Stalwart involved in the Robins for more than 40 years passes away
Everybody at the Beacon was saddened to hear of the death of Hassocks Football Club stalwart Dave Knight.
Dave was involved with the Robins for many years both on and off the pitch, including as an instrumental figure in helping the club move from Adastra Park to the Beacon.
When the club hit a cashflow crisis many years ago, both Dave and Dave John loaned the club money without which it may not have survived.
It is no exaggeration to say that without Dave, there may not be a Hassocks Football Club today.
Dave was never afraid to speak his mind and that made him a fascinating character for post-game analysis.
It also manifested itself in his long-running Through the Smoke Haze column in the matchday programme, featuring brilliant and often hilarious views on the Sussex non-league circuit and the wider football world.
Through the Smoke Haze was a continuation of Dave’s work as programme editor through the late 1980s before settling into the role he was probably best known for as the club’s long-serving secretary.
In this role, Dave famously found himself being called as a witness at a disciplinary hearing after Brian Husbands decided to appeal a red card.
Ever honest, Dave told the appeal panel that Brian had done exactly what he was accused of and so the ban remain in place. A story which has entered Hassocks folklore.
Even after Dave stood down as secretary after many years, he remained a regular at the Beacon when his health allowed it.
When Dave could not attend matches, he would request an in-depth report on what had happened the following day whilst enjoying a couple of Sunday lunchtime pints at Keymer & Hassocks Sports & Social Club, where he was also a member.
The Knight family have invited anybody who would like celebrate Dave’s life to attend a service at the Clayton Wood Natural Burial Ground on Tuesday 15th August at 11am.
There will then be food and drink served at Keymer & Hassocks Sports & Social Club immediately afterwards.
Our thoughts are with Phillip, Richard, Alexandra and the rest of the Knight family. RIP Dave.
