T.O. always smiled and seemed yo know something about life that we didn't. A secet that I wish I knew then, but am glad I know it now. Every thought of T.O. brings a smile and there isn't one person who knew him that can say any different.
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Totty O Totty / “T.O.” - what an incredible force he was; both on and off the soccer field. So sad that he has left us way too soon.
On the field he was a truly frightening presence. I would never have wanted to play against him. His eye popping athleticism and crunching tackles (that made Norwegian Ivan resemble Chappy) were moments of pure soccer magic.
For us though, his teammates, he was an immensely reassuring presence. Someone you knew you could count on. Talented, committed, and a true joy to play with. He would literally dominate people on the pitch but do so with a larger than life smile and that mischievousness Nigerian laugh. I loved playing with Totty - he always made me smile.
Off the field that infectious smile and mischievousness laugh were just two facets of a true genuine gentlemen. Kind, unpretentious, funny, and respectful, T.O. embodied humility and grace. He was an inspiration to us all. Karl’s “I went down to McDonalds, for some Burger King and Fries” memory just brought it all back!
In the world of soccer, we often speak of the concept of a "team of destiny," a group of individuals brought together by fate to achieve greatness. T.O was an integral part of our NHC team of destiny. He helped us win on the field but more importantly helped shape our growth as individuals in ways I’m sure he never fully comprehended.
I still have that legendary yellow, white, and blue NHC Umbro jersey tucked away in my closet. Whenever I lay my eyes on it, my thoughts instantly turn to Totty. I’m truly thankful for the short but wonderful moments we spent together.
RIP T.O.
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I think the thing I remember most was when Totty walked onto the pitch he held a presence that not many players had. He had a physical presence that intimidated literally every opponent we faced. Then he would get stuck into a tackle he was not going to lose, one way or another and more often than not he would come out winning the ball. He was fearless but at the same time had a huge respect for the game and the opponent.
Off the field, he was one of the nicest and most genuine characters you have met. Just had a great attitude about life that was contagious and someone you wanted to be around. A great man in all aspects. RIP Totty❤️
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— with
Totty O Totty and Jeff doyle
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2008, Manchester, NH, USA
10-year reunion gathering of the lads!
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I knew T.O first as an amazing football player before I knew what an amazing person he was.
We played an important game in 1989 and the game was very tense on both sides.
As we know Totty was very strong in the tackle …….which is a massive understatement!
Totty put one of his patent tackles on the opposition’s midfielder who then decided to kick T.O and then chase him the length of the pitch. T.O just gave that huge grin, laughed and high stepped the length of the pitch and then behind the goal. All the time the opposition player trailed T.O as nobody could ever keep up with him.
He was always one step ahead!
As good as he was as a player, he was an even bigger personality off the field.
If something didn’t seem to be going so well then his engaging smile would soon lighten your mood. His daily cheery demeanour lifted you when sometimes you weren’t feeling the same way.
T.O will be hugely missed for many different reasons, but mostly as the person he was.
RIP TOTTY
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Totty on graduation day. Caught me after a workout. Nothing but smiles.
— with
Totty and Vin Zuccala
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