In the early 1990s at the time of manager Dave Stringer’s squad transitioning into the tenure of Mike Walker, NCFC boasted a rare gift. We had a trio of Welsh internationals, all first-team regulars at the same time and truly amongst the very heartbeat of that famous squad.
All wore the “egg ‘n’ cress” with pride and great efficiency.
Of course, two of them were about as Welsh as I am so I’ll start with a real valley boy and my favourite City player of all time as stated on my MFW biog.
Mark Rosslyn Bowen was born in Neath South Wales in 1963. He started out playing rugby union, but being my height of 5′ 9″ and not really a scrum-half he turned his attentions to the round ball. Wise move, Mark.
We snapped him up from Tottenham in 1987 for something like £100,000 and he went on to make 399 appearances for the Canaries.
How did we get him from Spurs? Well, he was originally a midfielder who couldn’t force his way past Glenn Hoddle and Micky Hazard. He wanted regular first-team balling and we provided it for him at left-back.
And left midfield. And right-back. And striker. And even in goal at Coventry when Gunny was sent off for consistently badmouthing the ref.
The coolest dude I’ve ever seen and it was a tragedy when an intransigent Gary Megson left him adrift on 399 appearances.
Personals I guess.
Oh, he did score for us in the Olympic Stadium in Munich by the way. But we all know that, don’t we?
What can we say about Jeremy [Jed] Goss that hasn’t been said before?
That volley against Bayern, immortalised by one of Paul Chesterton’s predecessors on non-digital camera is the most iconic image of Norwich City football club that we have. And will probably never be matched.
Oh, he also scored the last goal at Anfield’s standing Kop end. Another spectacular effort.
I think he was born in Cyprus so mainly slightly less genuinely Welsh than Mark Bowen.
I’ve only met Gossy once and that was only through his work with the NNAB, but a thoroughly nicer guy you would never meet.
I’m sure several MFW readers and writers have met him many more times than I have.
To complete my initial trio is the German-born David Phillips, signed from Coventry for around £500k.
He had a shot on him like a rocket and when it came to slinging over a cross he was mustard.
He was extremely popular – particularly with female supporters of all ages, largely due to his floppy blond mop and what seemed like a permatan I’d guess.
As almost always there was a big fall-out and he was sold to Forest. He later quipped that his sale directly paid for the undersoil heating we still enjoy at Carrow Road today.
With the holy trinity completed, I thought I’d briefly consider a second trio.
I’ll start with Mark Walton, who was Gunny’s deputy between 1989-93 and ended up with more clubs than Jack Nicklaus.
I have no solid memories of him as a player [I do remember him saving a penalty once] but when I still could bear listening to CanaryCall I found him probably the kindest and most articulate guest that Chris Goreham has ever had.
I liked Rivo too but Mark Walton was something else.
Rob Earnshaw – the Dean Ashton replacement as I recall and I think he cost something north of £3million. He just came into the club at the wrong time. An instinctive and hard-working little striker but he didn’t hang around with us for too long.
And then there was the legendary Ron Davies, who averaged over a goal every other game for us between 1963-65.
A renowned “header-in” of crosses, I never saw him play so to me he must remain just that. A legend.
I’m sure I must have left a few out and I’d be delighted to hear from any readers who could put me right.
For once I did Google a [tiny] bit but only for the last three.
And just in case you thought I’d forgotten [which I might have done without a prod from Editor Gary G] there’s our little and large duo of Craig Bellamy and Iwan Roberts from the later 1990s.
Iwan is up there with Hucks. A true City legend. Welsh-speaking, highly articulate and his book All I Want for Christmas is a must-read for all Canary fans. I’ve still got a copy which the great man signed for me – I can’t remember where and when but it wasn’t at the book launch because I wasn’t there. Maybe Colney when we were still allowed in? I think so.
All I Want for Christmas obviously refers to Iwan’s missing two front teeth and he had to take the bridge out before every game he played.
He didn’t start that well at Norwich but when he got in the groove he was invaluable to us for a few seasons. That goal against Birmingham at Cardiff and the retaken penalty against Crewe [when we were already promoted] will always remain with me. There were many others of course. I was at both the games I’ve referenced.
So now on to Bellers.
He was like a little electric eel and linked really well with Iwan. They understood each other and became a primitive version of a target man and a number 10 when the soubriquet of number 10 didn’t really exist.
Craig B wasn’t a quiet man and well-substantiated rumour has it that on a long matchday journey oop North a few of our players conspired to lock him in the coach bog as it was the only way to shut him up. He stayed there for over half the journey apparently.
You, dear readers, know what’s coming next. MUSCAT.
The most disgraceful tackle many had ever seen ensued. By Muscat on Bellamy. It broke a part of Craig B’s leg.
Subsequent visits to Carrow Road were eventful for Mr Muscat. The entire crowd – Jarrolders included – would spark up with Muscat Muscat you’re a c***, Muscat you’re a c***.
I doubt even Wolvers supporters were proud of Mr Kevin Muscat either but it’s why we haven’t really got along with them too well until relatively recently when Nuno took over and they started to play beautiful, effective football. Pax Canaria seems to have been created after some 25 years and I’m glad of that.
Back to Iwan. I won’t spoil the story if you don’t know it but it’s in his book and often spoken about – check it out.
Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.
Muscat reaped a typhoon courtesy of our Iwan. I can’t remember if Iwan was even booked for his stamp but anybody in the RMC or the SAS would have been proud of it as a bit of covert action.
Revenge is indeed a dish best served cold.
Peter Thorne.
Who’s he?
Keep good y’all.
I’ve watched City for nearly sixty years. Bowen and Bellamy would make my all time City team.
During this time but my absolute favourite and in my opinion along with Martin Peters the best player to have played for City was Ron Davies. I’ll ever forgive Lol Morgan for selling him on the cheap to Southampton. Down there they still worship him. MatBusby tried to sign him for United on several occasions but that was pre Bowman.
Busby rated him the best centre forward in Europe.
He was not only exceptional in the air but very skilful on the deck.
Look at his record at Southampton. Two golden boots, the last of which he shared with George Best.
I believe Ron still holds the record for the highest number of goals/appearance in a season in the top division since the war. It was something like 37/44.
It always makes me smile when people compile City’s greatest team and leave him out.
Many apologies, I was in a hurry and never checked my text!
Worry not.
It took Editor Gary G to correct the Muscat-Bellamy incident for me – I thought it was at Carrow Road until he put me right!
I’ve got an excuse though – I’ve been to Molineux a few times and certainly witnessed it. What an excuse for a footballer that person was.
And I don’t mean Bellers.
From what I’ve heard round here, his behaviour on the pitch was better than much of his behaviour off it
Yeah I’ve heard one or two of those tales as well.
Recollections don’t bring the words pacifist to mind.
Hi John.
I’m 10 years in front of you so and as I said in the original article I never saw Ron Davies play.
My mate Keith [who is 80] speaks as highly of him as you do and that’s principally why I acknowledged him. I only know of him through enduring reputation but so many supporters rate him highly and they surely can’t all be wrong:-)
Thanks.
Thanks Martin.
Worth looking up his record at Southampton. Many there rate him as their best ever striker.
The nearest player I saw to him at City was Dean Ashton.
Ron is my all time footballing hero.
Dean Ashton was great and a steal from Crewe.
If only we’d pounced in August rather than January.
Dario Gradi would have been ordered to let him go – think of the players who started at that Club!
Some great memories in there, Martin. In addition to your list, I always thought David Williams was a wonderful player, the playmaker of Ken Brown’s successful team of the late 1980s. He was already a player-manager and over 30 when NCFC signed him. Just wished we’d got him five years earlier. I remember him described almost complainingly by the local football press of the time as ‘the ageing Welshman who makes NCFC tick’.
Hi Chris.
I deliberately left a couple out for other folks to mention but Dave Williams was not one of them – I’d completely forgotten about him embarrassingly.
Since you mentioned him I can recall that he was in serious consideration for the manager role alongside Mike Walker at the time Dave Stringer resigned.
I had to look this up but surprisingly he only played five times for Wales.
He was a very tidy midfielder who chipped in with a few goals as well as largely pulling the strings.
He’s now apparently assistant manager at Donny Rovers.
Thanks.
Although he only played 13 games for us and only stayed for 6 months, I can’t think of a more effective signing than Trevor Hockey. He was signed to keep us up, we stayed up and off he went. If he was about now, he would be sent off in the first 10 minutes of every game.
Ha!
I think [but I might have misremembered yet again] that he had his own song as in “Hockey is a werewolf”.
As you say he fell on the short side of subtle!
Another one I didn’t leave out deliberately – I didn’t even know he was Welsh.
Cheers.
Ron Davies was the best centre forward i ever saw for Norwich. Bowen the best fullback.
Ollie Burton was another Welsh International who was excellent and went onto good things at Newcastle. Now lives in Diss i believe. Also Mal Lucas was a tough tackling midfielder we bought fro Leyton Orient i think. Another full International. Both in the 1960’s.
I remember standing on the railway sleepers at the River End and seeing Mal Lucas hit a thunderba$tard volley into the net. When he struck the ball I’m pretty sure he was at least 3 feet off the ground. Keeper stood no chance.
O T B C
You’ll have to ask our Editor for permission to use the word thunderba$tard – I think he invented it. Or if not, robbed it early on from the person who did.
I use it myself when appropriate:-)
Hi Richard.
I remember Ollie Burton and Mal Lucas as names only I’m afraid but I’ll ask my friend Keith about them when we next meet at a match – whenever that might be, of course.
It’s surprising how many of ours return to Norfolk when their careers are over. And some who still currently keep properties here so they can come back guaranteed!
We must have something going for us:-)
Good mentions – thanks.
Just thought I’d darken the mood a little by posting a very recent official missive from the Club that some of us might not have immediate access to:
“Norwich City have made the decision to close the club’s Carrow Road offices, ticket office and city centre Fan Hub store, in line with the government’s latest guidance regarding non-essential contact with others during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The ticket office at Carrow Road will be closed for in-person queries until further notice. Ticket office phone lines will still be operational between the hours of 10am and 5pm (Monday through to Friday).
All future sales windows for match tickets have been suspended until further notice.
As previously communicated regarding the Premier League game against Southampton and FA Cup tie against Manchester United – and now for all remaining matches in the 2019-20 season – purchased match tickets, matchday experiences and hospitality packages will remain valid for the newly scheduled fixtures.
All 2019-20 season tickets will also remain valid for the rearranged home fixtures at Carrow Road.
Should supporters be unable to attend any rearranged fixtures they will be able to claim a full refund. A refund will only be issued upon confirmation of the rearranged dates for each respective fixture.
Similarly, retail stores at Carrow Road and the Fan Hub in Norwich city centre will close from 5.30pm on Friday evening for in-person purchases until further notice. Online sales at shop.canaries.co.uk and deliveries remain unaffected.
Please note, the club will not operate a click and collect service during this period. The club will be in touch with those who have already purchased via the click and collect option to arrange a free delivery service.
The club have also reduced the minimum spend required to £15 in order to qualify for free standard UK postage and packaging.
Whilst the progress of coronavirus (COVID-19) remains unclear, Norwich City Football Club can reassure everyone that the health, safety and welfare of players, staff and supporters is its priority.
The club will continue to follow government advice and issue any updates to supporters at the earliest opportunity.
We would like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.”
Update: I went into the Fan Hub this morning [after scoring some compulsory free hand sanitiser at HSBC’s business banking counter] in search of a cheap player training jacket and it was a case of no way Manuel, internet or nothing as everything not on display is in our warehouse.
Warehouse? I didn’t even know we had one!!!
I hope the Club look after their employees during these troubled times.
Something tells me they will.
It appears from Twitter you’ve upset Owain Tudur Jones lol!
Hi Kathy
That’s the biggest laugh of the day.
I think OTJ upset me. And many of us!
My Patterdale Terrier is better than Owain now he’s learned not to bite the ball.
Okay Geezer’s not so good with a #5 official but he really knows how to nut a tennis ball.
That’s a lie actually as he always jaws them unless my throw’s bad.
Cheers.
One guy who doesn’t seem to have been mentioned is David Jones, whose career was ended on international duty (against Scotland I think).
I don’t remember a great deal about him as I saw very few games in the 70s. And without all the TV and online coverage we have these days I guess I spent most of the first half staring at the programme trying to work out who was who of the guys we’d signed since my last game. But I seem to recall Jones was very highly rated and had he not been so unlucky I guess he’s someone we’d have sold for good money eventually.
And what about a man who once scored 4 goals in an FA Cup tie for us? (Not Chris Martin). Not a legend in the way several of the names in Martin’s article are but definitely Welsh.
Hi Keith.
Time to set my stall out and Gary G can back me up on this as I never deliberately speak with forked tongue.
Malcolm Allen is the most prominent. He got four against Sutton as you so rightly say and Flecky got a hat-trick that day.
Legend has it that the Sutton United keeper congratulated him on his performance afterwards. I was at the game but it’s all a blur to me now.
Iwan has occasionally mentioned that if he and Malcolm Allen played up front together for Wales they communicated in native Welsh and confused the hell out of the oppo.
There’s only [to my knowledge] one other significant non-mention to go but I’ll keep him in my jacket pocket for an hour or so yet.
Think of the very early Lambert era in the meantime.
Thanks as ever.
Since I started watching in 1953 I have seen all those mentioned play at Carrow Road and can only reiterate the plaudits to our Welsh players. Surprised no mention of Chris Llewellyn! Lol
I have given some thought to an All Welsh line up of Canaries and what a front line with Earnshaw, Bellamy, Roberts and Ron Davies! A bit stuck with a goalkeeper and thought we could make an honorary Welshman out of Kevin Keelan as we signed him from Wrexham!
Hi Adrian – great comment.
KK was the first City keeper I can remember and without looking him up I think he was born somewhere in India?
And what a character. One of my earliest and all-time faves tbh.
Chris Llewellyn is either a good or a bad hit depending on your point of view. Again he’s in my “didn’t leave him out deliberately” category but in terms of what he achieved for us I’m not disappointed by neglecting to mention him in comparison with the others.
Young man, too many off-field temptations if you get my meaning.
Thank you.
Is Mark Walton the missing Welsh goalkeeper?
There was also a Welsh goalkeeper understudy to the great Keelan in the 60’s i think called Alan Jones.
Hope one of those is the missing link.
Yes Walton’s the man as I mentioned in the original article – but I don’t think he ever actually played for Wales in real life.
Adrian could always have gone for Mark Bowen in goal of course:-)
Oh and as I’m going out this evening for Mrs P’s birthday [while we’re still legally allowed to] I’ll drop the name of the player nobody has mentioned [drum roll]…
Andrew Crofts.
Stay good folks.
Oh, good call. I’d forgotten he was Welsh but certainly haven’t forgotten his shot on the turn at Barnsley – great goal. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMQikh_dQD0
Thanks Keith – enjoy I did.
Enjoy your night out Martin,
I just want to say Steve Morison, and one of ours today Louis Thompson .
Cymru am bach
There’s a couple of good picks Bernie. Sometimes I forget about Thompson because he’s been so injury-ravaged. But he seems to be enjoying his loan.
Just as well it we went out last night – THE last night!
Cheers.
Hi Martin
A few that have slipped past
Ched Evans
John Hartson
Josh Dawkin
Carl Robinson
Steve Morison
Louis Thompson
Sam Vokes
Darren Ward
Rhoys Wiggins
A few of these I will admit I remember them at the club but can’t remember them playing and others were on loan from premiership clubs and made there names at other clubs and some after U17/19 never made the grade.
Hi Alex.
Bernie has also mentioned Morison and Thompson – again, good picks.
Of all your others I can only personally recall Carl Robinson and Ched Evans [both loans I think] tbh.
I’ve heard of Rhoys Wiggins but doubt I ever saw him play.
Thanks as ever.
He came from Bournemouth and had a couple of games got injured and never got another game and then went back to Bournemouth.
Hope you had a good evening stay safe
Yeah we got a couple of crackers from Bournemouth, most notably Phil Boyer and Ted McDougall.
Sure we all had a good night even though the place knew they’d be not allowed to reopen today.
Cheers mate.
Thanks for your comments and yes Kevin Keelan was born in England and whilst we have many many good keepers at City he stands heads and shoulders for me as our best ever. With regard to Chris Llewellyn he was reputed to have more natural ability than Bellamy outdid not fully use it!
Wasn’t Keelan born in Calcutta?
Wiki says so – I had to check because I was starting to doubt myself!
Thanks Adrian.
Who was the only Pakistani that played for city Martin I only heard this recently
Ha!
No Google required for this one – the CB we loaned from Fulham, Zesh Rehman. He was very tall and okay but pretty much unspectacular and a little bit of a plodder if I’m honest.
I’m not sure any other club apart from ourselves and Fulham have ever fielded a Pakistani. And an international to boot.
Maybe just cos they’re cricket-mad the footy doesn’t appear to have caught on in their culture.
Shame.
Martin you are right and I have a book on Norwich called Norwich City on this day it tells you all strange info about the history of the club and this was just a piece in it.
As I replied straight away I spelled his name wrong without checking it out.
Gary G corrected it for me – I think I said Sesh Reman originally:-)
For meRon Davies was the best. Greatest header of a ball I’ve ever seen.
Bought him for £35,000 from Luton, sold him to Southampton for £55,000.
City alway a selling club, and still are.
Met Ron at Liverpool St station on the way home from a London game. That’s when the players mixed with fans, and traveled by rail Quite unlike today with their headphone firmly in place.
I asked him why he had the nickname kipper, said it was due to the size of his feet.
Heaven knows what he would have been worth these days
Thanks Ken.
I enjoyed reading that – there’s nothing like a personal anecdote:-)