Obituary: Colin White

Pictured L-R: Colin White, Dave Roberts (Groundsman, Southampton), Darren Baldwin (Groundsman, Spurs), Andy Gray (Assistant Groundsman, Southampton)

It is with great sadness that, after a short illness, Chalky passed away on Saturday, March 26.

To me Chalky has been a massive influence on my career and personal life. Indeed I could not have wished to have a better friend.

He started his career as groundsman at Southampton's old Dell stadium before taking over at Tottenham in 1976. During the next nine years White Hart Lane staged many great games, including the UEFA Cup Final in 1984 as Colin created a pristine surface that the then manager Keith Burkinshaw often described as "the best in the country."

Chalky left Spurs in 1985 to take on a sales role with Rigby Taylor and then worked for Avoncrop until this year.

Throughout his life he always loved the Saints and was a season ticket holder at St Mary's Stadium.

The funeral on Wednesday 6th April 2005 is open to all. The arrangements are as follows:

12pm Basingstoke crematorium.
2pm St John's Church, New Alresford - a Celebration of Chalky's life.
3pm Alresford Golf Club

Floral tributes or donations to: "McMillan Cancer Relief" can be sent c/o: R.S. and Partners, 12-14 City Road, Winchester, SO23 8SG.

Spurs v Saints matches will never be the same again. Thanks Chalks for all the memories.

Darren Baldwin - THFC.