All-time Greats

Other
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The mercurial Edson Arantes do Nascimento has passed away. My memories are mainly of grainy TV images, black and white for us at the time, from far off exotic lands, when satellite TV was an extreme rarity, but did any Wittoner ever have the opportunity to see Pele play in the flesh?

Which got me thinking, which truly all-time great players have I seen? The first Football League match I can remember my dad taking me to was Stoke City v. West Ham at the Victoria Ground. My hero, Gordon Banks, was in goal for Stoke, and Jimmy Greaves was in the visitors’ line-up.
I always thought I only saw George Best play once, Utd. v. Crystal Palace in the early / mid ‘70s, but I recently came across a programme from Alan Oakes’ testimonial match that listed him in the United team, and I definitely went to that game.
I also saw a couple of games in the 91/92 FA Youth Cup involving the ‘class of 92’ Man. Utd. side in which David Beckham and Ryan Giggs featured.

The vast, vast majority of live football I’ve seen over the years has involved The Albion, so my personal all-time greats appeared in red and white stripes, but which truly world class players have other Wittoners seen live?

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Dimitar Berbatov, floated across the pitch and did his share of working back, he just made it look so easy.

Unfortunately I never seen King Eric Cantona live but remember his iconic christmas goal against Sunderland.

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Most of my football has taken me to numerous places watching the Albion, too many to mention. I have experienced top level football but only certain grounds although I did get to see a lot of big clubs when watching a very good Crewe Alexandra side in the 80s/90s.

In the early 70s, I was taken to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play Nottingham Forest in the days of Best, Law & Charlton and even got to meet the late, great Bestie after the game. Still the greatest player that I’ve ever had the privilege to watch live.

4

Saw three of England’s World Cup winners in the flesh towards the end of their careers. Bobby Moore at Fulham (with Peter Mellor in goal!) Alan Ball at Southampton and Martin Peters at Norwich. Also met Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles and Jack Charlton but never saw them play.

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5

Watched Man City early/mid 70s, king Colin Bell, Summerbee, Lee, Rodney Marsh.

At Wembley when Dennis Tueart scored with an over head kick. Perhaps not world class players but decent players at that time.

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As a Liverpool fan got to be Dalglish. Saw Gascoigne play also.

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Saw Gazza turn out for Radcliffe in a pre season game!

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8

Watched Gazza in an FA cup game between Spurs and Blackpool at Blackpool that my Uncle (Pip Wright) was reffing.

The weather was the worst I’ve ever watched a game in. My Dad and I went for a walk pre match and the police had closed the promenade in Blackpool it was that bad.

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9

I remember your uncle, he was a regular visitor at the Central Ground. He was there most weeks standing in front of the old social club.

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He was a big Wittoner and still is, as was my Auntie Delia who did a lot for the Club.

We use to stand on the far side by the centre floodlight at the Central Ground.

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Gazza in Blackpool, that brings back memories! I too saw him (most of him in fact :joy:) there, on his stag weekend. Or maybe I’m thinking about a different Gazza!!