Denton and respect

It was a story that began on the streets and terraces of North London far from the glare of publicity. How fitting that it should end that way, right under the noses of a media blissfully unaware of the events unfolding under their very eyes. Today’s football is the football of celebrity and the celebrity is the player and manager. While the press pack munched on their complimentary snacks before taking their complimentary seats, outside they missed the human story of the week.

Grown men gathered dressed in black to say farewell to one of their own. Their leader. The Bear. For 25 years or so these lads grew up together, laughed together and fought outsiders for the Arsenal. Whatever the arguments about hooliganism, when the media have always been quick to stereotype yet slow to get factual, the fact remains for people of a certain generation, mine included, Denton was a legend. For those gathered on the concourse surrounded by wreaths and teddy bears he was a mate.

While the media gathered and wondered who they could next eulogise or destroy with their keyboard, outside hundreds marched round North London visiting sites heavy with nostalgia. There were tears, there were beers, there were cheers. And there was respect. Anybody watching would have been surprised at the march held in the honour of their mate. There were young and old, friend and foe. There was a police escort but this was different. For lads used to being escorted by police round the country for various reasons this escort was respectful, responsive. There were Sunderland fans, Chelsea, Stoke showing respect. Outside the stadium there was even a bear from a Tottenham foe.

The next time a player is tragically taken from us be sure the media will generate interest in the story. They will help manufacture grief for someone very few people really knew beyond a shirt every weekend. This was different. This show of respect round Arsenal was organized by email, text message and forums from people intimately associated with a lad who was larger than life. Word spread round the streets and people responded because they wanted to, because they cared. Because they felt Denton represented a part of their life, their club, their character. It will be a long while before we ever see anything like this again.

A few weeks back there was a story coming from the club that they wanted to trademark the term ‘Gooner’. Without Denton there would be no Gooners.

My respect to the bear - by Spanner’s daughter Shannen

I have only met my dad’s mate the Bear a few times but one time that sticks out in my mind is the first time I met him. Last season after a game we were walking past The Bailey when the Bear shouts out to my dad, “Spanner!” My dad went over to him and they hugged each other. Dainton (The Bear) then asks my dad who I am and my dad says, “This is my daughter Shannen.” The Bear smiled at me and then grabbed my hand and we started dancing in the street.

Once my dad took the call that the Bear had died he started to cry. And I would like to say that this is the first time that I had seen my dad cry in all my 14 years. On Sunday, my dad took me to Cannons, where I helped him do a collection for flowers for the Bear. I then saw Mick the Bins. My dad asked him if he would take a bear I had bought over to the Bear’s wife Mandy. Binsy grabbed my hand and took me over to Mandy and said, “This is Spanner’s daughter Shannen. She has a present for you.” I was very shy but she smiled at me and said, “Thank you.” We then marched towards the ground, stopping at the old stadium for a minute’s silence. We also sang Dainton’s name and other songs. We then marched to the Armoury where we all laid flowers. We then went to The George pub as we did not have tickets.

Later that night my brother PeeWee was boxing at Streatham where he won the North London title belt. He has dedicated his belt to the Bear and my dad spoke to Dainton’s brother on the phone. He told him that Dainton’s family are honoured that PeeWee dedicated the belt to him. This cheered my dad up a little. He says I can go to the funeral to say my final goodbye to the cuddly Bear.

R.I.P.

Love Shannen

XXXXX

For more tributes to and tales of The Bear, visit The Herd website

Ed's note - onlinegooner was sent this tribute by email and although we attempted to discover the author before posting, we had no luck. However the writer has since been in touch, so in fairness to him, the piece above that was emailed to use originally appeared here. We do not make a habit of using material from other sites, but due to the subject matter concerned have no qualms about re-producing this piece.