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February 2000

News Archive

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 - continued

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."

(b) Frank Lampard Junior

Frank reverted back to England's under-21squad this week and the team did very well to beat the Argentinians 2-1. Listen as Frank Lampard discusses the game with Steve Wilson It was a very even game. (Radio 5 Live) which comes from BBC Online - Football - News.

News (3) 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.

News (3) Next Generation Update : Frank Lampard Junior (See Sons and Daughters)

Frank was nearly involved in fisticuffs with West Ham United team mate, Di Canio, over who should take a penalty to pull the score's level to 4-4 whilst at home to struggling Bradford City. Di Canio felt he had earned the kick having been fouled so often during the match - and indeed he got to take it and score.

Just reward was to follow though, as Frank scored the 5-4 winner in the 83rd minute to complete the comeback from 4-2 down. See West Ham United FC -org The Official Web Site

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 (1) Next Generation Update (Sons and Daughters)

(a) Frank Lampard junior

Another goal for Frank on Saturday away to Southampton, but to the undoubted pleasure of this site's pal, Christian Kelly, it was not enough to win the game for West Ham. Frank's goal was an equaliser, but Southampton came out 2-1 victors. Hooray ... eh, Christian !! Visit Christian's site

(b) Greg Rioch

Bruce's son scored a 5th minute penalty for his team, Macclesfield, on Saturday, away to Rotherham, but again it ended as a 2-1 defeat for our man.

(c) 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 ...

(d) 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.

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