Fond, respectful and some fittingly irreverent tributes have been paid to Moseley stalwart Greville Edwards following his death at the age of 76.
Described by one commentator as the ‘doyen of rugby’, by another as ‘one of the great characters of Midlands rugby’, friend and Moseley colleague Dave Warren has added his voice to the chorus of recognition.
Warren, a former player, captain and currently chief executive of Moseley, knew Greville for more than 40 years and not only bears witness to his outstanding business acumen and extensive contacts but also to his stimulating company.
“Greville is the last of the generation of men who made Moseley what it was during the Golden Years,” Warren said. “He was part of some great times and was probably the first commercial manager in rugby bringing sponsors to the club way before it became the established practice.
“He kept everyone on their toes and knew how to tell people if they were under-performing, but his heart was certainly Moseley. Many of us will remember him asking for a ‘quick moment’ and would know that an hour later we’d leave his company with our tails between our legs and ears bleeding.”
Greville was also a member of Woodrush RFC, a major part of the North Midlands’ glory days and in his working life came from a family of Worcestershire innkeepers, which has owned Chateau Impney, the Barnt Green Inn and The Diglis House Hotel at Worcester.
He was president of Pedmore Sporting Club, the Black Country organisation which has raised massive amounts for good causes, and also put on an annual Sportsman’s Lunch, held in Birmingham just before Christmas.
Greville passed away at his home in Hadzor near Droitwich in the early hours of Sunday morning. He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Warren and daughter Gaynor.
