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COLLARD, IAN

Updated: 16-01-25

Hi Ian; I played schoolboy football with two of your brothers Stuart and Bruce. I was also taught at Shotton Hall by Forbes Paisley who I believe taught you. I used to visit your Mum and Dads house at South Hetton to play with Stuart and Bruce. You are four years older than me but I always followed your career with interest and went to Roker Park a couple of times when you were playing against Sunderland. I also remember you coming to our school at Shotton Hall one Christmas for a Christmas party probably at the invitation of Forbes. You were a brilliant football player, the young lads in our village of South Hetton wanted to emulate you by signing for a professional club. Thanks very much for your inspiration and hope you and your family are keeping well. Best regards John Smith.

RHODES, Raymond

Updated: 16-01-25

What happened to Raymond Rhodes played for Lincoln City in the 1950s?

STRONG, LES

Updated: 15-01-25

Hi Les. Do your rember me used to come to the pub in Richmond with Ray and Bill you and me used to go into Kingston to a club on Friday night? Hope you are enjoying yourself.

MABBUTT, KEVIN

Updated: 15-01-25

I was a neighbour of Kevin and his brother Gary in Bristol back in the 70’s and 80’s and used to see them kicking a ball around on Stoke Lodge or walking the family Afghan hound around the area.
Coming from a local sporting family both brothers promoted a great deal of interest as their careers took off, and surprisingly there was no local rivalry in wishing them both every success as they forged their careers at the two rival clubs in Bristol.

When Gary received his diagnosis of Diabetes, he, be chance met my brother in law who was also diabetic and a near neighbour and he passed on advice as to how best to manage the condition.

His son, my nephew was diagnosed as a teenager with the same condition as he started out on what was to become a successful professional rugby career.

And he used Gary’s advice and experience to help him manage the rigours of training,playing with diabetes.

I hope both Kevin and Gary are well and enjoying their families and memories of Bristol and their time with the teams here.

Time passes quickly and it seems like a very short time ago but both of the brothers do not get the local recognition that perhaps they deserve.

Richard Sheppard

BLANT, COLIN

Updated: 15-01-25

Youngsters hitchhiking from Rossendale to Turf Moor always knew that Colin would give you a lift to the game. Once saw him flatten Best, Law and Charlton in 10 brutal seconds at Old Trafford - true story about one of the good guys.

LEE, JEFF

Updated: 15-01-25

Worked with Jeff at Huddersfield Town. Taught me a lot about football.

MCDONALD, IAN

Updated: 15-01-25

Speaking to Ian today - he does exam invigilating at the school I work at...

GIDMAN, JOHN

Updated: 12-01-25

Played golf with John a few times if I remember correctly he was left handed but played with right handed clubs so his grip was unconventional. Met him through his father Jack. Both great guys.

BOVINGTON, EDDIE

Updated: 12-01-25

I’m a distant relative.

ENDERSBY, SCOTT

Updated: 08-01-25

Scott gave me my first set of football boots and gloves when he was @ Swindon Town Fc. He was good friends with my Dad and even worked at the Video shop that my dad owned at the time.