Former Notts County Chairman Derek Pavis has added his tribute to Honorary Lifetime Vice-President John Mounteney, as the club continues to come to terms with his tragic passing this week...
We all have to be so thankful to John Mounteney. If it wasn’t for John it is quite possible our beloved football club could have gone out of existence. In 1987, John was trying to persuade anyone and everyone who he thought could purchase and save Notts County. Having been out of football myself for some 18 months, John bestowed all that was good about Notts onto me and he achieved his goal when I decided to purchase.
John became my Vice-Chairman for 16 years and was my Financial Director, being the meticulous person he was with figures and bookkeeping, he would advise me when we had to sell a player (which was more often than not!!!) and when we had sufficient funds in the pot to go and purchase players.
I’m the first person to admit I would not mark the Diplomatic Corps! But John, with his superb diplomacy, people skills, honesty and integrity made us a great team, helping to steer our Club to many a success. Of course we had big disappointments as well, that’s all part and parcel of the package.
I remember oh so well on our trips to Wembley, be it successful or failure, I would turn round in the Royal Box and see John’s tears streaming down his face with such pride, just to be standing there with his beloved Notts County and thousands of fans.
Over the years our friendship has grown, John and Daphne are like family to Vivien and I and our respective families. To me he was my best mate and in the last six years also our neighbour, whom we are going to miss so deeply. I will miss his daily visits, keeping me up to speed with all that is related to Notts and the paper cuttings he posted through my letterbox on a regular basis. John was highly regarded and respected, not only through his connections in the football world, but in his business and his many, many friends up and down the country and worldwide.
Right now, Vivien’s and my thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to the charming and devoted wife Daphne, their delightful son Edward, daughter-in-law Debbie and Grandson Luke. Finally, I wish to say how very thankful I am to have known such gentleman that had so much honesty, integrity, humour, but above all, loyalty, that I feel very honoured and privileged to have had John Mounteney as my very best mate.
Derek & Vivien Pavis.
Derek & Vivien's daughter Lavinia also added her thoughts:
John Mounteney, you were a true gentleman, a very special husband to Daphne, a wonderful doting father to Eddie Mounteney, a very much loved father-in-law to Debbie Mounteney, the best granddad that Luke could wish for, a special friend to so many that knew you and my Dad’s best friend!
You were like family to us. You managed the perfect mix of humour, honesty, integrity, friendship, loyalty, devotion and respect to everyone you knew. You are already sadly missed by everyone.
Sending all our love and thoughts to your family at this difficult and very sad time. Lavinia and James xxxxxx