Roger Godberd's constant rival throughout his life (1238-1293) was Reginald de Grey (1238-1308), and the latter was "a great military leader" and was Sheriff of Notts and constable of Nottingham castle in 1265-9 & 1278. Originally they were friends but then after the battle of Evesham they were on different sides.
("1264 Roger Godberd, Reginald de Grey and others are accused of poaching venison in Sherwood Forest." "Roger Godberd along with John, Reginald and William de Gray, promises to stand if anyone wants to press any cases of trespass against them.") "William de Grey in conflict with outlaws 1266." "1267 Godberd moves to Sherwood forest". "Reginald de Grey ... fighting outlaws in Notts, Leics, Derby". "1268 Roger de Leyburn, the lieutenant of Reginald de Grey, the king’s Constable at Nottingham castle fought 2 engagements with him and his followers, one in the heart of Sherwood Forest." "1270 Foliot's Castle Fenwick was besieged by royal troops under the command of Reginald de Grey, who intended to capture Godberd and his companions, but the outlaws managed to flee before the Sheriff's arrival." "1270 Godberd, Walter Devyas, and four others were captured in the grounds of Rufford Abbey, and from there taken to Nottingham Castle, but managed to escape. A prominent local knight named Richard Foliot helped Godberd and his fellow fugitives, and protected them from the Sheriff." "1271 de Grey is given money (100 marks) by the king to raise an army to defeat/catch the outlaws/bandits", and/or "1272 Reginald de Grey paid 100 marks from three counties for expenses which he incurred in fighting outlaws in Notts, Leics, Derby, and for manfully taking, capturing the leader Roger Godberd." "1272 Lestrange himself claimed 100 marks for expenses incurred in his pursuit and capture of Deyvas." "Numbers of robbers... Notts, Leics, Derby, ways 1272."
It seems that "Ranulf earl of Chester" who is mentioned as a seeming opponent of RH in Piers Plowman may be the same person as the Sheriff of Nottingham in other sources, and his name does look like it could be a corruption of 'Reginald constable/justice of Chester'. "1273 Roger Godberd imprisoned in Chester." (Battle of Chesterfield 1266.)
We also note that the Reynold Greenleaf pseudonym taken by Little John in the sheriff's service is suspiciously similar to Regniald de Grey's name.
The Sheriff's cook/butler/steward in the story of Reynold Greenleaf might match Nicholas de la Hus' or Ralph le Boteller in the Godberd records?