Forest Green Rovers are mourning the death of John Whiffen, an 83-year-old supporter whose loyalty to the Nailsworth club spanned nearly three decades. He first watched Rovers in 1997 and became a familiar presence at home and away matches alongside his wife, Pat.
The couple, who had been married for more than 60 years, were well known within Forest Green’s supporter community. They travelled to fixtures together and supported fundraising through The Green Club, which John chaired at both The Lawn and The New Lawn.
A lifetime following Forest Green
John and Pat were also members of the Travel Club from its earliest days. They travelled to the vast majority of home and away fixtures over the decades, maintaining their connection with the club even as John’s health became more difficult in recent months.
Their commitment was recognised in 2024, when they were named Forest Green Rovers Supporters of the Year and presented with the Brian Fream Trophy. Despite his health struggles, John had signed up with Pat for season tickets and Travel Club membership for the current season.
Voluntary work at The New Lawn
One of John’s most significant contributions came before The New Lawn opened. He led a team of volunteers who painted the inside of the stadium, giving countless hours of his own time to help prepare Forest Green’s new home.
FGR vice-chairman Phil Butterworth paid tribute to John as a “stalwart FGR fan” and a “true gentleman”. He said John had organised supporters to undertake the major voluntary task of painting the stadium interior before it opened, and said he felt privileged to have known him.
“John Whiffen was a stalwart FGR fan. Together with his wife Pat, they have followed the club home and away for decades. “John can be credited with organising supporters to paint the interior of The New Lawn before it opened, a huge voluntary task. “He was a fine man, a true gentleman in every way. I feel privileged to have known him. John will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Pat and his family.”
Former Forest Green striker Alex Meechan also remembered John. Meechan said the supporter had hugged him when he returned to watch a match at Forest Green a couple of years ago, recalling his affection for the club and the memories he had made there.
“Wow so sad pure gent x. He hugged me whilst I was at FGR a couple years ago watching a game and still showed the love for the club… he cherished the memories. God bless John. “Absolute pleasure. Fly high and love to everyone.”
John passed away at home surrounded by his family. Forest Green Rovers said further details about how it will commemorate his life would be shared in due course.