Paul Taylor - Of Fossils & Foxes

[HighPeakFox]

Sadly Paul, who co-authored Of Fossils & Foxes, has passed away. I hope he gets well remembered by the club - RIP Paul.

[KingsX]

The man's accomplishment in creating a history so rich, so comprehensive, and beautifully assembled with photos and memorabila, attests to what must have been a deep and lifelong attachment to the club.

 

My wife shocked me with a copy for my birthday -- true love, that  -- and I was amazed by the quality of the book and the vast quantity of information.  He should have been very proud of it, and I hope the club will recognize him.

[PhnomPhenFox]

I had the privilege to travel to games with Paul between 1995-2005 before I moved to Cambodia. In that time I never knew him to miss a game. I remember one time he had been admitted to hospital and we were just about to pull out of Euston and Paul gingerly boarded the train after discharging himself an hour earlier! No-one had a better knowledge of the club and it's history. It was fascinating on those train journeys to listen to Paul's stories and for him to recall past games, players and goals with amazing clarity. After a few drinks on the way home from long journeys to the north east he would sing us terrace songs from the 60s and 70s. It was great to travel with him again to Burnley a few years ago in our championship winning season. I regret not seeing his face when we won the big one - that would have been something!

 

Paul was highly intelligent, witty and very warm. My thoughts are with his family and friends and the London supporters club of which he will be sorely missed. 

Edited 12 December 2017 by PhnomPhenFox

[UpTheLeagueFox]

Very sad news. OF&F is a wonderful legacy to both his talent and his love for the club.

[filbertuk]

Happy memories of travelling with Paul and the London Branch late ‘80’s - early ‘90’s...So glad he witnessed our Immortal Triumph...RIP Paul.

[PhnomPhenFox]

http://ynuk.tv/2016/04/25/football-fans-talk-leicester-city/

[Chico1958]

Sorry I didn't know the guy but it's always sad to hear of a life passing

 

Paul RIP............ You did good buddy

[Footballwipe]

Not usually one for RIPs on the internet, but what this man did in conjunction with Dave Smith over a 30-year plus period is nothing short of invaluable. I'm lucky to have all three versions of OF&F and each one is just incredible. The detail, the context, the background research that must've needed to go into players and seasons from the older years is astounding.

 

I saw him at many games. I never spoke to him but by god did I admire his abilities. He'll be much missed. If no-one ever steps into his massive shoes those three books will be an outstanding legacy from the club which he clearly loved more than most of us ever will.

[HighPeakFox]

I met him in Madrid, along with a few London-based fans, and they were all very welcoming and kind to me. I also saw him at Huddersfield, and am now very glad I said hi and shook his hand. Will be much missed I have no doubt.

[stripeyfox]

F&F is an absolute masterpiece, so all the credit in the world must go to this guy and his fellow author. Sorry to hear about his passing and hope that his life can be recognized in some way by the club.

[Bayfox]

RIP.

I find the fact the latest edition of F&F was a once in a life time update a very fitting tribute.

 

I've been lucky enough to have spent a bit of time in his presence over the last 25 years as a close family member and a very good friend were both once upon a time London branch members. He was due to meet several of them and us in Newcastle for a curry but never arrived we only found out yesterday morning the sad reason why he had been a no show. I know his passing will greatly affect those who knew him better than me.

 

I last spoke to him in Copenhagen were he was a little shaken having had a fall. He was always a quiet unassuming man but dedicated his life to our wonderful club. 

 

I hope the club can find a fitting way to honour someone who produced such a master piece of our history.

[Wolfox]

Sad news...  he’s left quite a legacy...

[norwichfox]

I didn't know him, but he was clearly liked and respected. R.I.P.  Paul Taylor.

[davieG]

Thanks Paul for all the pleasure you've given me through the OF&F.

 

RIP

 I hope you get to meet those legends of LCFC that you have so meticulously documented.

[Orpingtonblue]

Very sad news..Had a good chat with Paul last year in Seville and his love for the club was apparent in his inevitable understated way. Like others I trust the club will do the honours and ensure his life as a true foxes fan is properly acknowledged. RIP

[Noel Blake Fan Club]

Pompey fan here in peace.

 

Just thought I'd check to see if there was any mention of Paul on here, as he was a regular at our local pub in Balham. Was gutted to hear of his passing yesterday, as he's always been a good mate and would take an interest in a number of club's results on a Saturday (mine included) as we would run through our respective games over the weekend over a pint (or, in his case, over a bottle of something dark and Belgian).

 

He was the cock of the walk after your boys won the title - I don't think he bought a beer for weeks, such were the levels of congratulations (and warmth towards him, obviously).

 

RIP Paul - I'll miss our chats.

[boots60]

I have met Paul on many occasions over the years at various away grounds & pubs & on trains across the country & have never met a more knowledgeable chap on all things LCFC.

A True & gent & co-writer of the greatest book ever published. He will be hugely missed.R.I.P Paul.

 

[fazzyfox]

I bought my first F & F this year and have been saving it for Christmas, I love the Christmas Day afternoon or Boxing Day with a tin of chocolates, something mellowing to drink and a reference book looking up things whether it's bands discographies, footballers or films and sit-com episodes. It sparks a kind of Adrenalin as one lead leads to another and you find yourself both reminiscing and learning something new. From my sneak peak it's a very well conceived piece of work, everything I wanted it to be and he and the other contributors will be in my thoughts as I plough through it. They seem very respectful to even the minor contributing players, rather than "Norman Leet - A bit shit", "Tony Spearing - See Norman Leet", "Steve Prindiville - Who?", there's some detail for all of them and that's probably the more rewarding angle for me than the ones I remember well anyway. 

[daddylonglegs]

RIP. Never spoke to him but often saw him at away games, especially in London. I'm very glad the club managed to give him something back for all his hard work, with the PL title - as I imagine like all of us he saw some crap during his time! Thoughts with his family and friends. 

Edited 12 December 2017 by daddylonglegs

[Corky]

Very sad news. A passionate and committed fan who produced excellent club literature.

 

RIP Paul.

[Hugo Sanchez]

Never spoke to him but always regonised him at away games. Long hair, black coat and bag over his shoulder. We've done a lot of applause in certain minutes for people but this guy hadn't  missed a Leicester game home or away for 5 decades. Wrote the greatest books ever written on Leicester city.

 

I like to think the club will do the right thing and honour him on Saturday. He's probably the biggest Leicester city die hard in our history. 

 

RIP Paul keep the blue flag flying high 

[nelbert]

sad news will never forget what he and jack did for the club over the years

[Lcfc_lass10]

Very sad news, only met him a few times through a very close friend of Paul's. I'm sure he will be missed by many, especially the London branch.

[Uncle bill]

RIP Tates,

 

Will miss meeting an old pal from school at many away games

 

Pleased fo get him to sign my F&F when visiting my pub The Honest Lawyer up in Scunny

[Bluetintedspecs]

Had many a chat with Paul back in the day, top bloke and an Encyclopedia of everything LCFC......RIP