This is what happens when you’ve too much time on your hands.
Endlessly trawling through Twitter in the hope of finding some light amidst this awful darkness.
I found it in the shared experience of those naming footballers who’ve meant a lot to them. Anyone from Puskas to Pukki.
But what really inspired me to put pen to paper was the editor’s wonderfully evocative piece about his dad’s 74 years going to Carrow Road, and the sadness of realising he’d seen his last ever match there.
I’m a lightweight in comparison to Dick Gowers but it put me in mind of my 57 years watching the Canaries, mostly as a supporter but sometimes as a reporter for the EDP, Radio Norfolk and Anglia TV. And players I’ve particularly liked in that time. Not necessarily the best ones – indeed some of them would be miles away from a greatest Canary X1 – but players I’ve had a particular fondness for.
September 29th 1962 versus Derby County was my introduction to Norwich City, the day I first clapped eyes on Tommy Bryceland. As did most of Carrow Road. It was Bryceland’s debut and for the next few years, he delighted us with his ball-playing skill. He was the sixties version of Wes Hoolahan, a wonderful player.
Mike Kenning was a diminutive, speedy winger. Think Ryan Fraser. He didn’t play that many games for Norwich and the years rather diminish my memory, although I do remember being very sad when he was transferred to Wolves.
The Canaries have been blessed with so many good goalkeepers, but for me Kevin Keelan was the finest. Wonderfully athletic and a brilliant shot-stopper, his save from Manchester United’s Lou Macari that ensured Norwich’s place In the 1973 League Cup Final was probably the best I’ve ever seen live. With film star looks, Keelan had just about everything.
Running him very closely is Bryan Gunn. Played in that golden era when City at last played European football and reached two FA Cup semi-finals, Gunn won so many admirers, not least for having to deal with the tragedy of losing his daughter Francesca to cancer. I liked him because – win or lose – he would always front up for interviews and invariably had something interesting to say.
Duncan. You don’t need a surname. You know who I’m talking about. Possibly my favourite City player. A warrior on the pitch and a joy off it. Will always have the fondest memories of Dunc with his arms in the air, bellowing to the ref he’d got it wrong after the crudest foul you’d ever seen. A marvellous character.
Alongside him, the finest example of ‘he’s one of our own’. Dave Stringer, a superb captain and a great defensive partner for Forbes. As a manager, he was in charge of an outstanding City side in the late 80s.
Jimmy Bone. A head down, bustling striker who was bought from Patrick Thistle to strengthen our promotion challenge in 1972. He obliged and electrified Carrow Road. Bone in full flight was a wonderful sight and he’ll always be remembered for scoring our first ever goal in top-flight football.
A year later he left for Sheffield United in a swap deal involving Trevor Hockey, who made just 13 appearances for the Canaries. Long enough to play a pivotal role in us avoiding an immediate relegation. Big beard, long hair and a headband, he looked like someone from a heavy metal band. Arguably the dirtiest footballer who’s ever played for City, but I loved him.
As a young reporter, it could be intimidating travelling with the team to away games, especially as some players didn’t particularly want a member of the Press on the coach. So Mick Mcguire gets into my favourite list for being particularly friendly and welcoming. He was also a pretty decent midfield player!
Justin Fashanu was also great company. His was also a great story, a Barnardo’s boy from London fostered by a couple in rural Norfolk who went onto achieve sporting fame. I got to know Justin reasonably well; a beautifully mannered, articulate lad. A real practical joker, who was always the first to put up his hand when it came to helping charitable causes. It still saddens me to think of how tragic his final days were.
And sadly, Jimmy Neighbour is no longer with us. He was a tricky winger who came to us from Spurs and we became pretty friendly after John Bond banned me from the training ground after I defended Neighbour in a match report following particularly harsh criticism of him by the City manager. Once his playing days were over, I was grateful to him becoming a summariser when Radio Norfolk broadcast matches in London.
As for the player who’s made the greatest impact in my time watching the Canaries, it has to be Martin O’Neill. Twice. Firstly, arriving late in the season from Nottingham Forest and almost saving City from relegation in 1981 and then returning the following year on loan from Manchester City, and sparking an incredible late run which resulted in promotion back to the top flight. Also scorer of one of my favourite ever goals; a last-minute winner in City’s 3-2 Christmas triumph at Portman Road in 1982.
Steve Bruce’s impact was dramatic. An own goal on his City debut against Liverpool, but he recovered to become one of the most assured defenders the club has ever had. Another who never shied away from scrutiny when the going got tough, Bruce deserves legendary status for the last-minute header that beat you know en route to the Milk Cup final in 1985.
What a terrific buy Robert Fleck was. A superb finisher and loveable character who enjoyed a great rapport with the fans. After his retirement, I interviewed him at the school where he was involved in teaching children with special needs. Just as brilliant with the kids as he had been a footballer.
I imagine Darren Huckerby would be on everyone’s favourite list. One of those players that lifted you off your seat.
I can still remember my child-like excitement at hearing news of his permanent signing on Boxing Day 2003, and his solo effort against Birmingham in 2007 is arguably my favourite ever Carrow Road goal.
Not everyone was sorry to see Jonny Howson leave Norwich. I was. To me, a Rolls Royce of a player. I loved his play-off semi-final goal at Portman Road; that sensational strike against Nottingham Forest – and rescuing the Upton Park pigeon was evidence of a good man!
Of the current squad, I’m going for Christoph Zimmermann. I’ve only met him once, when filming a pre-match press conference at Colney, but admired him for his classy manner; shaking hands with everyone in the room before delivering answers in perfect English. Also, I’ve seen his great interaction with kids. Just the sort of person I want at my football club.
Inevitably, I’ll think I should also have gone for such and Sutch! So many other possibilities, Foggo, Peters, Crook, Sutton, Bellamy, Holt. etc But space is at a premium.
With no action to focus on. I’m sure Gary would be keen to hear about your favourites.
Danny Mills, anyone?
Great article, Malcolm and some players that helped take me down memory lane.
I was always very fond of Iwan Roberts. The one shining light season after season and I shudder to think where we would’ve been without his goals. Such a travesty he was not afforded the chance to represent us in the premier league.
Him and Malky could just have been the difference in keeping us up.
Great read.
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I enjoyed that read to cheer me up on a miserable Sunday morning.
I was exiled in London until around 1986 so with the exceptions of KK, Big Dunc and Martin O’Neill I don’t know much about the others Malcolm mentions [although I would surely have seen most of them play at some point] until we get to Steve Bruce,
It was really interesting to hear the anecdotes about the others.
I’ve been to virtually every home game and quite a few away since 1987 so I’ll pick a personal favourite from each decade.
1980s: Mark Bowen.
1990s: Bryan Gunn.
2000s: Darren Huckerby.
2010s: Grant Holt.
Which leaves no room for Wes, Flecky, Ian Crook, Jon Newsome, Dean Ashton, Madders, Emi, Teemu and so many, many more.
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Very good read Malcolm and I concur with every word, especially the comments about Tommy Bryceland and Kevin Keelan.
My only surprise is that you didn’t mention Ron Davies.
A favourite of my early years was Joe Mullet. I think it’s because he always seemed to get stuck in.
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A very enjoyable read Malcolm. Those names from the past bring back many great memories. As a long time Norwich supporter l would observe that the cast may change but the suffering continues down the years, such is the way with football. But l wouldn’t change it. Norwich is my home City club, though l’ve long since moved away, and l could never support another.
You’ve come up with a great selection. Graham Paddon, Laurie Sheffield, Bill Punton and (Dave ?) Powell are others that come to mind simply because they made some impression on me for different reasons.
Thank you.
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Tony Powell?
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Thanks Gary. That was him. Wish l could remember the centre back pairing back in the day but it was possibly Powell & Stringer or Powell & Dunc. But a formidable and classy partnership at the back.
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I think one of Tony Powell’s centre-back partners was David Jones
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Dave Stringer definitely played alongside Tony Powell at centre-back [well I can recall he did at least twice from games I was actually at, anyway]!
I saw us so rarely in the 1970s unfortunately.
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Gary, I think Tony Powell went to live in California, where apparently he was known as a cross-dresser! Not sure of the veracity of that, though.
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I think you’re absolutely spot on, Jim 🙂
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I go back a little further than you Malcolm, so here’s my twopennorth:-
Johnny Gavin – scored the first goal I ever saw at Carrow Road
Jimmy Hill – a really clever player who could pick a pass like Emi
Kevin Keenan – the best right hook in football! You didn’t mess with Kevin
Big Dunc – my hero!
Steve Bruce – how he never got to play foe England I’ll never know
Kevin Drinkell – the 40 a day man who could still score goals
Robbie Fleck – just loved his goals and work ethic
Martin Peters – such a graceful player
Paul McVeigh – good things come in small parcels!
Ewan Roberts – a proper centre forward
Wes Houlahan – lovely ball skills
Emi Buendia – for the same reasons as Wes
James Maddison – free kick specialist
The trouble is, the more I think about it, the more players I remember!
Great article, should provoke a lot of comment.
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Hi Jim.
I know Crooky smoked and even Johan Cruyff was apparently on ten a day but Drinkell with a naughty forty, wow!
Let’s hope they weren’t Capstan Full Strength:-)
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Hi Martin
How could I leave Crooky out??? Mea Culpa!!
I remember one game, not sure who we were playing, when the opposing Centre Half was climbing all over Drink’s back, and the referee wouldn’t do anything about it despite Kev’s protests, so in the end, the next time he did it, Kevin grabbed hold of him piggy-back style, and ran the width of the pitch to point it out to the ref, with the guy firmly in place on his back. Even the referee laughed! Still didn’t give Kev any free kicks when he did it again, though!
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Martin
I once read that Sir Alf stopped the having a haft time smoke but had a few bottles of brandy to pep them up for the second half.
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Hi Alex.
I’ve never heard that one but I do know that while at Spurs Greavesy used to have a bottle of Guinness before the game, a quick trip to the dressing room khazi at half time and then neck another one before the second half started.
I’m pretty sure he smoked too – at least back in the day.
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Alex, the 59 cup team used have raw eggs and sherry as a training dietary aid. I also believe that back in the 60s it was common to have a cup of tea with or without brandy at half time.
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Two players that I remember well that seems to get forgot are Phil Hoadly and Dave Watson.
Not sure what happened to Phil I think we got him from either Leyton O or Millwall and Dave was purchased from LIVARPOOL and sold to Everton and I think he went to the Mexico World cup while still a city player.
As for Jimmy Neighbour after city didn’t he finish his career back in the big smoke.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
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Some great responses. Yes, Ron Davies. One of the best headers of a ball I’ve seen.
Drinkell? What a great striker. Iwan. Brilliant for us. Kevin Reeves, another great player and a very nice lad. The list is endless. I wish I hadn’t started now. Tying myself in knots!
Tony Powell? There was an interesting story!
Regards to all. Look after yourselves.
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Hi Malcolm.
Tony Powell once featured as a page lead in the News of the Screws in his, er, finery with a retrospective inset of him doing his day job in full City kit.
I wasn’t going to mention it, But as Jim did, Gary did and you did I thought I might as well join in.
A great, fun read and excellent following banter which I suspect might not yet be over:-)
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Or was the Tony Powell story a hoax, fake news?
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/9-times-football-fell-victim-fake-news-arrests-deaths-and-sex-changes?page=0%2C2
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A wonderful article, quietly disturbing the most inner recesses, a neural synapse twitches, a distant choir sing ‘Kenny, Kenny Foggo, Kenny Foggo on the wing’ and from the wings a player from the archives appears, his name ? Charlie Crickmore. I can find precious little information on him other than that he also played for Hull, Gillingham, Notts County and Bournemouth and that he died in October 2018. All I can remember of him is that he had a penchant for belting down the wing, sometimes with and sometimes without the ball. In those Roy of the Rovers days the opposition goalie would end up in the back of the net, such was the force of his taken penalties.
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I’d forgotten Charlie Crickmore, and am sorry to hear of his passing. He was quite quick but often overran the ball. And Neil O’Donnell? To put it mildly, a little lightweight!
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I remember Both Neil O’ Donnell and Steve Govier They both Lived in Lodgings in Victoria Street .Also a bit further down we also had Ken Hill he came from Walsall was here a number of years before returning to Walsall . When ever it was possible he would take me down to Trowse and watch the players in Training . Happy Days
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I believe he went on to play rugby league
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In no particular order I would offer Bill Punton, Chris Sutton, David Cross, Ron Ashman. The list could go on – Kenny Foggo brings to mind the 71/72 promotion side Mark Bowen the euro heroics. Thanks for the memories.
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The oft-repeated assertion that Tony Powell was pictured in drag in the News Of The World isn’t true. Nobody’s ever actually seen the picture. The NotW didn’t have it in their library when I tried to track it down, and in 2004 the (Eastern) Evening News tracked down TP, who was living in Hollywood. He categorically denied that the picture had ever existed, or that he ever dressed in drag. Anyone can find the EEN piece by Googling.
He was a good player, although he used to call me “Poison Pen”.
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Mick I could swear I saw that picture in the NotW myself, possibly in the news section rather than the sports pages.
I could be hallucinating and that’s quite possible as it would have been some 30 years ago!
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Hmmm…, so what was he doing in Hollywood then?, there’s more to this than meets the eye [smiley thing]
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Wow what memories come flooding back with all those players mentioned. Going back to 1953 when I first watched the Canaries I would offer other names who deserve a mention. Strikers including Terry Bly, Hugh Curran, Terry Alcock, Ted MacDougall, Mick Channon, John Deehan. Midfielders/wingers Bobby Brennan, Gerry Mannion, Colin Suggett, Peter Morris, Asa Hartford. Finally I would point out that I saw Tommy Bryceland’s real debut in a Norwich short which was a pre season friendly in which he was listed as A Triallist! Lol
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Thank you
Great to remember some of those fine City players.
Kevin Reeves seems to be missing for me. Martin Peters always seemed to get the ball to him and for such a ‘Kid’ he was fantastic.
David Jones,
Chris Woods also….not quite Keelan though!
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I know this could go on forever with so much time on our hands….
Hugh Curran
Phil Boyer
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