubt... put it out'.

A great influence on many. RIP Tony.

BRILLIANT.... Fulking Seagull.......They're starting to come back to me now..... RUN WIDE DON'T HIDE

 

[shingle]

Ahhhh... Starting to get all sentimental

R.I.P Tone...you old codger

 

[Prince Monolulu]

Always remember playing on the wing at school, getting a bit miffed about being constantly fouled and mouthing off a tad with TG reffing.
'Oi, no.7.....come over here'.
Strolled over expecting my first ever booking, but was thrilled when he asked me to come along for my first ever Brighton Boys trial.
The fish and chips after BB matches were of legend!

R.I.P.

 

[Box of Frogs]

My old teacher from Patcham Middle in the 70s. I was on the fringes of the football and cricket teams. Remember the 'If in doubt, put it out' saying very well. Taught us Maths as well. RIP you old bar steward!

 

[Peter Grummit]

Always remember playing on the wing at school, getting a bit miffed about being constantly fouled and mouthing off a tad with TG reffing.
'Oi, no.7.....come over here'.
Strolled over expecting my first ever booking, but was thrilled when he asked me to come along for my first ever Brighton Boys trial.
The fish and chips after BB matches were of legend!

R.I.P.

I think TG may well have reffed my most memorable junior game, played at Patcham Junior school. Baker Cup Final 1975 Westdene 3 Moulscoomb 4. Westdene led 3-1 at HT and some talented lad called Paul Gent won it for the 'Scoombers in the 2nd half. I've never forgiven him. Anyone on here play in that game?

PG

 

[Prince Monolulu]

I think TG may well have reffed my most memorable junior game, played at Patcham Junior school. Baker Cup Final 1975 Westdene 3 Moulscoomb 4. Westdene led 3-1 at HT and some talented lad called Paul Gent won it for the 'Scoombers in the 2nd half. I've never forgiven him. Anyone on here play in that game?

PG

I'm a year or so younger, played against Paul Gent in a Sunday side Cup match once, but being a tad younger we were battered. Balfour kid me

 

[then and now]

I think TG may well have reffed my most memorable junior game, played at Patcham Junior school. Baker Cup Final 1975 Westdene 3 Moulscoomb 4. Westdene led 3-1 at HT and some talented lad called Paul Gent won it for the 'Scoombers in the 2nd half. I've never forgiven him. Anyone on here play in that game?

PG

That was my first school final was a great game you was lucky in the first half, gavers up front
you, terrer taylor in midfield, Keith was the tallest keeper I played against at school,,, second half as you say the scoombers turned it on 4-3 job done, after that if I remember moulsecoomb school won all that they came up against until we left for our senior school.

 

[Boroseagull]

Didn't realise he was still going. I have good & bad memories of him way back in 1957. Yes he was rather fond of slapping boys legs, mine included but I like to think it was just that post war discipline that existed at the time. But I have very fond memories of playing in goal for Patcham when as a team in 1957 we won the league & The Baker Cup that season. He was also in charge of Brighton boys juniors and I along with others including Nicky Shieldkamp & Jeff Humphries played all the games that season. Still have the b&w photos of the time and remember it so well.