29th March, 2000
A while ago I revealed Part One of the Blackpool, Everton and England goalkeeper, Gordon West's 1970 account of his favourite team. Now (at last !) you can read Part Two. It makes interesting reading and shows how contemporaries viewed the top players of the 1970-71 Season. West apparently believed George Best could have been worth as much as a quarter of a million pounds !!! Would Nobby Stiles (Manchester United) make a 1970s team picked in the year 2000 ???
27th March, 2000
Lots of e-mails to cover, they are listed in the order I received them ...
E-Mail (1) Pete G ...
Thanks to Pete Gable who writes :
Check out www.bobdunning.net it's one cool site!!!
This address will begin to appear on the table at the bottom of each page, and is the address of the webmaster's actual homepage, as opposed to the football pages index. Thanks Pete for setting it up.
E-mail (2) Pete G ...
Peter Gillatt the webmaster of the EXCELLENT Seasiders site wrote the following ...
Hi Bob,
I'm the webmaster of Seasiders.net you have already been kind enough to giveus a link on your site. I'm also fascinated with the year 1970-71 forobvious reasons it was our last year in the top flight.
I'm not sure if you have visited our site recently but we have a superb archive section which includes and I'm sure you be delighted to learn this actual TV coverage of matches from the 1970-71 season which includes Leeds United. A visit to our results/stats/media page will provide you access to our classic clips page where you can download in mpeg format Blackpool games against from 03 January 1971 the FA Cup 3rd Round West Ham Utd (H) score 4-0, and 4 TV Clips (colour-audio), 13 March 1971 Division 1 (old) Leeds United (H) score 1-1 and 2 TV Clips (colour-audio), 10 April 1971 Division 1 (old) Burnley (A) score 0-1 and 1 TV Clip (colour-audio) and final item 12 June 1971 Anglo-Italian Cup Final Bologna (A) 2-1, 3 TV Clips (colour-audio). (WOW !!! - Bob)
We also have extensive information on all Pool players from that year.
Tony Green still lives on the Fylde Coast and is a school teacher at Hodgson School in Poulton.
Alan Suddick still lives near the Bloomfield Road ground and is understood to be involved in a painting and decorating business.
Glyn James runs a flourishing launderette in Blackpool and is still in volved with the club in that his firm washes the kit!
Billy Bentley is understood to be back in the Stoke area but this is not certain.
Tommy Hutchison lives in Wales and is involved in some way with the Welsh FA.
Fred Pickering is back in the Blackburn area and is believed to be dealing in car sales.
Micky Burns works for the Professional Footballers' Association and is involved in vocational training for footballers.
Manager Bob Stokoe (Carlisle United manager) who took over mid-season from Les Shannon has returned to the north east and lives in Hexham where he looks after his wife who hasbeen unwell.
John Craven sadly passed away in America a few years ago following a heart attack.
The two pictures attached are of Jimmy Armfield's farewell appearance for the Seasiders when Man Utd were the visitors at Bloomfield Road on the last game of the season on the 1st May 1971 the score that day was 1-1 and Bobby Charlton is seen shaking hands with Armfield. See pictures.
I'm sure I have more information if you require it
Regards Peter
... I'm gobsmacked Peter, thanks for all that. Be sure to go to The Seasiders's Site at seasiders.net - the biggest Blackpool FC website on the planet!
E-mail (3) Big John A
Rod Nicholls mailed this enquiry :
Bob - wasn't Big John somewhere here not very long ago ? You got any pitchers ov'im, moy dear ? Ta. Rod.
If anyone has a way of fitting John onto these pages then, let me know. Rod got to John's page from the link on the Club Records page, as Bristol City's most played player.
E-mail (4) F.K.S. 4 U
Generally, I keep commercial matters away from the site, but here's one I couldn't resist. A chance to own your own World of Soccer Stars Album. I wrote asking for a link and got a great reply ...
Bob,
A great site! (Thanks !- Bob) Well, for me and you and any one else who was into F.K.S (and glad to see you are LUFC - I supported them as a child, a brave thing to do in the West Midlands, when all friends supported either Manchester United (even then people did it!), or the local teams, Villa or Wolves, etc.
I follow my local teams today, but I have fond memories of seeing Leeds in the last great era (until now - looks very promising indeed), my first match being one between LUFC and Wolves, in Wolverhampton. I remember feeling scared as a Wolves fan tried to steal my w/b/yellow scarf. Well, it was a bit daft, a 6 year old, sitting in amongst 1000's of old gold supporters waving a LU scarf around. I keep my eye on them today, and wish them all the best!
Carl (at FCCM)
Carl's site is at www.footballcards.co.uk and I've added this to the Links page.
E-mail (5) Bremner B&Ws
True to his word, Ian Corry, who is the webmaster of the fabulous Best Page at http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/icorry/ has sent me these great pictures of Billy (Click to see)
(More e-mails to follow soon)
26th March, 2000
News Breakfast with Kev
Don't miss Kevin Keegan in the TalkSport Breakfast radio show tomorrow at 8 a.m (British Summer Time). He'll be joining regular talk host Alan Brazil the former Ipswich Town and Spurs player.You can even ask Kevin a question and listen to the show by going to www.talksport.net
Realisation
I watched Leeds United's disappointing 2-1 defeat on the night against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Cup Quarter-Final, shown nationally by Channel Five. Leeds did win on aggregate, however, and there was further consolation that the expert summariser was ex-Leeds United and Manchester United player, Joe Jordan. In 1970-71 Joe was a young lad at Morton, which then had past Leeds United hero Bobby Collins as it's player-manager. So presumably that's how he came to play for Leeds. See Where are they now ? : Commentators, and Morton.
23rd March, 2000
First off, I've added three new pictures to the site. Once again ther's no particular rhyme or reason for the choice, but they are Norman Hunter (See the Quizlet on the index page), Colin Waldron (who is brother to Malcolm, which has now been added to the Sons and Daughters : Brothers page), and David Sadler.
E-mail : Best Link
Special thanks Ian Corry who maintains one of the VERY Best sites on the web ...
Hello Bob
I enjoyed your page and have the George Best segment linked to my BEST Page
http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/icorry/
The link to this site is found under FaBest
News (1) Doing the Nicholson Walk
Recent surfing round the official Spurs site revealled that Bill Nicholson (Tottenham Hotspur manager) has been given the freedom of the Borough of Haringey, and actually had a road named after him. Bill Nicholson Way leads up to the main gates of White Hart Lane. The picture is coming from Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur . A nifty biography of Bill can be found at Bill Nicholson. Bill was only the second manager ever to win the Championship as a player and a manager, both at Spurs in 1951 and 1961, the latter being Spurs' Double year. Spurs have only ever won Championships in these years.
News (2) Shreeve/s Returns.
And talking of ex-Spurs managers. Peter Shreeves is presently in the news for having temporarily taken over as manager of Sheffield Wednesday following the sacking of Danny Wilson. Now I feel sure Peter belongs to these pages, but I can't yet trace his whereabouts in the 1970-71 season. Can anyone help out ? See SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY.
News (3) Stimulating Simulating
It's not often I stray out of the results section of the young persons football weekly,'Match' comic, but this week's edition, March 25, 2000, has a fabulous article called 'Can You Manage ?'. In it, they get eight Premiership managers to test the PC and Playstation game,'Player Manager 2000'.
Bob's 70-71 page players included were Harry Redknapp (West Ham United), who gets a full page picture playing the game on a Playstation, Bobby Robson (Ipswich Town manager), who really did look like a bemused granddad, Jim Smith (Boston United) who admitted it was his grand children who gave him enough savvy to not look bemused, and Graham Taylor (Lincoln City).
The winner was actually Coventry City manager, Gordon Strachen. Gordon said, 'Can I get Frank Lampard for a million ? Are you sure it's not his Dad though ? For that price I think it's his Dad (see West Ham United).' And of Sir Alex (Falkirk), Gordon said, 'Manchester United's problem is they're petulant. I know the guy who's been the manager for eleven years and he's the most petulant person in the world.'
Harry was second, Bobby third, Jim fifth, and mimicking life itself, Graham - whose team Watford sit on the bottom of the Premiership at present - was, er, eighth ...
20th March, 2000
News : League Cup Belongs to Glasgow Celtic
Kenny Dalglish (Celtic squad) the Celtic caretaker manager has helped John Barnes's team lift the Scottish League Cup following a 2-0 victory over 2-0. So what was all the doom and gloom fuss about ? See Dalglish guides Celtic to Scottish League Cup triumph and BBC Online - Football - News
19th March, 2000
News Double Euro-winners ?
With no less than four surviving English teams all well placed to progress in the two European Competitions (Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds United, and Manchester United), 'The Sunday Times' today speculates on the possibility of two of English teams scooping both cups. Two English winners in the European competitions has only happened five times before ... and yes, 1970-71 was one of those seasons. How Bob's 70-71 pages would love a repeat of that feat when the two winners were Leeds United and Chelsea !! It could happen !
On every previous occasion players from Bob's 70-71 pages have been involved as players in the teams ... that'll all change, er ... , but Sir Alex Ferguson (Falkirk) manages Man Utd, Eddie Gray is the Leeds United coach, Bob Wilson (Arsenal) is Arsenal's goalie coach, Peter Osgood is the match day host at Chelsea matches ( ...and other sad links ... ). Anyway the full list of previous occasions goes :
European Cup Fairs/UEFA Cup Cup Winners'Cup
1968 Man Utd Leeds United -
1970 - Arsenal Man City
1971 - Leeds United Chelsea
1981 Liverpool Ipswich Town -
1984 Liverpool Spurs -
News (3) England Shorts
With barely time to pull on England shirts, the following list of the shortest ever England careers can be found in April 2000's 'FourFourTwo' (no.68). It includes four players from Bob's 70-71 pages ...
Length of England Career
Player
Club
Year
8 minutes
Jimmy Barrett
West Ham
1928
8 minutes
Peter Ward
Brighton
1980
9 minutes
Brian Marwood
Arsenal
1988
17 minutes
Peter Davenport
Nottm For
1985
18 minutes *
Kevin Hector
Derby County
1973
19 minutes
Brian Little
Aston Villa
1975
20 minutes
Steve Perryman
Spurs
1982
23 minutes
Nigel Winterburn
Arsenal
1987
26 minutes
Trevor Whymark
Ipswich Town
1977
* Very impressively Kevin Hector's career was in two games !
17th March, 2000
News : Clever Trevor
Well done to Trevor Francis (Birmingham City squad) was the First Division's manager of the month for February.
16th March, 2000
Tottenham Hotspur's page has been revamped to include career figures. If you want to choose which team I do next then e-mail me, likewise if there's a player you want me to do next then be sure to let me know - I've never yet said no to this type of request.
News : Turquoise's Turkeys
I do a retrospective site, sure, but even I dislike the cry that fings just ain't what they used to be. The turquiose-clad David Icke (Coventry City squad) believes modern goalies arn't up to much. Click to see the article which appeared on Football 365.
14th March, 2000
News (1) Souness Returns
The latest in the long line of players from the 1970-71 season returning to action as manager is Graeme Souness (Spurs squad) who has today been announced as the new Blackburn Rovers manager. Tony Parkes, who made his debut as a Blackburn Rovers player in the 1970-71 season, reverts back to assistant manager.
Blackburn Rovers Official Website report it like this ...
BLACKBURN Rovers have today confirmed the appointment of Graeme Souness as their new manager.
Mr Souness, 46, who has considerable management experience both at home and abroad, has agreed a contract through until the summer of 2003.He will take up his new appointment with immediate effect. Tony Parkes has agreed to take up a position as assistant manager. Mr Souness said: "This is a wonderful opportunity and just the sort of challenge I relish. I am delighted to be back in day-to-day management, particularly as the chance has come at a club as ambitious as Blackburn Rovers. "This club is geared for top level football and has a proven record. My job is to help bring back the good times to Ewood Park and I cannot wait to get started."
Confirming the appointment, Rovers owner Jack Walker said: "Graeme Souness is precisely the man we need and he can count on our full and unswerving support. There is a big job to be done here and I believe we have found the right man to do it." Mr Walker also praised the sterling efforts of Tony Parkes, adding: "I am absolutely delighted that Tony is to stay on with us. Twice in recent seasons he has helped to guide us away from the possible threat of relegation and done really well. We owe him a debt of gratitude."
Ewood chief executive John Williams said: "The Board met last week and, in parallel discussions with Mr Walker, it was decided to appoint a new manager as soon as possible rather than wait until the end of the season."The compelling logic is not just to give a boost for our remaining games but, more importantly, to provide time for a thorough assessment of the football situation at the club. This will help to ensure that we hit the ground running next season whichever league we find ourselves playing in."
See Souness given Blackburn job
News (2) Hamilton Returns
Well I thought I'd give the story of Bruce Rioch's departure as manager of Norwich City yesterday, a more upbeat angle. Bryan Hamilton, in Kenny Dalglish (Celtic squad) style moves across from his role as Director of football to become the temporary manager. For Bryan Hamilton's previous role at the club see Norwich City Football Club NCFC - Canaries' Official web site. (Realisation) This also represents Bryan's arrival to these pages. Although Bryan did not sign to English football till August 1971, he had been capped by Northern Ireland six times by then playing for Linfield. See Rothmans and Linfield.
Norwich City Football Club NCFC - Canaries' Official web site report ...
Bruce Rioch Leaves Norwich City. The following statement was read to the staff at both Colney and Carrow Road, simultaneously at 1.30 pm today. Following an approach from their First Team Manager, Bruce Rioch, and subsequent discussion, the Board and the First Team Manager have agreed to end his contract with the Club with immediate effect. Whilst the Board was surprised and disappointed at this development, which was not expected, the Board and Bruce agree that it is now in the best interests of the Club and Bruce to part company. The Board wish to thank Bruce for his contribution to the Club, and wish him well in his future career. With immediate effect, Bryan Hamilton, Director of Football, will manage the 1st team until the end of the season.
Bruce Rioch confrimed at Colney that he first approached the Board last Wednesday with a view to his leaving the Club. He said "The timing is right for me, as well as the Club, and it gives me the opportunity to pursue other avenues in my career. I am ambitious as a manager, but right now City don't have the resources to match those ambitions. There were a number of factors which led me to take the decision."
12th March, 2000
ITN Online
There's a great new link for Bob's 70-71 pages at the links section on ITN's Online Sport
Do check it out
News (1) Manager of the Month
Great to see Bobby Robson was February's Manager of the Month. Bobby, who was Ipswich Town's manager way back in 1970-71 is still at the top with Newcastle United. See http--www.nufc.co.uk-99_00-news-000310d.htm.
News (2) : Next Generation Update : Sons and Daughters
Frank Lampard
Another goal for Frank junior at West Ham United. His opener after 10 minutes did little to help the side as they went down 3-1 away to Sheffield Wenesday. See West Ham United FC -org The Official Web Site
News (3) Icke Resurrects
Yes, David Icke (Coventry City squad) who was a reserve goalie yet to make his League debut back in 1970-71 season, now has his own column in cyberspace at Football365.
Realisation (1) John Gorman
In the Chris Balderstone obituary below John Gorman's (Carlisle United) name cropped up as one of Chris's Carlisle team mates. For a up to date news on John why not look at Christian Kelly's On the Cross site at John Gorman.
Realisation (2) Jim Smith
A while back I asked if anyone can confirm that Jim Smith, the Derby manager was at Boston player in the 1970-71 season. Overwhelmingly the response ... well ok nobody has written to tell me, but I have now found out for myself thanks to Ken Fox's wonderful site, Boston United Football Club Home Page. Ken promises to keep in touch with more Boston 70-71 news at a later date. Hence Jim is now added to the site. See Boston United.
Realisation (3) Walter Smith
Well sorting out Jim Smith made me wonder about Walter Smith, the Everton manager, and sure enough he qualifies, too as a player at Dundee United. Walter has been added to the Rothman's page and can be found at Dundee United.
Realisation (4) Ray Harford
Going through news stories generally I happened upon the news that the former Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Q.P.R. manager has been brought in to coach Millwall. As I usually say at this point, in 1970-71 ... well, in 1970-71 Ray was a player in his last of four seasons at Lincoln City for whom he played 161 League games. Ray can be found at Lincoln City along with Watford and former England manager, Graham Taylor. See Ray Harford Joins Millwall
Realisation (5) Frank Burrows.
By now I was on a roll, and came across Frank as manager of Cardiff City in an old news story. I stress old because I'm afraid, as all Cardiff fans will already know, he was sacked at the end of January. Frank was a Swindon Town player back in 1970-71, so he can now be found there. He's also on the Rothmans page - the first time I've added a player who's no longer in the job I've marked him down for !! See Cardiff City news 01-02-00
Realisation (6) Arsne Wenger
Hey, there's no stopping me now ... Now that the Jim Smith mystery is solved perhaps someone can confirm whether or not the Arsenal manager, Arsne Wenger, was at Mutzig in 1970-71, and who the hell they are if he was. Like Jim I know for a fact he should be included on the pages but I need confirmation of his team in that season ... don't all rush to tell me !
Where are they now ?
Whist doing the above researches I found that Kenny Hibbett (Wolves squad) is Director of Football Development at Cardiff City and Colin Harvey (Everton) is Assistant Academy Director : 17-21 year olds at Everton.
N.B.
(As a reminder - the realisations section is my way of adding new players to the site, which I hadn't realised should have been on it before - hence there may be no news stories from before this point about this player. If you want to add someone you believe should be added then please do e-mail me - see below.)
10th March, 2000
News (1) Four Best
i) George Best is presently in Cromwell Hospital having been admitted with stomach pains. George's agent, Philip Hughes insists he's not suffering a life threatening illness. Get well soon George - and lay off the chlordiazepoxide!! See Best agent denies star is critically ill and Confusion over Best's health from ITN Onlione.
ii) George was spotted by a friend on the telly a few nights ago in a Government advert for recycling . Whilst being ask to bring bottles to the bottle bank, George can be seen in the background putting in a never ending supply.
iii) April 2000's 'Total Sport' has a picture of George accepting his entry into the International Football Hall of Champions see www.hallofchampions.com for more details. It seems London has beaten Paris as the location for FIFA's museum. "I don't actually care where it is located, the significant thing for me is to be honoured", opined George.
iv) Check out http://soccer.at/georgebest for an interesting site related to our George.
News (2) It's not big and it's not clever ...
Terry Venables (Q.P.R.) passes on the message that schoolboys do not have to emulate their footballing heroes by being thugs on the pitch. He is helping the English Schools FA to launch a Fair Play Award. Hear Is the scheme competitive from ITN Online.
News (3) Latest News (... no honestly)
a) Total Sport April 2000 (no.59)
All right I was a bit late the reporting last month's magazine for Bob 70-71 page stories, but I'm right back on the on the ball this month.
Peter Osgood and Mike Channon both have pictures from their playing days to support the story that multiple cortisone injections given during playing careers are causing difficulties in later life. Osgood and Channon, along with Mike England (Spurs) have formed the Arthritis XI which campaigns against the painkiller, which they believe it has left them with chronic joint problems. Channon said, " I had a lot of injections. I wanted to play and cortisone was a good pain killer, but I am paying for it now. One Saturday I had a toe nail taken off in the morning and played in the afternoon. The real pain came afterwards, for the next six days I was in agony, it was unbelievable, the worst pain of my career. The following Saturday I had another injection and played". - Hmm, it was inevitable that a webpage covering old football stars would eventually have to listen to them moaning about their aches and pains, I suppose.
"Peter Lorimer lets fly in spectacular fashion during the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford". The Great Games feature leads with Chelsea versus Leeds United on 29 April, 1970. (What a great season !) Lorimer's picture blasts on to the page to lead the story. Lorimer remembered, "I've had my share of disappointments as well as joy, and that Chelsea defeat was annoying. We'd absolutely played them of the park at Wembly in the first game but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. It didn't help that the pitch was atrocious. They'd held 'The Horse of the Year Show' there and it was like a ploughfield." Because of this the replay was held at Old Trafford. "It just wasn't the same. It was like going to play in any other game, even though it was the F.A.Cup Final. Wembly is special, and it just didn't seem right playing the Final in Manchester. The atmosphere was flat." Mick Jones had put Leeds ahead. "We were cruising, but then Jack Charlton let in Peter Osgood for them to score and that fired them up. They came out for the second half and kicked everything above grass level." As reported below, Ian Hutchinson's long range throw in lead to Chelsea's winner by David Webb ... now do we have to be going on about this on a Leeds fan's website ???
The subject of this months's '11 greatest ... ever' is pundits. Bob's 70-71 interest is found at : no.8 Trevor Brooking (West Ham United squad); no.5 Brian Clough (Derby County manager); no.4 Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool); and at no.1 our very own, Ron Atkinson.
The article on 'Grown Men Crying' includes Emlyn Hughes (Liverpool) in 1974, when England didn't qualify for the World Cup, at a guess. Eusebio is there because of Portugal's 1966 World Cup Final's defeat, but I haven't confirmed him on my pages yet ...
'The Day We Beat Man United' includes Southampton's 1976 Cup Final win - for which the best coverage is at Christian Kelly's Season Focus 1975-76 and Where Are They Now. But, the closest of relevance for Bob's 70-71 pages is: - a 5-1 defeat to Blackpool in 1966; a 2-1 defeat to Halifax in the 1971 Watney Cup; West Ham's 3-0 victory on New Year's Day 1972; Leeds United's 5-1 victory later in 1972 - when Mick Jones (Leeds United) got a hatrick ; and the 1974 game when Denis Law (Manchester United squad) sent them down. Great article.
Planet Football is introduced with a picture of a balding and sideburned Nobby Stiles (Manchester United) in his Boro days
The Quiz has a great picture of a young Bobby Robson (Ipswich Town manager) with loads of Ipswich pictures he's pinning on the wall which MUST be from the 70-71 season ... and further pictures of Peter Shilton from a similar time, and Trevor Cherry in late-Seventies Leeds kit.... not that I'm getting obsessed with this picture spotting thing.
And of course there's the regular Gabby Yorath 'On the Ball' column (Sons and Daughters :Daughters), Billy 'Billy Boots' Dane (Bingley Road Junior School) story, and 'Kevin Keegan Column'.
b) 'FourFourTwo' April 2000 no.68
Well, this has less of interest for the Bob 70-71 pages - which let's face it, could be a selling point for most people.
First off the magazine is giving away 5 copies of the new Playstation Premier Manager 2000. Ironically it is not being sponsored by a Premier manager this year, though I guess former Scunthorpe United man, Kevin Keegan, does have the credentials to front the game now. Other 70-71 players to have sponsored the Playstation manager games are Ron Atkinson and George Graham.
'Out and About' has current pictures of Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) coaching kids in Paraguay (isn't he great ?), George Best getting his FIFA award as reported above, and Sir Alex Ferguson (Falkirk) promoting Manchester United's 30 million quid Vodaphone sponsorship deal. - Incidentally, this section of the magazine is worth browsing for the most pathetic photos of an ex-star you're ever likely to see. Poor Maradona, where did it all go wrong ?
(Realisation 1) A new addition to Bob's 70-71 pages is Howard Wilkinson. The ex-Leeds United manager and current F.A.Technical Director was a Brighton and Hove Albion player back in 70-71. He tells his tale of how he promoted Leeds United back into the big time to win the club's most recent Championship in 1992 in an amazing 8 page story on the re-emergence of Leeds United.
(Realisation 2) One thing FourFourTwo consistantly does well is a football history article. This month they have written about two Arthurs. Arthur Friedenreich was a Brazilian who scored 1,329 - more than Pele - though the records of this were destroyed before FIFA could officialise the total. The other was Arthur Rowley scorer of a record 434 League goals which is 24 more than his nearest rival, Jimmy McGory. Well, in 1970-71, the goalscoring legend was manager at Southend United. Arthur scored 152 of his League goals playing for Shrewsbury Town and also managed the club between 1958-68. Hence, he won their 'Player of the Millennium' award and recently was given a third testimonial there to fund a knee operation. Arthur can now be found at Southend.
Gerry Francis (Q.P.R.) the Q.P.R. manager is given five pages to explain himself ... er, I haven't got round to reading it yet. There's several Seventies pictures to be seen, though.
Graham Taylor (Lincoln City) the ex-England and present Watford manager, or more accurately his raspberry blowing tongue, is the subject of the advert for FourFourTwo website at http://www.virgin.net/442 .
The review of the re-printing of 'The Glory Game' by Hunter Davies is a good excuse for pictures of an Alan Gilzean shot at goal and Martin Chivers, Mike England, Alan Gilzean, Cyril Knowles(?) (all Spurs) and Ralph Coates (Burnley) with the UEFA Cup in 1972.
8th March, 2000
E-mail (1)
Special thanks to Michael Robertson who was at a party for our American Correspondent, Jim Ross, and writes :-
They had a video made up of highlights of his soccer days, he was a VERY good player! They showed him playing against the NY Cosmos and really giving Beckenbauer a run for his money. Jim took a shot from 35 yards from goal and scored! I also found out that Jim has two US National Cup (I was told this is like the FA Cup) winners medals. I was really impressed with his playing skills.
Excellent ! Jim might not be too pleased about me including that info. but I think everyone will agree - we would love to see the goal !
E-mail (2)
Thanks once again to my mate Noel who sent me this lookalike from Football 365
Funny thing was I thought it was David Harvey (Leeds United squad) and David O'Leary !
News (1) Little Baggied
Brian Little (Aston Villa) has been sacked as West Bromwich Albion manager after just 216 days in charge. He managed just 8 wins for the side from 39 attempts !!
Ron Atkinson, twice the previous manager, has already ruled himself out of the running as the replacement. Colin Todd (Sunderland) and John Gorman (Carlisle United) are amongst those involved in speculation for the post.
News (2) That's Grrrrrrrrreat Tony !
Rochdale fans sing ' He's big , he's bad, he's older than my dad ", and he remains Grimsby Town's youngest ever debutant, nevertheless, Tony Ford (700+ Club) is NOT old enough to have been a player in the 1970-71 season (he's 40). But nevertheless, I felt I had to give a little space to congratulate Tony on being the first outfield player to reach 1,000 games by beating Hull City 1-0 in the Auto Windscreens Shield. Hence Rochdale reach the two-legged Northern Final against Stoke City. If they win this, Ford will reach Wembly for the first time in his career! See Carlisle 0 Dale 1
The other players to reach the magic 1,000 in U.K. football do belong to Bob's 70-71 pages. They are Peter Shilton 1387, Ray Clemence (Liverpool) 1119, and Pat Jennings (Tottenham Hotspur)1098.
News (3) The Famous Five
The five players not previously awarded any honours for winning the World Cup with England in 1966, picked up their MBE's yesterday. Football365 reports ...
THE "forgotten five" of England's 1966 World Cup-winning have received MBEs at Buckingham Palace. Alan Ball, Nobby Stiles (Manchester United), George Cohen, Ray Wilson (Bradford City) and Roger Hunt (Bolton Wanderers) were being honoured for their part in England's 4-2 win over West Germany at Wembley on July 30, 1966.
Until the New Year's Honours List they were the only players yet to receive recognition for English football's finest hour, with hat-trick star Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton both knighted and Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Gordon Banks also honoured earlier. Manager Alf Ramsey, knighted in 1967, died last year. Sir Bobby Charlton was knighted in 1995 having already received an OBE and a CBE.
Sir Geoff, made an MBE in 1977, was knighted, goalkeeper Gordon Banks was given on OBE in 1970 and Jack Charlton received his OBE in 1974. Forward Martin Peters, who also scored in the final, was made an MBE in 1978, while captain Bobby Moore, who died in 1993, received an OBE a year after the World Cup triumph. Cohen, who is now a property developer in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said was a very special day for all five of them.
"It has been a long time coming but it is here now and we are all very happy," he said before walking to the Palace for the ceremony."It is nice to see each other - we haven't seen each other for a while. Our families are very excited. It means that we are the most honoured squad in British sporting history." Ball added: "It is a very proud day for us all. The day has finally arrived, which is nice, but this is something which is most important for our families."
Be sure to check out ITN Online Video Special and Sport
See World Cup 1966 Winners
Chris Balderstone Obituary
It is very sad to be writing another obituary so soon after Sir Stan's, but on 6th March, Chris Balderstone (Carlisle United) died from cancer. For me Chris will be best remembered as one of the heroes of the Carlisle United team which after three games and against all the odds headed the old First Division in 1974. By Christmas they were in the bottom three and ultimately they were relegated ! Other team members included Ray Train (Walsall ), John Gorman (Carlisle United) , and Alan Ross (Carlisle United). See CUFC Archive.
He was also the player who, in September 1975, famously played a football match for Doncaster Rovers in the evening having played a Championship cricket match for Leicestershire earlier in the same day. I have often heard it said that Chris would have been an England test regular had it not been for his football career.
Indeed Chris was 35 before he made his England debut, and he only went on to play one more test after that. Nowadays, of course, the doubling up of careers is next to impossible with the cricket and football seasons overlapping and having a nasty habit of spilling out into the off-seasons, so we may never see the likes of Chris again. (Gary Neville of Manchester United would probably have been one such player twenty years ago).
Chris played 532 League games and scored 93 League goals for Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United and Doncaster Rovers, and in cricket he scored 19,034 runs (avg. 34.11) and took 310 wickets(avg. 26.32) !! What an unbelievable career !! Later Chris became a cricket umpire - his last game being at Canterbury just September of last year. See BBC News CRICKET Tribute to sport's double hero
Click to see the Obituaries Index
Funeral
Sir Stanley Matthews funeral made the national news stories in a very moving way. Thousands of fans paid tribute as the procession passed through Victoria Ground - the home of Stoke City - causing spontaneous applause.
6th March, 2000
News : Late news
a) Total Football - March 2000, no.58
Yes this site gives new meaning to the term 'the latest news' because you'll probably only just about find the last copies of the March edition of Total Sport, which is a shame because it was a humdinger of an edition.
I was first drawn in by the picture of Mick Coop (Coventry City) in the feature 'Favourite shirts'.
There followed 'The Great Games' feature with pictures of John Ritchie (Stoke City), Ray Kennedy (Arsenal), Rodney Marsh, Billy Bremner, Colin Bell (Manchester City) and Jimmy Greaves (West Ham United), and match reports on the 1972 matches - Leeds 7 Southampton 0, and Arsenal 2 Stoke City 0.
Football Folk Us : Goalkeeping Coaches, which puts Arsenal coach, Bob Wilson (Arsenal) head to head with Darlington coach Jim Montgomery (Sunderland).
Three pictures of Pelé (Star players of Mexico 1970). With one he describes his favourite goal, which apparently was scored in the game Fluminese 1 Santos 3 on March 5, 1961, Maracana."I took the ball in our own penalty area, dribbled it past their entire team and scored the goal" Pelé reported in The Black Pearl fanzine. No footage of the goal survives, it seems.
Billy 'Billy Boots' Dane (Bingley Road Junior School).
'The case for the defence', which highlights the top 11 best ever defences. Of interest to Bob's 70-71 pages there is: a) No. 10 Nottingham Forest 1977-79 Anderson, Lloyd (Liverpool), Burns, Clark (Newcastle United)/ Needham (Notts County); b) No. 9 Celtic 1967 Gemmell, Clark, McNeill, Craig (all Celtic); and c) No.5 Leeds United 1968-69 Charlton , Cooper, Hunter, Reaney (all Leeds United). The winners if you want to know was the 1988-1996 A.C. Milan defence of Tassotti / Panucci, Baresi, Costacurta, Maldini.
And 'the final word' with Leighton James (Burnley squad), which includes the information that Leighton is presently the manager of Llanelli in the League of Wales. I've included further information on the Where are they now ? page
... oops I forgot the regular 'Kevin Keegan Column' and Gabby Yorath 'On the Ball' column (Sons and Daughters :Daughters).
b) Ian Hutchinson
In the build up to the League Cup Final won by Leicester City this season, the beaten Finalists, Tranmere, were heralded as having a secret weapon in the guise of David Challinor. David's ability is to launch massive throw-ins which cause havoc in the opposition's defence. This prompted 'The Times' (26 February, 2000) newspaper to speak to the first famous exponent of this skill, Ian Hutchinson (Chelsea).
Report by David McVay and Craig Lord.(Front page Saturday Times Sport)
" The long throw as a tactical weapon is not new to football but it does propel exponents like David Challenor to instant celebrity. It was captured for the first time on 'Match of the Day' in October, 1968, when Ian Hutchinson, of Chelsea, forced Billy Baxter, the Ipswich Town centre half, to head one of his long throws into his own goal for Chelsea's 3-1 victory; two years later it brought F.A.Cup glory when David Webb bundled in the winning goal in the final replay as Leeds United failed to clear another Hutchinson special.
"After that first throw in on television, everyone went potty about it," Hutchinson, now 51, said. "They asked me to go to Watford and take part in some competition, but I didn't fancy that, Then a professor came to the ground and asked if he could borrow me for the day.
"He wanted to take X-Rays of me completely naked, while I threw the ball, in pitch blackness, in a hangar. When I arrived, there were six women assistants. 'Hold up,' I told him. I was just 21 and a bit shy. He eventually got rid of them and at the end of the day I was paid £500 and they discovered that I had an extension of the spine and that I was double -jointed in both shoulders. That's why they used to call it the 'Windmill Action', because my arms kept revolving around instead of going out."
5th March, 2000
The table at the bottom of each page has had a slight revamp to sort out some stray HTML code - but that's just for my diary! Did LOADS of surfing the results of which have been incorporated in the various pages and ultimately has shown the need for a Links page - not that the site lacks links ...
4th March, 2000
It's unusual to see the news page this empty ! That's because the February news has already been archived.
News : Banks is Best - It's official !!
Gordon Banks won Bob's 70-71 Pages race to be considered England's greatest goalkeeper. Gordon was the clear winner with 39% of the 140 votes cast. No surprise to these pages, but a shock to some, would be Peter Bonetti's second placing with 29%, which shows history has forgiven the World Cup 1970 Quarter final blip !
Ray Clemence was a worthy third with 23%, but poor old Shilts got just 5%. Current England goalkeeper David Seaman got a feeble 1% only half of his Leeds United rival with a grand 2% !!! See Quizlet Results.
3rd March, 2000
I've added the article, Johan Cruyff 'The George Best of Holland' from Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, August, 1969.
2nd March, 2000
News : Next Generation Update : Sons and Daughters
Darren Ferguson
Sir Alex's son got the final goal in an excellent 4-1 away victory for Wrexham against Oxford United last Saturday. See Latest News
Sam Shilton
Peter's son, who is still on loan at Hartlepool, got the equaliser in a 1-1 draw away to Plymouth See The Official Hartlepool United Football Club
Jordi Cruyff ( incorporating Realisation)(Does anyone else remember 'Shoot ! incorporating Goal' ??)
I've been wondering for a while whether or not Johan Cruyff qualified for Bob's 70-71 pages, and finally found the proof at The Alternative Johan Cruijff Site There is an official one, too, but naturally that is in Dutch, which may be helpful to Han, but not me regretfully. Johan was just emerging as a top Ajax star at this time and had even received a European Cup Final runners-up medal in 1968-9 the year Ajax lost to A.C.Milan 4-1. Indeed, Johan was present in the three consecutive European Cup Final victories for Ajax in 1970-71, 71-72, and 72-73.
Anyway - no sooner did this happen when his son, Jordi, equalised for Manchester United to give them an away 2-2 draw at Wimbledon in the Premier League last Saturday. This was Jordi's second goal of the season, and they've both been against Wimbledon. For a match report see Manchester United Official Web site - Matches - Full-Time Report
For more on Jordi, see Manchester United Official Web site - News - Latest Feature
29th February, 2000
I have to admit, I've only added a news item today because it'll 4 years before I can write news on the 29th of February again!
News - Freedom for Falkirk's Fergie
Sir Alex (Falkirk) has been given the Freedom of Manchester. I'm sure all the residents there are thrilled - especially the City fans. See Manchester United Official Web site - News - Latest Feature
25th February, 2000
Sir Stanley Obituary (Part 2)
An interesting account of Sir Stanley's life by numbers is at Football365 (- he only made 697 league appearances, not 710, though)
Soccernet's page includes further tributes by Bob 70-71 players ...
BRIAN CLOUGH (Derby County manager) 'I grew up in an era when he was a god to those of us who aspired to play the game - not only because of his amazing ability but the manner in which he conducted himself. Stanley Matthews was the original comic book hero. No, he was bigger than any comic book hero.'
DAVE MACKAY 'He was one of the great all-time wingers but he was also a perfect gentleman. I played against him when he was a youngster and he was playing for Blackpool. To play at the age of 50 like he did was just unbelievable. It was always a pleasure to play against him - not that we enjoyed it at the time, because he was so good. I would like to see one or two of his stature playing today.'
JIMMY ARMFIELD's (Blackpool) comments are reported by Ken Lawrence at Soccernet
Jimmy Armfield, mourning the passing of his long-time friend and Blackpool colleague, described the ethos of the first knight of football that would shame those who now earn more in a year than he made in a lifetime.
The former full back who played with Matthews at Blackpool in the Fifties and early Sixties, said: 'Stan was never jealous of what players are paid now but he did hate what he called divers and the hysterical reaction of the modern player. He simply could not relate to the kind of antics we now see so frequently.
'Stan was actually a player ahead of his time. And if there is a lesson to be learned from his life for the stars of today, it is that he never allowed anything or anyone to stand in the way of being the best professional he could be.
'Nothing was ever allowed to obstruct the lifestyle he had dedicated himself to. Nothing or no one was ever allowed to interfere with his pursuit of excellence.'
Armfield finds it impossible to conceive the prospect of Sir Stan ever demeaning himself on or off the field as so many now do. The only thing excessive about Matthews was his skill. Everything else, according to Armfield, was understated as he maintained a philosophy and a regime designed to help him play the game he loved for as long as he could.
There were no huge gambling debts, no kebab queues, no addictions other than to football. He never needed to spend time on psychiatrists' couches.
Armfield stressed: 'He simply saw himself as one of the people, not as a separate species because he played football. These days, it is difficult to get near the really big names. They live in a kind of void where they can't be touched.
'They are very different from Stan and those of us who played with him. He always said to me that, no matter what, you should never lose control. Not off the park and not on it. If you were kicked - and he got kicked more than most - you picked yourself up and got on with it.
'His belief was that if you showed them you didn't feel it or didn't care and carried on with a deadpan expression, it really got to those out to stop him by foul rather than fair means. Just like Tom Finney, he never got mad, but he often got even.
'Stan was also incredibly fit because he took great care of his body. You know, I never once saw him out of breath in the 200-odd games we played together and, when I went to Blackpool in the 1954-55 season, he was already 38.
'In the mornings he would go down to the beach for the deep-breathing exercises he was so keen on. Instead of taking the car, he would walk or jog anywhere he could.
'And, after training, he would make sure that he had his rest period, going home to sit quietly, conserving energy, thinking about the game. Once a week he would fast, taking only carrot juice to keep him going and, even when he did eat, it would be a light meal.
'His pre-match lunch would be a little chicken but he hardly wolfed it down. He played at it, really.'
Click to see the Obituaries Index
News (1) Trawling Soccernet
(a) Ray Kennedy
See Soccernet for an interesting story about Arsenal squad man, who broke through into the first time around 1970-71. I've included the text on the 'Where are they now' page.
(b) David O'Leary on Revie's Leeds United
See Soccernet for David O'Leary's assessment of his and Don Revie's team. To make sure I've still got if they delete the story, it can be see at O'Leary.
(c) Peter Taylor
Gillingham manager and former Southend player, Peter Taylor was in the news due to Gillingham's F.A.Cup run. Soccernet run a story related to this which I again have included on the Where are they now? page. Gillingham lost to Chelsea, I'm afraid thus ending the interest in him, no doubt
News (2) The Next Generation : Sons and Daughters (See Sons and Daughters)
(a) Stephen Clemence
See Football365 for an interview of Ray's (Liverpool) rapidly progressing son. Here's what he had to say about having such a famous dad ...
Tell us then, what's it like having such a famous dad?
"When I started doing quite well with youth teams at county level, my dad tried to stay away from the games. If he was there everyone would know I was playing and that would put added pressure on me. My dad wouldn't let me join Tottenham until I was 13 even though the club had wanted me since I was nine or ten."
Did that frustrate you?
"Not really because he didn't tell me they had wanted me from such a young age! Otherwise I would have been pestering him."
Did you used to watch him in his heyday?
"Not really, I was too young. I can remember the 1987 FA Cup Final against Coventry because it was the first time I'd been to Wembley. I've seen the videos since obviously."
Did he try to pressure you to become a goalkeeper?
"No, he never did that. He is quite happy that I'm not because I would not have been able to live up to the comparison. What he achieved was unbelievable. If I played in goal I think fans would be saying that I'm not as good as he was, but they can't compare me because I play out on pitch. But the fans aren't stupid. They know you can't get in Tottenham's first team just because of who your dad is."
Does the old man brag about his achievements now?
"He might say something in a jokey way but he's not like that really. He will give me advice at times and I try and take it on board, but he knows I've got good coaches at Spurs."
Has having a famous dad led to chances other kids would not get?
"No, I don't think so. My dad has never really helped me in that way. When I was growing up some kids would say I was only at the club because of my dad and that's hard to take when you are 13 or 14. It was all jealousy. I just had to get on with it and ignore them. In a way it made me try harder and luckily it has all worked out."
News (2) Givens Returns
... Hmm well I don't know any Pop Stars called Givens, so I guess this must be about Don Givens'(Luton Town) first match in charge of the Republic of Ireland Under 21s . They lost 2-1 in Ireland see BBC Online - Football - News This is Don's first mention on these pages. In 1970-71 Don was strutting his stuff for Luton Town, having just moved from the Manchester United reserves. In 1972 Don moved to Q.P.R. where he established himself as one of the Republic of Ireland's top players. Don was capped 56 times for his country, which at the time made him second only to Johnny Giles as the all time most capped Irishman.
See Luton Town and Where are they now ?
Realisation
No particular reason for this, but as I was flicking through cyber newspapers, I came across Mel Machin, the Bournemouth manager. This is a club he was a player for back in 1970-71, though he didn't join then till December of that year. He began the season with Gillingham. Mel is also added to the Rothman's page.
24th February, 2000
Obituary
I was very sad to hear of the death yesterday evening of one of Football's greatest legends - Sir Stanley Matthews, at the age of 85. Though he retired ten years before I saw my first League match his 33 year professional playing career was still basic required learning for any budding football stats fan. Probably only the Second World War prevented Sir Stanley from being the highest played outfield player in the League - and all his games were played in the top two divisions. His right wing dribble was as distinctive as Charlie Chaplin's walk, and his football longetivity was the inspiration of many a Sunday footballer.
But most of all, from all the interviews I saw of him on telly, he seemed such a nice bloke, from the dying age of gentleman footballers. Sir Stanley was not the type to charge the referee over because of difference of opinion; some modern footballers probably earn more in a week than all the money he earned from football in his massive playing career - even taking inflation into account. Perhaps the Premier League footballers should reflect on these things when they stand in their line up observing one minute silences before their next game.
Cheers Sir Stanley and thanks for making me believe in the idea that a ball could really be delivered to an oncoming forward's head with its lace facing away from the player.
See BBC Online - Football - News
For tributes see BBC Online - Football - News
These include the following tributes from players on Bob's 70-71 pages ...
Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) called Matthews "an absolutely magical player". "They don't come very often. People just had to go and see him. I'm sorry they didn't have the same sort of television pictures in those days.Everybody over 50 will remember Stanley Matthews as an absolute genius."
Martin Peters (Tottenham Hotspur) said on hearing the news of Sir Stanley's death: "This signals the end of another football era because Stanley was a great legend of the game.This is a very sad day for football because he was a name known throughout the world, rather like that of Bobby Charlton, and he put Blackpool on the map"
Former England international Alan Mullery (Tottenham Hotspur), who played against Matthews at the age of 17, said football had lost one of its greatest ambassadors."The modern-day players get slightly big-headed," said Mullery. "But there was something about Stanley Matthews. On or off the pitch he had class. When he walked into a room eyes turned to Stanley Matthews.1953 was one of the first games I saw on TV. Stan Mortensen got a hat-trick but for 15 minutes Stanley Matthews graced Wembley so much."
Former England manager and current Newcastle manager Bobby Robson described his immediate reaction as "one of grief". Robson, who described himself as a "close friend" of Matthews, said: "He was one of, easily, our greatest, greatest players.He would have played in today's game, he would have adapted - don't you worry about that. He had immense skill - great skill off the ball, a beautiful dribbler. I'm very sad at the news."
Former Germany manager and defender Berti Vogts (Star Players of Mexico 1970) said: "It's a very sad day for world football. Unfortunately I only ever saw Sir Stanley Matthews play on television but you could see what a fantastic player he was.They called him the wizard of dribble and he was well respected throughout the entire world of football which has lost one of its great names."
Click to see the Obituaries Index
23rd February, 2000
The Manchester City page has been updated to include career records, and Arthur Mann's page now has Rothman's Obituary added.
19th February, 2000
E-Mail
Thanks to Craig Wells who writes :
Lou Macari (celtic man utd stoke ) son (forest r.i.p)
Bruce Rioch (Aston Villa) and Neil Rioch (Aston Villa) as brothers.
News (1) Lou Sues
Talking of Lou Macari (Celtic squad), he is in the sporting news at the moment for suing Stoke City.
The following story appears at The Sentinel Stoke City News Page
Who will pay the bill? By Martin Spinks
Stoke City were remaining tight-lipped today about whether former owners Keith Humphreys and Peter Coates would eventually foot the bill IF Lou Macari wins his case for wrongful dismissal.Stoke's new Icelandic owners were aware during last year's takeover talks that Macari might seek damages running into six figures.
It is common business practice in such circumstances to sign an indemnity clause to prevent the new owners being liable for a potential claim like Macari's.That could leave the previous owners, in effect Mr Coates and Mr Humphreys, liable if Macari successfully sues for wrongful dismissal. But neither the new or previous owners would comment today on whether such an indemnity had been signed at the time of the Icelandic takeover last Autumn.
Geoffrey Snow, a partner at Hanley stockbrokers PH Pope and Sons, said: ''When there is the sale of control of a company the vendors are obliged to notify the intended purchasers of any legal matters outstanding or which could become outstanding.''In that case it is normal practice for an indemnity to be taken out in the form of money being set aside by the vendors, a guarantee from the vendors' personal bankers or an insurance policy being taken out to cover themselves against the risk.''.
Macari's case is expected to be heard in the High Court later this year unless both parties can agree an out-of-court settlement.But the club said in a statement that it is ''vigorously defending Mr Macari's claims'' and added that it was ''bringing a counter claim against him in respect of his failure to repay substantial loans made to him whilst at the club.''
Macari, now a member of Huddersfield's managerial staff, announced his decision to step down as manager of Stoke in April 1997.He said he needed time to fight a case for wrongful dismissal against Scottish side Celtic, but also stated at the time that he wanted to remain long-term in some capacity at Stoke. But he subsequently left the club completely and the managerial reins eventually passed to his deputy Chic Bates in the summer of 1997.
News (2) Smith Returns
Sadly this headline is not about a remix of 'I was Kaiser Bill's Batman' hitting the charts (a hit for Whistling Jack Smith in March 1967!) - but about Denis Smith (Stoke City) returning to the post of manager at Oxford United.
The rather excellent Oxford United Official Web Site - updated Friday 18th February 2000 reported the appointment earlier this month the following way ...
Speaking at the press conference Denis Smith admitted that he was confident that United would stay up this season: The main thing is to ensure that Oxford United get out of the bottom four of the Division. They had a bad run at the end of last season and for the majority of this season. Mickey has been under tremendous pressure in the role he was given to turn the club round with very little resources. I think Mickey will be the first to admit that he needs a little bit of experience, a little help and guidance along those lines. I will be able to do that. I will be here as manager, Mickey will be first team coach and Les will be assistant coach. There will be no great changes there - they have no problems with that and neither have I. We will get on and make sure we work right to put it right. We've got one objective and one objective alone and that is to make sure we don't get relegated this season. After that we start to build for the future.
"People will wonder why I have come back because people say never go back. I have a lot of affection for Oxford - I was here for almost five years and enjoyed my time here. I still live in the area and I don't like seeing what has happened.There are a lot of good people within this club who deserve more than what has been happening. Mr. Kassam has got great ideas for the football club - not just for the stadium. He wants to progress and go forward - I want to be a part of that. Hopefully we will be in the Second Division next season, but after that the object will be not to just survive in the Division, but to take it on and be challenging for a place in the First Division where I think the Club can survive if we get the new stadium sorted and done.
We have got a good squad here and I know enough about the players to have a fair assessment of their strengths. I have been talking to Les and Mickey all morning and we will now start to build and put things right for a very important game against Blackpool on Saturday. We have got teams around us who are looking for points and we have got to get those points and that has to start this weekend. There has got to be a very positive outlook from now on. We need everybody pulling together from the Board, the staff, fans and media. It is important we all work together.
"I am here to try and turn this club round and we have got to do it very quickly. I will be doing my utmost - working night and day to make sure that that happens. It will not be for the lack of effort on my behalf or anybody behind the scenes and I am sure the players will want to give people a little bit more enjoyment than they have probably had of late.
"I will be wheeling and dealing and I will be seeing what I can do. We don't want to get into the situation where salaries are not being paid. Anybody can throw money at things, we don't want to do that. We want to work within the restrictions that are there and I am quite happy to do that and will do that. If I think something is necessary, I will go to Mr. Kassam and we will sit down and talk about it. If the money is not there, then its not there. If I can generate the money then we will discuss how we use it. I will be doing what I can to change things - Neil McGowan and Ross Weatherstone are injured and Mark Watson is going away which are problems - those sort of things give me defensive problems that I have to look at.
"I would not have taken the job if I did not think I could keep the club up. I have got my reputation to think of. This is a job I think I can do. These players were in the First Division last season. They have not gone that far downhill. The problem comes with a bit of confidence. Mickey came in and I know he improved things around the place. He is well-liked and what we need to do is work together and we will work together to get it right".
News (3) Hudson Reports
Whilst searching around for Stoke City sites I came across The Sentinel Stoke City Home Page which comes highly recommended not least for its regular feature by Alan Hudson (Chelsea). It's well worth a read.
News (4) Q interview for 'Head Over Heels' singer.
Try and get hold of the latest 'Q' magazine (March 2000, No. 162) for it's 'Cash For Questions' interview with Kevin Keegan. In the feature readers write in with their questions for Kevin. It includes a picture of Kevin which can now be seen on Kevin's own page on this site (the first picture of Kevin at Scunthorpe). Apparently Kevin did use to wear Brut, still has a pair of his own endorsed 'Pirelli' slippers, was backed by Smokie on his 'Head Over Heels ' single, was born in his Auntie's house at Armthorpe, had a bubble perm because it was easy to wash, and was only SLEEPING in the lay-by when severely beaten up off the M25 in Reigate.
The best answer though was to the question ...
Q (Jim Brakell, Ellesmere Port) : Tell us your favourite Shankly (Liverpool manager) story.
Kev : Coming out of Maine Road after being beaten 2-1 by a very good Manchester City side. Mike Summerbee had given Alec Lindsay a torrid time. This guy said to Shanks, "That Summerbee is some player, isn't he ?" Bill went (excellent gruff Scottish accent) "Aye, aye not bad." Then the guy pushed his luck and said Summerbee must be nearly as good as Tom Finney, Shanks idol. He turned around and said, " Aye son, nearly as good, but you must remember that Tom's 63."
See Q - The World's Greatest Music Magazine Online
News (5) Oscar for Alan ?
Imagine my surprise when a visit to the cinema revealed a reference for Bob's 70-71 pages. The very excellent film, 'American Beauty' was written by none other than Alan Ball. I have since seen that Alan has been nominated for an Oscar for Original Screenplay. Shame Alan didn't script 'Escape to Victory'.
News (6) Birthday Boy Contract
Good to see that the Premiership's oldest manager, Bobby Robson, has a one year extension to his contract, which was given on his 67th birthday.
When interviewed on Radio 5 about this, Bobby said something about not retiring until either his head, legs or heart gave up. Sadly he slipped over his words bringing on fears that this could be more imminent than he realised ...
Realisation (1)
February's Manager of the Month was Mansfield's Billy Dearden, who was one of Sheffield United's more famous names of the 1970-71 season.Whilst researching for this I came across one of the very best fan sites StagsNet - Mansfield Town Online . I strongly recommend going there especially for the Vintage Stags Action page. For more on Billy see Billy Dearden.
Realisation (2)
Thanks to lessfamousrelatives11 from the StagsNet - Mansfield Town Online site, two more sets of brothers can now be added to the site.
England and Aston Villa hero, Peter Withe actually debuted in the 1970-71 season having signed on to Southport's books in November, 1970. His less famous brother, Chris, is eleven years his junior and played over 400 League games, including 143 for Bradford City during the mid 1980's.
Meanwhile, Keith Kennedy was on Newcastle United's books during the 1970-71 season, though he did not debut until the following season. Whilst the debut League game proved to be his only one at Newcastle, Keith went on to play 405 League games for Bury, before playing out his career with a further 34 League games for Mansfield Town. His more famous younger brother is the Newcastle United, Liverpool and England star Alan Kennedy, who did not debut until the 1972-73 season.
See Sons and Daughters : Brothers
15th February, 2000
E-Mail (1)
Thanks to Han van Eijden who told me about his excellent site at Internet Football Ground Guide - Old Grounds & Stands. I'm old enough to have visited a few of the ex-grounds so the site makes special reading
Email (2)
Very special thanks to Steve Bingham who writes :
Regarding the whereabouts of Colin Harper, he is now a self-employed builder in and around the Ipswich area, and has been for many years. Occasionally, he has worked as a match summariser on the local radio station covering Ipswich Town's matches.
Mick Lambert still lives in Ipswich, taking part in local sports such as cricket and tennis.
Mick McNeil owns a number of local sports shops in Suffolk.
Thanks Steve, I'll incorporate the info. into the site asap.
News (1) NME Awards
(a) Crazy Horse - (wot ! Emlyn Hughes (Liverpool)???)
The following banter was spotted in the 12th February, 2000 edition of the 'NME (New Musical Express)'. It was the awards edition and the Best T.V. Show award went (quite rightly) to 'The Royle Family'. In the post-award interview Craig and Caroline Aherne, from the show were asked, 'Who would you give the Godlike Genius Award to ?'
"Craig : Stephen Malkmus from Pavement.
Caroline : I'd say Neil Young
Craig : Would you ? He used to play outside- left for Manchester City ..."
And if you don't believe him see the Manchester City page ...
(b) Whatever ... next.
Incidentally, when voting, the readers were also asked was "When Sir Alex Ferguson (Falkirk) retires, which pop personality should take over as manager of Manchester United ? "
The winning answer was Noel Gallagher. James Osbourne from Sheffield suggested it would be an idea, 'to get a Blue on the inside and ruin the f******s'.
For the on-line version of the awards see NME Carling Premier Awards 2000
News (2) ChArT Music
A while back I mentioned that The Wedding Present brought out an album called George Best, well perhaps one better than that is a group named after the Chelsea and England hero / villain of 1970 World Cup Finals - Peter 'the Cat' Bonetti. Bonetti who was rated second in this site's own chart as best ever England goalkeeper - see Quizlet Results. The band really are named after the man himself as is revealed at their website bonetti interactive. I've isolated an article about them for this site which you can see at Bonetti.
Realisation
I have finally found out which of 8 James Smiths who have played League football since the 2nd War is Jim Smith the Derby County manager. In fact there were 2 playing in the Leagues in the 1970-71 season and neither were Jim. He was playing non-League football at the time, though he did return for Colchester United in the 1972-73 season. Can anyone out there confirm which team Jim was playing for in the 1970-71 season? If so I can add him to the site officially...
12th February, 2000
News Dolan Returns
Sadly this headline is not about a remix of 'Make Me An Island' hitting the charts (a hit for Joe Dolan in June 1969!) - but about Terry Dolan returning to the post of manager at York. Terry had the honour of being a Bradford Park Avenue player when they dropped out of the League, moved to Huddersfield Town during the 1970-71 season in October, then plummeted down all four Leagues with them ! He was also a phenomenal penalty taking of Matt Le Tissier proportions. At Bradford City it is reported that he hit 19 in 4 years including 18 in succession !
Terry has also been manager of Bradford City, but at the beginning of the season he was coach of the Premiership-pushing Huddersfield team. York are presently 21st in the Third Division and struggling for League status. I'm not thinking about the late lamented Park Avenue at all ... See Huddersfield Town, and Rothmans.
11th February, 2000
News Kenny Returns
Sadly this headline is not about a remix of 'The Bump' hitting the charts (a hit for the band Kenny in December 1974 !) - but perhaps even more bizarrely about Kenny Dalglish (Celtic squad) returning to the post of manager - this time at Celtic.The club got all sulky over being beaten in the Scottish Cup by an excellent Inverness Caledonian Thistle side and sacked John Barnes because of it. Kenny was already Director of Football or some such contrived post and insists that he does not want the manager's job on a permanent basis. At least, Kenny had the good heart to not smile whilst stabbing his erstwhile best mate in the back, saying that if the team had not have been uncommitted, spineless rubbish that night, they would not have lost the game (or words to that effect). See Football365
Billy McNeill (Celtic) already had the knives out for Barnes Football365, Lou Macari (Celtic squad) thought Barnes was a bit unlucky and blames the players and Bertie Auld (Celtic) sees it all as a learning experience for Barnes thinking he'll be a good manager one day ... See Football365
10th February, 2000
There's a brand new interview to read from local magazine, 'Leeds Life' with Gabby Yorath, Terry's t.v. presenting daughter (click Gabby's name to see).
7th February, 2000
Derby County's page has been developed more. January's archive is now in place.
News
(a) Realisation
Well no-one told me and I rarely watch Sky One, so it took an article in February's MOTD magazine to realise Kenny Dalglish not only has a footballing son, Paul, but a t.v. presenter daughter, Kelly. Kelly is only the 4th famous daughter I've found so far (see Sons and Daughters :Daughters) so send me any more you might know ...
(b) Darren Currie
Pele may be interested in March's MOTD magazine. Barnet players get to product test various shampoos and things, and 5 of them appear naked except for a very well placed football. One player, however, lifted his ball a tad too high, and the editors gave him a black star ... in the appropriate place. This player was Darren Currie, Tony Currie 's nephew (Sheffield United). Darren gets to test Brylcreem instead of his usual Pantene and Hitec Gel.
Darren says, ' Just used the shampoo and it feels very nice indeed, very smooth. I'd swap over to this. I'm impressed with the wax, it's good considering I normally use gel to set it like rock. I'll have to give it a bit of time to see if it holds up - could be good' ... I'm not boring you am I ?
News (2) MOTD Magazine
Talking of "Match of the Day's" monthly magazine, "MOTD" - lately it has been a Bob 70-71 pages favourite. Last month there was articles with Kelly Dalglish as mentioned above, as well as Brian's son Nigel Clough (see Derby County manager and Sons and Daughters), who is presently manager of Burton Albion. But the highlight was the free calander with pictures of Billy Bremner, Dave Mackay, Pele (Star Players of Mexico 1970), Bill Shankly (Liverpool manager), Bobby Moore and Kenny Dalglish (Celtic squad).
March's magazine has a frighteningly close up picture of former Scunthorpe player Kevin Keegan on the cover as well as an interview with that other famous football presenter-daughter, Gabby Yorath (Sons and Daughters : Daughters). The feature on football funny moments is littered with 70's players, and then there's always the regular features with Trevor Brooking (West Ham United squad) and Roy Race (Melchester Rovers), too.
News (3) John Atyeo.
Did a bit of surfing yesterday and came across a great footballing history site all about Bristol City's most played player, John Atyeo (see Appearance Records) at Atyeo Factfile. John retired in 1966 so I'm not sure I can wangle him on to my site at this moment.
News (4) Conceivable realisations
This website's Guestbook had a message from the fabulous CRAIGBOARDMANSBOOTS. Craig played a few league games for Scarborough in the 1995-6 season, and is presently playing for top local side Ossett Town. His Dad, George, now appears on the Barnsley page, though perhaps his greatest contribution to the 1970-71 season was, becoming Craig's father, as Craig has the honour of being born mid-1970-71 season, in November ...(How sad was that fact ?) (It gets worse, though...)
On this theme, I noticed the other day, that Nicky Summerbee can claim to go one better than this as he was in fact CONCEIVED mid-1970-71 season (around Novemberish if he went full term) !!! Man City did beat Man U 4-1 in December 1970 and Mike was in the team, one could speculate that he stayed at home to celebrate that night ...
6th February, 2000
Finally, Ron Atkinson has his own page (see E-mail 30th January, 2000)
3rd February, 2000
News (1) Everything you never wanted to know about sex (but were told anyway)...
PELE ADMITS: 'I HAD GAY SEX 'Football legend Pele (Star Players of the World Cup 1970) has admitted that his first sexual experience was with a homosexual when he was just 14 years old. In an extraordinarily candid interview with Colombian weekly magazine New Stage, Pele reveals that he was a teenager with Brazilian club Santos when he and his team mates visited a man in Bauru, a suburb of Sao Paulo. "It was with a homosexual, I was barely 14 years old," he admitted. "But let's be fair, I wasn't the only one who did it. He was a man in Bauru that all our team visited." But the man many regard as the best footballer ever has insisted the event was strictly a one-off: "I have never had that sort of relationship since," he confirmed. (Reported by Football 365)
News (2) Bob's Job.
See Football365 who report that Bobby Robson (Ipswich manager) is still waiting to hear if he will be offered a new contract despite transforming Newcastle's fortunes.Robson's deal expires in the summer and despite rumblings from St James' Park that he will be given an extension, he claims the board has yet to speak to him."I've had a little word that at some stage the board will want to see me, but it's not happening at the moment, so I will just have to wait and see," said the Magpies manager.Newcastle fans are desperate for Robson to stay and the former England boss has guided the club away from the bottom of the Premiership and led them into the FA Cup quarter-finals in the five months he has been in charge.
31st January, 2000
E-mail - Han van Eijden from The Netherlands writes ...
I hit your brilliant site (Thanks, Han - Bob) when I found it at Footie51. Do you still want an update of all the Feijenoord players you mention in their dedicated section? If so, tell me what the format should be and I'll see what I can do for you.
Yes please !!!
Han continues ... Trivia: Feyenoord is originally spelled as Feijenoord from the part of Rotterdam they originate from. They slightly changed their name in the wake of their international endeavours, presuming it would be easier for foreigners to pronounce......(although it sounds exactly the same in Dutch...)
To celebrate this news, click to see a picture of Feyenoord / Feijenoord winning the European Cup in 1970.
30th January, 2000
Well, the site has had a bit of a mid-Winter break due to me plying my trade in a far off Continent known as the 'Real World', but Cyberspace has kept in touch with the following e-mails.
E-mail (1) Jim Ross our US Correspondent send the following information ...
'I have a couple updates for you. First in the "Brothers" section, Clive Charles (West Ham United) is now the U.S. national U-21 coach. He seems to be moving up over here. In the "Where are they now" section, Mick Mahoney (Bristol City), who made 108 app. in goal for Newcastle Utd.(1975-78) is living and playing "Old Fart" footy in Southern California with a team called "The Widebodies". He no longer plays in goal, but as a centre back. '
Cheers for that Jim
E-mail (2) Paul Owens a self-confessed Spurs fan writes :-
Well done Bob.Your site makes a refreshing change from all the news feed sites out there (TA!-Bob), can you please include a picture of big Ron in the Second Division gallery, I think it might have appeared in the annual you feature as a background image on your site.
Yes indeed he's part of the World of Soccer Stars at Oxford United ... I'll add a picture very soon, I hope. (Now added at Ron Atkinson).Thanks Paul.
E-mail (3) Thanks to my mate Noel Darvell who sent me a picture which could well illustrate the news item on Best and Becks (below)
E-mail (4) Ian Corry writes :-Nice work on all the old stuff .(Thanks !- Bob)I believe Roger Hunt was still with Liverpool in '66 and Ray Wilson with Huddersfield.
I'm not sure if maybe you are referring to the World Cup '66 Winners pictures here. Of course, you're absolutely right, the clubs I use with the pictures are the 1970-71 teams, not their 1966 teams.
19 January, 2000
News (1) : 20th Century Boy
PELE (Star Players of Mexico '70) has been voted Player Of The 20th Century ahead of Dutch star Johan Cruyff and inspirational German Franz Beckenbauer (Star Players of Mexico '70). A poll conducted by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics awarded Brazilian legend Pele 1,705 points, while Cruyff polled 1,303 and Beckenbauer 1,228.Alfredo di Stefano took fourth place followed by Diego Maradona, Ferenc Puskas, Michel Platini, Garrincha, Eusebio and Bobby Charlton (Manchester United).
Lev Yashin, the late Russian giant, was voted top goalkeeper of the century, followed by Gordon Banks of England and Dino Zoff of Italy. Jose Luis Chilavert of Paraguay and Peter Schmeichel of Denmark were the only two players still playing to make it onto either list.
News (2) : The Groover ... /or (for Yorkshire readers...)Wallace Arnold Awards 1999
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics also made the top club coach of 1999 Manchester United's Alex Ferguson (Falkirk).
News (3) : Solid Gold Easy Action
This recent Football365 article shows either a) resentment that thinks have improved since his day, or 2) what we all know, that when shop-floor workers move into management, their attitudes change ...
'Alan Mullery (Tottenham Hotspur) has told (Spurs) they are right not to be held to ransom over wage demands by the likes of Darren Anderton and Steffen Iversen. England winger Anderton is in dispute with Spurs over a new contract and has reportedly turned down an offer of £24,000 a week. Norwegian striker Iversen is the latest player reported to be unhappy with the kind of deal Spurs are offering to sign an extension to his current contract. Spurs are so far sticking to their guns and keeping a limit on the salaries they pay, and former White Hart Lane hero Alan Mullery is backing that policy.
''There is no question that Anderton is an outstanding young footballer,'' he said, ''but to be injured for as long as he has, and then be offered a reported £24,000 a week, is a vast sum of money for someone who hasn't played since August. I am in sympathy with Tottenham all the way through. I agree with them 100%. ''Iversen is a very good young player but Tottenham have got to say: 'No, we are not going to pay this sort of money,' and I am in full agreement with them. If someone like David Ginola is one of the top earners at Tottenham then certain other players shouldn't expect to earn more than him when they are not in the same class. Obviously there is a risk of losing players but clubs have to make that choice and Spurs are standing up and doing that.''
Mullery believes that more and more players will follow the lead of the likes of Anderton and Iversen and hold out for more money. That is because of the precedent he feels has been set by Roy Keane at Manchester United, who recently signed a contract worth a reputed £50,000 a week.''A precedent has been set by the Roy Keane situation,'' said Mullery. ''Other players will look at their salaries and say 'hold on, he is earning £30,000 a week more than me. This will always be a problem because once somebody sets a precedent in the way Roy Keane has, then this is just the start. Agents will see the limit set by Keane and naturally look for more money for their players.''Mullery also warned that the Keane contract is likely to cost United far more expense in the future. He added: ''A club like United can probably afford it, but their problems haven't gone away because their problems will come back when Beckham and Giggs have to sign new contracts because they will want the same as Keane is earning.'''
Realisations 1 and 2 : Hidden Riders of Tomorrow
As chance would have it, two current managers debuted as players for their current employers during the 1970-71 season. Tony Parkes at Blackburn Rovers and Trevor Francis at Birmingham City.
Realisation 3 : The Slider
Former England manager and turnip, Graham Taylor was rather more established at Lincoln City.
Realisation 4 : My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair But Now They're Content to Wear Stars on Their Brows
...ok that's enough pointless Marc Bolan / T.Rex references ...(Bob).
Obituaries
Some while back I covered the deaths of the players from the World of Soccer Stars album reported in this season's Rothmans. Since then, the coverage of these pages has extended to all players from the 1970-71 season. Hence I need to add the following obituaries ...
John Dickson (Cowdenbeath) (b. 1949; d.12.1.1998) Cowdenbeath and Scotland's leading goalscorer in 1969-70 with League 31 goals, and Beath's leading goalscorer in the famed 1970-71 season. Moved to St.Mirren in 1972, also played for Ayr United, Elgin City (as player-coach) and East Fife.
Matt Gilles (Nottingham Forest manager) (b Loganlea,12.8.1921, d.12.1998) Matt was manager of Nottingham Forest during the 1970-71 season - a piece of information that unfortunately passed me by. Played for Motherwell, Bolton Wanderers, Leicester City. As manager for Leicester City1958-1968 he led the team to the F.A.Cup Final in 1961, 1963 and 1965, and victory in the League Cup in 1964.Matt was the Forest manager from 1969-1972.
William Houliston (Queen of the South staff) (b.Dumfries 4.4.1921,d.10.2.1999) Chairman of Queen of the South from 1962 to 1994. William was capped for Scotland 3 times as a player for Queen of the South - which remains their record to date. Also a player for Berwick Rangers and Third Lanark.
Brian Lewis (Oxford United) (b.Woking, 26.1.1946, d.14.12.1998) During the 1970-71 season Brian moved for £5,000 from Oxford United to Colchester United as was to be one of the Colchester team that famously beat the Mighty Leeds United team 3-2 in the Fifth round of the F.A. Cup in 1971.Played for Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Coventry City, Luton Town (top scorer in the 1968-69 season with 22 goals), Oxford United, Colchester United, Portsmouth, and Hastings (non-League).
Bobby McEwan (Worcester City) (b.Worcester, 28.3.1942, d.15.12.1998) A new departure for these pages as Bobby was a top non-League player, the first Bob's 1970-71 pages has covered. Bobby played a record 596 first team appearances for Worcester City from 1958 to 1975. Also played for Bromsgrove Rovers.
George Male (Arsenal staff) (b. West Ham, 8.5.1910, d. 19.2.1998) On the coaching staff and a scout for Arsenal from retiring from his playing career to 1975, George served Arsenal for 45 years.George won 4 Championships and an F.A.Cup winners medal with Arsenal during the 1930s, as well as 19 England caps. George's F.A.Cup debut was the in the 1932 Final when Arsenal lost to Newcastle United. George also played 8 games in Arsenal's Championship in 1948
Syd Owen (Leeds United staff) (b. Small Heath, 29.2.22, d. 1.99) Leeds United's coach from 1960 to the mid Seventies, throughout Don Revie's Glory team years.Played for Birmingham City and Luton Town, as well as for England 3 times. At Luton Town in 1959, Syd led the team reach the F.A.Cup final, which earned him the Footballer of the Year honour. syd briefly managed Luton before the Leeds post, and afterwards was assistant manager at Birmingham City, coach at Hull City, and youth team coach at Manchester United before retiring in 1982.
Dick Sheppard (Bristol Rovers) (b. Bristol, 14.2.1945, d. 18.10.1998) Dick was at Bristol Rovers in the 1970-71 season, and in 1972 it was his penalty save that won the Watney Cup in a shoot out against Sheffield United. Another famous penalty save was against George Best and Manchester United the following season. It helped Rovers beat Man U at Old Trafford in the F.A.Cup 3rd round replay.Well done Dick ! Dick was the West Brom goalkeeper in the team that lost to Q.P.R. in the 1967 League Cup Final. Also had a loan period at Torquay United.
R.I.P.
Click to see the Obituaries Index
13 January, 2000
Spent a lot of time getting the site bookmarks up and running (see yesterday) - which is leaving me a bit behind on news stories, so I'll try and catch up tomorrow. Here's a couple for now, though ...
News: Commentators update.
Talk Radio's Bobby Gould (Wolves) was commentating on the West Ham / Villa match for Radio Five Live - now I would have said they were rivals ...
Especially since Talk Radio has announced it is to become Talk-Sport radio station. Only old work mate , James Whale (James would challenge the equality of this relationship !!!) will survive the culling of non-sports presenters. The point being that to promote the changes, England manager and Scunthorpe's own Kevin Keegan, will be getting his own phone in show. (See Talk Radio and James Whale Home Page, Talk Radio, UK)
12 January, 2000
Lots of career figures have now been added to the Newcastle United page. I found a new picture of Frank Casper from 1968, which I've added to his page. Frank was the subject of Bob's 70-7's first ever e-mail see July, 1999 Where are they now ? Finally learnt how to 'bookmark' so jumping around the site following news stories should be easier - see 6, January 2000 ... there's nothing relevant there I was just showing you what I mean !
9 January, 2000
December's news is now archived. There is an additional Bobby Clark picture and one of Aberdeen (with thanks to Jim Ross).
News (1) Next Generation : Rioch Realisations
Greg Rioch scored for Macclesfield in their 1-2 home defeat to the other League newcomers, Cheltenham, in Division 3 yesterday. A bit of basic investigation shows this to indeed be Bruce's son. Bruce hadn't yet been included on Bob's 70-71 pages so he's been added to Aston Villa , Rothmans as Norwich's first team coach, and of course, Sons and Daughters. (See Silkmen Online - Dressing Room for Greg and Norwich City Football Club - The Canaries' official web site - NCFC for Bruce.)
News (2) 66% for '66 goal
Bob's 70-71 Quizlet showed that only 66% of the 50 replies believed Geoff Hurst's (West Ham) World Cup winner was really a goal !! ... As opposed to only 50% of the players playing that day. There is now a Quizlet page for old Quizlet answers.
News (3) Big Mal Completely Wrong.
Big Malcolm Allison believed if his old club got an early goal against Leeds United today they would win. They did get the early goal - but O'Leary's boys STUFFED City 5-2 ... I'm not showing journalistic bias hear am I ? Hmm lucky no-one reads the News page, I guess... See Soccernet or January 2000 - Where are they now ?
News (3) Best on Becks
Soccernet found George Best giving sober thoughts about the latest Man U hero ...
'He was already a marked man after being singled out by fans up and down the country but he is in the firing line all the more now,' said Best. 'I follow United as much as possible because they mean as much to me now as in my playing days. The abuse he has suffered has been appalling. I have been to United games and cringed at some of the personal, offensive stuff that has been aimed at him from the terraces. Mostly about his wife and all of it vile. No-one should have to put up with that and I feel for him. The way he has handled it for most of this season has been a credit to him but I fear he is back to square one after what happened last night.
'It is all going to come back to haunt him. Those who are warped enough to derive some sense of satisfaction out of chanting foulmouthed abuse at him are going to have a field day. I have been through it and I always made a point of redoubling my efforts to repay them with a goal or two. If I could walk off after stuffing their team out of sight, I knew I had beaten them. That is what David must do now and, if he wants to talk it over with me, I will be there for him.
'He really has to come to terms with his fame and one way is to be mindful of what football has given him,' said Best. 'I don't just mean in monetary terms, either. The one thing I remember from my days was the buzz I got from playing for a club like Manchester United in front of capacity crowds at home and abroad. There was no feeling like it and, if only I could turn the clock back, I would do anything to solve the problems I had - or at least learn to live with them - rather than walk away when I should have been at my peak. I can still recall the empty feeling that hit me when I realised it was all over. I couldn't envisage going on without the excitement and adrenaline rush of performing on the big stage. Not just performing, but being the star attraction, just like Beckham is at the moment. 'I have met the lad and I like him. There is no bigger Red than me and I see him down at the ground quite often. We chat about all sorts of things but not his problems over discipline or being in the spotlight. Not so far, anyway.
'I don't want to start poking my nose in and preaching to the boy if it's not wanted. If he wants my advice, that's a different matter and I will give it gladly. I went through the same in my career. I allowed myself to be wound up and got myself sent off more times than I care to remember - usually for swearing at refs rather than kicking out at opponents - and I was followed everywhere by the media or headcases who wanted to make a nuisance of themselves. I have spoken to his dad, Ted, about it several times. The message has always been simple enough - there is no secret formula. It is the same as in my day. When you have a talent like his, you are blessed with the perfect answer to any amount of goading from the terraces or provocation on the pitch. I know it is easier said than done but you have to take a step back and count to 10 whenever there is a danger of losing it. I used to love going to places like Merseyside, Arsenal and Chelsea, getting non-stop stick and walking off with a smile on my face after stuffing them 4-0.David has to stick two fingers up to his detractors by turning it on against them. That is the only way to hurt them.'
Best believes Ferguson now faces as big a test of his man-management skills as when he flew to France and talked Eric Cantona out of quitting in the wake of his Kung Fu attack on a yob who had taunted him at Selhurst Park. 'The way Alex coaxed Eric into continuing at Old Trafford was a masterstroke,' he said. 'Cantona was the inspiration behind title and cup triumphs after that and it has to go down as one of Alex's great coups. Now he has his work cut out making sure Beckham's career stay on the right lines. The success of that is vital to United's continued prosperity because he is developing into a great player. He can remain at the top for at least another 10 years if he keeps his mind right and it is frightening to think what he might achieve for himself and the club. I have seen the improvement over the past couple of years. As a kid, he used to waste the ball too often but he has learned to look up and assess the options.Now you know that just about every pass and cross is going to do some damage. That is a great weapon to have in your team and I hope and pray it does not go to waste. I remember whenever I stepped out of line, Sir Matt Busby would take me to one side in his office and have a quiet word to remind me of my responsibilities and who I was playing for. No-one was bigger than the club and, though times may have changed, that should still apply. I am sure Alex will do the same with David.
'I have every sympathy for Beckham because I still get hassle now, 30 years after finishing at Old Trafford. I live in London but it doesn't make any difference. There is always some lowlife who wants to impress his pals or a girlfriend and sets out to target you. He will get mouthy or start a punch-up and it gets thoroughly unpleasant. It got so bad a while ago that I persuaded a pal, who can look after himself, to follow me round as a minder. He was always on hand if anything nasty developed. If that happens to a guy of my age who has been out of the game for decades, it must be hard to imagine what it's like for Beckham. It is a shame it has come to this and being hounded the way he and his wife are is no way to live. It is a nonsense to think that you cannot step outside your home without having some hired muscle alongside you but it may be the only way to protect him from all those nutters who want to stir up trouble.Something has to be done because he is such a nice lad when you get to know him. I would hate it if he became a villain but there is a danger he could end up being perceived that way.'
News (4) 'Falkirk' Fergie Falters
Alex Ferguson (Falkirk) had a miserable World Club Championship. Man U were panned by the U.K. press for dropping out of the F.A.Cup competition; once in Brazil, the club were accused of not being media friendly; star player David Beckham was sent off in the first game; and , indeed, so was he !!! (See Manchester United Official Web site - News - Archive Feature)
To cap it all the team lost 3-1 in the second game and have an embarrassing early exit from the competition - which unlike, say, a slip up to Division One outsiders in the F.A.Cup - the whole world got to see ... live on telly ! See Manchester United Official Web site - News - Archive Feature
6 January, 2000
Gordon West wrote, 'The Championship in my Keeping' in 1970, and in it he chooses his favourite 11 - all the players can be found on these pages so have a see at what he says about them in this first installment. (I didn't really do this to create suspense, it's just that it was too long for me to complete it in one go !!)
News Ambassador Charlton
Good to see Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) on the front of The Times yesterday. Bobby had penned a characteristically diplomatic (i.e. wishy-washy fence-sitting) piece about Man U's involvement in the World Club Championship. Here's the complete article directly quoted.
"Hitting new heights in Brazil can make world of difference.
MANCHESTER UNITED have a reputation for seeking to broaden their horizons. That was the case in the 1950s when Sir Matt Busby saw the importance of competing in Europe. It did not go down well with the Little Englanders who thought that we should stick to domestic football, but history showed him to be right.
Since we announced our decision to withdraw from the FA Cup to compete in the Fifa Club World Championship, which begins today, there has been a lively debate. Once again we have been told that we should have stayed at home. History will show, once again, that we were right to accept the new challenge.
I have said all along that I would have loved it if we had been able to stay in the FA Cup and play in Brazil, but it was just not possible. We explored every avenue and looked into every possibility. It was a difficult and painful decision but I believe that it was the right one. It was right for United and right for English football.
We have the chance to write a new page of history by becoming the first winners of the Club World Championship. The victory in the Intercontinental Cup in Japan last month has whetted our appetite. And I cannot believe that there is anyone in England who does not take some pride when an English team can truly say it is the best in the world - in any sport, not just football.
Winning in Brazil will not be easy, though. The hot and humid conditions will be alien to the English style of play and might prove to be a bigger obstacle than the teams we will face, although Real Madrid and Vasco da Gama will be no pushovers.
The championship is still at an experimental stage. No one knows what it is going to be like or how successful it will prove to be in the longer term. Sepp Blatter, the President of Fifa, football's world governing body, has already said that it has not been decided yet when the next championship will take place, but there is a real desire within Fifa to establish this tournament and I think it is the right thing for an English club to be there.
It is sometimes forgotten that England did not enter the early World Cups and I cannot believe that there is anyone today who would defend that decision.In the 1950s and 1960s, the opportunity to play in the European Cup and show what we could do was immensely stimulating for players such as myself, Denis Law and George Best. Now the new generation of football players, such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke, can parade their skills on a world stage. That is why I am so sure that coming here was the right decision.
If it had not been us, then the reality is that it would have been a German club; Bayern Munich and my old pal Franz Beckenbauer, the Germany 2006 World Cup campaign president, would have been there. That would have been a spectacular own goal for England.I do not say that United being in Brazil alone will clinch the vote for England to stage the 2006 World Cup, but there is no doubt this is a tournament that Fifa sets great store by. Manchester United appearing in such a high-profile competition puts English football firmly on the world stage. It can only be helpful.
It has been a very good few months for the England bid. Campaigning has been an up-and-down process, but at the moment we are in the driving seat. The Fifa inspection visit in the autumn graded us A1. The South Africans, the Brazilians and the Moroccans still have to pass that test.Significantly, European-based Fifa voters are beginning to realise that England has more support outside Europe than Germany and is now the stronger of the two European candidates.
The go-ahead for Wembley to be rebuilt as the best football stadium in the world is excellent news for the World Cup bid and will give us a good message to pass on in Brazil. The appeal of the Wembley name around the world is immense. When I was in Tokyo for the 2002 World Cup draw, everyone was asking me what the new Wembley would look like. No one should underestimate the importance of the World Cup to football and to this country. If the World Cup does not come here in 2006, it could easily be another 20 years before we get the chance. I do not think that is acceptable for the home of football.
If Manchester United win the inaugural Club World Championship - and we have an excellent chance - no one will be more delighted than me. If this visit to Brazil helps to bring the World Cup to England in 2006, they will have delivered a great service to English football.
Sir Bobby Charlton is a director of Manchester United and ambassador to England's 2006 World Cup campaign."
See The Times World Club ChampionshipHitting new heights in Brazil can make world of difference
Realisation : Little by Little
Having re-read the record books I see that Brian is indeed entitled to a place on Bob's 70-71 pages having earlier been ruled out by me. This is because he signed on to Aston Villa's books in March 1971 !! He now takes up residence on at Aston Villa and, of course he can be found alongside his younger bro' , Alan ,on the brothers section of the Sons and Daughters page. Brian is presently the manager of West Bromwich having taken over from the sacked Denis Smith (Stoke City) earlier this season.
E-Mail
Thanks to Phil Gibbs who sent the following information ...
Chris Cattlin of Coventry can be found in his Rock shop on Brighton Sea Front. He managed Brighton for some time in the 80's. (See Where are they now ?)
1 January, 2000 - Happy New Millennium !!!
News - 'Thirty-Four Years Ago ... '
As English football seems ever more unlikely to emulate the heroes of '66, the Millennial New Year's Honours list includes all those players in the World Cup winning team who haven't won an honour already. Hence there's M.B.E.'s for Alan Ball, George Cohen, Roger Hunt (Bolton Wanderers), Nobby Stiles (Manchester United), and Ray Wilson (Bradford City).