RAMSEY lost one of its best-known and respected sportsman at the back-end of the summer.

Jeff Gough was a talented footballer and goalkeeper, and is thought to have been the only man to have represented the Isle of Man junior and senior XIs as both a keeper and outfield player.

His home club was Ramsey AFC at Ballacloan stadium, but he did have a stint later in his career with St George’s in Douglas as a midfielder.

In his younger days he had a trial with Everton at Goodison Park. He wasn’t successful but apparently the scout/trainer commented: ‘He is the best shot-stopper we’ve ever seen. He has the agility of a gazelle!’

What perhaps let him down was his lack of height. Former Ramsey Grammar School classmate and long-time football referee Richard Radcliffe added: ‘I will remember him as the finest goalkeeper that I ever saw; if only he had been over 6ft tall, he would have made it with Everton.

‘There was always a laugh to be had in his company.’

Jeff was also a keen golfer and former captain of Ramsey Golf Club. ‘He was one of those who was very good or simply brilliant at any sport that he turned his hand to,’ added Richard.

Founder and MD of Gough Electrical for many years, Jeff had suffered with Parkinson’s Disease for the past five years or so.

Pictured is Ramsey AFC’s 1981 FA Cup-winning side; appropriately it was Jeff Gough scored the only goal of the game in the 75th minute to defeat the pre-match favourites Castletown.

(Back row l-r) trainer Kenny Burns [a former professional footballer with Tranmere Rovers], Andy Burns, Ray Rowley, Dennis McGurgan, Martin Davies, Davey Perry, Alan Callow. (Front) Peter Wrench, John Teare, Brian Kelly, John Grubb, Ady Crellin and Jeff Gough.