Treasured memories of a bygone age – Part 5

Fascinating article, John. I am pleased but surprised at the NI selections. Pat Rice was a superb full back and partnered Sammy Nelson for many years. I recall Sammy Nelson dropping his shorts during a game. Next time, at Windsor Park the ground echoed to "Sammy Sammy show us your bum".
Alex Elder was vastly underrated and I am intrigued that you singled him out. As a kid I remember walking to the top of our street and Alex and Sammy Todd, the other NI full back were sitting on a wall. Apparently Sammy was a pal of a local lad, Snowy Gilmore.
I think it is only with hindsight that I appreciate how good both were.
I never saw Danny Blanchflower play but I am told he was a magnificent player. He was a highly intelligent man and I think he wrote a non ghosted column for the Sunday Express. He spoke with the same posh Northern accent as Billy Bingham.
I never saw the magnificent Wright play. I saw Hunter play once. He was, in my view, much more than a hard man. He epitomizes, for me, some of what has gone for good and which is perhaps only lamented by those of a certain age.
Good stuff, John.

Hi Andy, the purpose of my articles are to stir memories of older 'Webbers', and to give younger readers an insight into the players of our younger days. While there are a few Northern Ireland players featured there is no bias intended, it's just the fact that they were decent players who left an impression on me.

Regarding Danny Blanchflower, he was indeed a great player, and an accomplished journalist. He once referred to the training regime of Barnsley chairman Joe Richards, who Danny claimed, told the training staff, "Train without the ball, they'll be hungry for it on Saturday." a policy that Danny, and many others couldn't accept.

John, let's not forget Billy Wright's other claim to fame. He was married to Joy, one of the Beverley Sisters, a popular singing trio at that time.

Your mentioning the Wolves' games over Christmas 1954 reminds us oldies that the Christmas fixtures were often played on consecutive days before large crowds. I was at the Wolves home game which, as you say, we won 3-2 having won 3-1 at Molineux. the following Christmas we lost 6-2 away to Birmingham on Boxing Day and then won the return game the following day 5-1 at Goodison!

This turnaround was common. The only games that I can recall that bettered these scorelines was played over Christmas in the '60s when West Ham lost 8-2 at home to Blackburn and then won 3-1 away to the same team a couple of days later.

John, my dear late dad was a friend of Danny Blanchflower and many of the early 60's Spurs team. My dad was in the Merchant Navy (‘the Merch') and Spurs travelled by boat for many pre season games in those days which is where the friendship developed. Anyway, regarding Danny's story about being hungry for the ball if they didn't see it during the week, Danny told dad that his reply was ‘Yes but if we don't see the effing thing during the week then how will we know what to do with it when we get it on a Saturday?' I have some great memories of him, he was a very nice man too. Thanks for reminding me John.

Hi Terry [3]these results you mention did occur on a fairly regular basis, the West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers fixtures you quoted took place over the Christmas period of 1963.

A similar turn around which left me distraught, were the Everton v Huddersfield Town fixtures over the Easter holiday of 1953, Everton 2 Huddersfield 1, on Easter Monday. The following day the result was Huddersfield 8 Everton 2. Jimmy Glazzard scoring 4 goals, all headers I believe.

I think that was the day that I realised that anything can happen in a game of football, and with the exception of games against our neighbours, I go to matches with an open mind.

Hi Kevin [4], you may have noticed from my response to Andy, that the intention of my articles is to remind older 'Webbers of the 'old days' and to give younger readers an insight into 'our world', it would appear that I have succeed in your case.

Thanks John. I remember all of those with the exception of Bert Williams who was a few years before my time.

Elder was a member of the excellent Burnley side of the late 1950s early 1960s and it saddens me that, today, a small town club is extremely unlikely to emulate their achievements.

If I remember correctly Burnley used to sell one top player every season to enable them to compete with the big city clubs. These days their players would be picked off, one by one, by the so called 'big' clubs.

Another nice set of players John, I always thought Bert Williams made up for being small for a goalkeeper with his extreme agility, a marvellous ‘keeper in a great team, I remember the last game of the 1949 season versus Wolves, they had won the FA cup on the Saturday beating Leicester 3-1, and on the Wednesday night they brought the cup around Goodison at half time, a great thrill for a young eight year like me, Everton won 1-0 with a stooped header at the far post in the Gwladys St. end from Tommy Eglington, can still see it now, for me at that age, brilliant, we had just beat the team that had won the FA cup, now I realise Wolves most probably didn't give a toss.

Pat Rice an excellent full back who gave great service to Arsenal on the pitch and off it as first team coach and trainer over many, many years.

Alex Elder a tough strong also skillfull Irishman who never gave an inch in defence and was good going forward as well, he played in that Burnley team with a great, really great inside forward Jimmy McIllroy, a great favourite of mine along with another Northern Irish player Johnny Crossan of Manchester City.

Still with the Irish, Danny Blanchflower an intellectual man and a great skillful wing half playing along side one of the greatest wing half's I have ever seen Dave Mackay,Danny was not Blanchflowers real name, Robert was the correct one, Danny was a nickname given to him by someone who thought he looked like the American comedian and actor Danny Kaye, never saw the resemblance myself.

Billy Wright was another great wing half later converted to centre back by StanCullis the Woves manager, from Ellesmore Port,I think, as Terry White says married to Joy Beverley one of the famous Beverley sisters who delighted tv fans in the fifties and sixties, or got on your nerves according to your taste, that's Billy Wright married to Joy Beverly not Stan Cullis!!!! All of Billy Wright's English caps were full games, no substitutions like Beckham and others getting caps for twenty minutes or so.

Norman Hunter, as Andy Crooks, another famous Irish fella I like, says, there was more to Hunter than just a tackler who mixed it, he was a very good footballer like most Leeds players were, when they decided to play football. One of the best recollections of Norman was when he smacked Francis Lee, playing forMan.City, Lee after a melee was also sent off, Lee who was the innocent party decided he wasn't getting sent off for nothing and ran after Hunter,caught before he got to the touch line and gave him a belter, right on the jaw, cop for that you swine ( that's instead of swearing John), and thought, if I'm getting sent off at least I got something out of it.

Got to say that I really love threads like this where we're reminded of some great players from the past - even though I can only go back to the early sixties when some of you lads are of rarer vintage and give some really good insight to young upstarts like myself! Dave at 7 mentions Dave Mackay, what would he be worth in today's market? What a player and what a leader. Imagine looking around in the pitch and seeing him in the same colour shirt, it must have made you feel you couldn't lose. And you've got to feel sorry for the Spurs fans having to watch the likes of Mackay, Blanchflower, the incomparable Jimmy Greaves and John White (who passed away so tragically) week in and week out. Tough indeed!

Hi Dave [7] I'm glad that you appreciate my latest choice, I don't need to tell you that it's not an easy task, I'm trying to feature some lesser known players, not to you and other 'Webbers', but to anyone younger who may chance to read the articles, although there will be some players whose careers demand the respect they deserve.

Although you and I began watching Everton in 1948, your memory is sharper than mine, and my only memory of Bert Williams a fleeting one at that, was his appearance in the 'Festival of Britain' England versus Portugal friendly, it was some years later that I discovered that Bert was in goal that day.

My abiding memory of that game was a Tom Finney goal, and from my vantage point in the Boy's Pen, it seemed as though it was struck from the half-way line, when in reality it was probably hit from the edge of the penalty area.

Another thing I learned at a later date, was that Bill Nicholson scored after 30 seconds in his first and only international, although I can't truthfully claim to remember it I can say that I saw it. Incidentally for those who are not aware Bill Nicholson's first game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur was the 10-4 game at White Hart Lane in October 1958.

Dave, I believe the incident between Norman Hunter and Franny Lee,took place at the Baseball Ground when Franny played for Derby County.

Hi Kevin [8] Dave Macka was indeed a terrific wing half, but I think he blotted his copybook as far as Evertonians were concerned, when he injured Jimmy Husband at Goodison in October 1968.
Jimmy, in my opinion never fully recovered from that setback.

John (9). I like you, was at the England v Portugal game and didn't remember Bert Williams was in goal that day, I remember Bill Nichloson's goal, and I've read since that was the only time he played for England, also in that game David, who played for Portugal, smashed a corner in that flew across the goal and went out for a throw in, never seen one like it before or since, although Tommy Gravesen took a free kick from way out on the touch line that must have finished in Anfield cemetary, must have been one of those days when Tommy never took his tablets!!!.

You are most probably right that Francis Lee was sent off at the Baseball ground playing for Derby County.

Dave Mackay did indeed give Jimmy Husband a hard tackle in that night game at Goodison but Dave wasn't a dirty player, hard, firm but fair, never sent off in his career, reading about him from Hearts and Spurs supporters point of view, they not only worshipped him as a playerbut also as a very humble man, Our own Alex Young was also a massive admirer of Mackay. One Hearts fan, who had never seem him play for Hearts went over to him at a football “ do” and asked him to sign his match programme from that day, telling him I never saw you but my dad told me how great you were, Dave said “ I'll sign your programme but only if you sign mine” The fan was delighted to sign and even more delighted later on when Dave waved the programme at him on his way out. A real down to earth footballer with no airs and graces.

Blanchflower was to be the guest of Eaman (pardon the spelling), Andrews, This Is Your Life TV show. At the crucial moment Andrews approached an unsuspecting Danny with "Danny Blanchflower, This is Your Life". Danny said "Not on your fucking life" and stormed off the set.

As for Dave McKay, my lasting memory of him was when he almost cut our up-and-coming star Jimmy Husband in half with a blatant and disgusting waist high tackle. After months of recuperation young Jimmy never reached his potential.

Billy Wright, speaking to Walter Winterbottom, Englands manager prior to England's game vs Puskas and his magical Magyars, "Hey, the lads are confused about Walter how we should cope against this lot and our usual style should be good enough to win." We all know how that worked out.

Dick (11), that foul,by Dave Mackay was poor, but was described by Jimmy Husband as a myth” after months of recuperation” ? Jimmy played five weeks after that game and finished the season with twenty goals.

Regarding Dave Mackay's character the fact that he stood that little shit Bremner on his tippy-toes after a particularly nasty assault on his twice-busted leg spoke volumes to me. A talented winner, but a tough, tough player you'd want in your team as far as I'm concerned.

Why Dave Mackay hated famous Billy Bremner photo

Terry#3 - Billy Wright was indeed married to Joy, one of the three Beverley sisters. At the risk of lowering the tone, anyone remember graffiti on Everton Valley shortly after 1966 FA Cup Final? "The Beverley sisters love Mike Trebilcock"!

Hi Dave [12] I too, don't believe that Dave MacKay should be judged on one poor tackle. He was a hard tackling wing half who would have graced any team. If we're looking for a player with a nasty streak, we should, [in my opinion,] look no further than Bruce Rioch. Looking forward to the next Excelsior get-together.

Hi Don [13] regarding Billy Bremner, I feel that Bremner despite his attitude, could have played for any of the top club's. My first sighting of Billy, was when he played against Liverpool in their promotion season from the Second Division, and although Liverpool won 5-0, Billy Bremner, playing on the right wing, in what I believe was his Leeds United debut at the age of 17, turned in a man of the match display.

That tackle by MacKay on Husband was one of the very worst I've ever seen and it was deliberate. Fine player but I never thought of him in the same way again.

John, I read an interview with Mick Mills of Ipswich and England. He said that Bruce Rioch( for Everton in a cup match) was the meanest player in the meanest most horrible team he ever played against. I think that McMahon and Brian Kidd were in the team but I may be wrong. I think Everton won 2-1
Mills was no softy but he said that the physical and verbal abuse that day was unprecedented in his career.
Does anyone remember the game?

I remember Ipswich, had beat us 4-0 at Goodison, (possibly the week before?) and nobody gave Everton a chance Andy.

A FA CUP quarter final at Goodison, and Everton fought for every ball, this got the crowd going, and I just knew we were going to win that day.

Too much fight probably cost us the semi-final though, because we were cruising against West Ham, until Brian Kidd, foolishly got himself sent off, (for the second time in the fa cup that season) and it was all downhill from there.

Spot on Tony, that's the game. I can't believe you saw that game, Tony, I would have had it before your time!!!. Did Duncan McKenzie play that day?
Tony,I know how much you admire Peter Reid.What was the first time you saw him?

Andy (19), I think that game was in 1980, Tony was just turned ten, by then he was a seasoned veteran fan.

I'm not sure if MacKenzie played that day, Andy. I can just remember nobody fancied Everton, but I always thought Everton had a chance in those days, especially in the FA Cup, which has always been a very special competition for Evertonians.

It's still a special competition to me, mate, and I can still remember Peter Reid settling us down after Watford flew out the tracks at Wembley, and the utter joy that winning that famous competition brings.

My first memory of Reid in an Everton shirt was a home game against Forest, Andy. We won 3-1; it was a bank holiday game I think, and the thing that stood out for me that day was Everton were aggressive, crowded Forest out, and played football that got the crowd right behind them – typical Peter Reid football mate!

Just googled that cup game Andy, and I'll never get out the house if I don't turn my iPad off now!

Watch it yourself mate, bobbly pitch, loads of tackles, a packed Goodison getting right behind our team, and “Franz Tyson” what a class footballer he was?

Maybe Ipswich lacked a bit of “Aristotle” because I always remember them throwing the league away to Villa, when they lost away to Boro? On the final day of the following season, I think?

Here's wishing John McFarlane a very happy birthday on Monday 15th July.
Something at the back of my mind tells me it is on the 15th.
But I could be wrong.

May your glass always be half full.
Not empty.
And may our (your) beloved Everton have a great season.
And win a trophy soon. Very soon.
COYBs.

Keep it tight for the second half John.

Ps Love your articles.

And didn't Pat Rice once score a loopy long range goal for Watford against us in a crazy 4-4 draw. I think. But again, I could be wrong.

John Mac, thanks for another good thread, hope you have a nice day on your 81st, will see you in the Excelsior after the Watford game. Very best wishes for today.

Tony #21
Youre mention of Reid in that post reminded me of when I first saw him.
He was playing for Bolton against us at Goodison ( Quarter Final FA Cup I think it was) we won that day but I remember thinking at the time how good he was, always driving them forward and getting stuck in ( one of the best on the pitch that day)

Hi Dave,[24] regarding the article, I have made no secret of the fact that most of my articles are taken from reference books, with the occasional personal comment.

I have just waved goodbye to my son and daughter and my five grandchildren. I'm going through a sticky spell at the moment, I've been told that my blood-sugar level has increased from an acceptable 55 to an unacceptable 127. However I still expect to be present at the Excelsior on the 17th of August – no ale though.

All the best, John.

I hope you're gonna be okay John, but I reckon there is much more sugar in orange juice, than that warm Guinness you drink, so hopefully Dave, can get you a couple in a few weeks!

Take it easy John, look after yourself, hope you can make it after the Watford game, but your health is much more important and there will be other opportunities in the future to come to ToffeeWeb meetings. Take care.

Hi Peter [27], thanks for your good wishes.

Hi Tony [28], I'm an 'octogenarian, Modern Man', and I've discovered what PIN numbers are all about, and how to operate a washing machine. I'm now in the process studying sugar levels in foodstuffs, but I haven't got around to Guinness and other vital essentials.

Hi Dave, [29], I'll heed your advice and take things easy, I'm afraid that as for looking after myself, that is the job of my young lady, Laura, and I must admit that she does it admirably. I feel sure that she'll send me out on the 17th respectably dressed, with orders to take my tablets.