Geoff Riddy

Greensnet Editor
Tue 21 Jan 2020, 09:29

We were saddened to learn last week of the passing of Geoff Riddy, a member of our successful side in the mid-1960s, winning the treble of Isthmian League title, FA Amateur Cup and Middlesex Senior Cup in 1964/5.

Geoff came through the ranks at Claremont Road and made his debut in December 1961 against Finchley and went on to make a further 15 appearances in the 1961/2 season. The following season, Hendon's last in the Athenian League, saw him make just two further appearances but in August 1963, when the Greens made their Isthmian League debut, Geoff started in the 2-1 victory at Clapton.

He made 20 appearances in the 1963/4 season, including a key role in the 1-0 London Senior Cup Final win over Enfield at Lower Mead, the club's first success in the competition.

The 1964/5 season was the most successful in Hendon's history and Geoff was a regular making 54 appearances and scoring 5 goals. His first goal came in a 9-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers in December 1964 and he then not only promptly added a second in the same game, but scored twice more that month. Geoff ended the season as part of the side that beat Whitby Town at Wembley in the FA Amateur Cup Final, Enfield in the Isthmian League Championship play-off and Middlesex Senior Cup.

The following season proved to be Geoff's final one with the club, and he made 37 appearances, scoring 6 goals. Two of these were absolutely crucial with one coming in the FA Amateur Cup Semi-Final at Roker Park against Whitley Bay in a 2-1 win and the other came five minutes into the final when he met a corner to open the scoring against Wealdstone. Alas, this time the Greens were unsuccessful as the Stones won 3-1.

Geoff suffered a serious injury in the Middlesex Senior Cup Semi-Final against Hayes and missed the rest of the season. In the summer of 1966 he moved to Wealdstone but remained a firm supporter of Hendon Football Club, introducing his nephews to the club.

In total, Geoff made 129 appearances for the club and scored 11 goals. His contribution towards the rich history of the club have been immortalised in print through the words of David Ballheimer and Peter Lush ensuring he will not be forgotten.

The thoughts of everyone connected with Hendon Football Club are with his family and all those that knew him at this difficult and sad time.