A LEGEND in the history of East Cowes Vics FC and a man regarded as a real gentleman in Isle of Wight football circles, has died.
The club's former manager, Graham Daish, had built a side feared throughout Hampshire in the 1980s.
Vics won back-to-back Hampshire Leagues in back-to-back seasons under Graham's management — going unbeaten in the first season in 1986, then, to prove it wasn't a fluke, did it again the following season, losing only once.
In fact, over those two seasons, Vics went undefeated for 74 games — a new league record in those days.
What was unique about it was that Graham’s side was made up of purely Island boys and saw off tough opponents, like Havant, Eastleigh, Newport and Totton.
Many of their beaten opponents had budgets, but the Vics players actually paid £1 a game just to play.
The club also won seven Isle of Wight Gold Cup finals between 1980 and 1989.
Many players from his squad went on to play football at a higher level.
In an interview with the late John Hannam, Graham said: “When I took over, I had just one target and that was to make them a better team than Newport."
During the Vics’ Wessex League days, after their Hampshire League double years, Graham shocked the local soccer world by signing Southampton’s FA Cup winner, Nick Holmes, who
had given up full-time soccer due to an injury.
Even though Graham moved to the mainland after he had retired from management, he still took a keen interest in the Vics and would attend their games around the Salisbury area where he lived.
Four years ago, Graham became dangerously ill with Covid-19, but made a good recovery.
However, in even more recent times, Graham battled again with ill health.
Before his death, Graham presented the club with a trophy in his honour, which will be awarded at the club's 2024 club presentation night at the end of this season.
Graham is survived by his wife, Rose, and children Karen and Graham Daish junior.
Before tomorrow's home Wessex League game against Fawley, a minute's applause for Graham will be observed.
"The club would like everyone in attendance to take a moment to remember — and celebrate — Graham’s contribution to our club," Vics posted on their Facebook page this evening (Monday).
"It would be a fitting tribute if any of Graham’s former players can join us tomorrow."
Kick off at Beatrice Avenue 7.45pm.
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