Minutes Applause | Adrian Riddiford & Colin Addison

Forest Green Rovers wishes to recognise the recent passing of two important people in the history of the club, Adrian Riddiford and Colin Addison. For tomorrow's game versus Gateshead (3.03pm KO).

The FGR Supporters Club are organising a minute’s applause in the 15th minute of the game, to celebrate their lives and show our appreciation. We invite all supporters to join us in the minute's applause.

Adrian Riddiford

Adrian was a man who devoted his life to grassroots and youth football, initially through the local leagues in the Stroud area and later through his work with the English Schools’ Football Association. His connections with Forest Green go back to those early days, and many a manager has been grateful for Adrian’s input, whether through scouting, negotiating player transfers, arranging pre-season matches, or simply sharing a chat over a cup of tea.

Adrian spent some years on the Board in the late ’90s and afterwards was a member of the Green Club, rarely missing a home game. In recent years, he was part of the team that travelled the country researching for the new stadium. All of this was done in his own time and voluntarily. There cannot be many people involved in football in the Stroud area who have not heard of Adrian. His commitment to the sport, and to Forest Green in particular, was unsurpassed.

Colin Addison

Colin was arguably one of the most iconic managers we have ever had. In the 2002–2003 season, he led the club to its highest ever position at the time. When Colin took over at Forest Green during the 2002–2003 season, the club was in real trouble, having accumulated only six points from the first ten games of the league campaign.

Whilst Colin was in charge, the club’s form improved significantly as the season progressed, steering the team away from the drop zone to finish 9th — the club’s best ever finish in the Conference at that time. During that season, Colin also led the club to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

FGR wish to express their condolences to Adrian’s and Colin’s families, friends, and everyone who knew them.