I am a former Weaverham lad (now exiled in Cambridgeshire) who first started supporting the Albion back in the 1960s, at the old Central Ground. In those days, the only ‘Ogden’ of any note was our legendary centre forward Trevor Ogden (those who don’t go back to the dark ages, ask WHS!.. ). With a team that included Peter Mellor, Ken Barnes, Chris Nichol and Paddy Daly (and even Dennis Violett for one season), they were heady times indeed.
Although I moved away from the Northwich area in the late 70s, Witton have always been “my team” (I’m sure it’s in the blood somehow) and I was particularly proud to have been at Wembley in 1992 when we unfortunately lost to a very strong Colchester side.
These days, I have to rely on this forum for all the updates on the team and our results/match reports (heartfelt thanks to every one of you), and regularly log in on match days.
I’m looking forward to the new season with some hope and optimism after the disappointments of the last few seasons, and just wanted to wish the lads all the very best. I’ve promised myself that I will visit Wincham Park at least once this season, so I’ll maybe see some of you there!
I remember those “heady” days Central Grounder and I will look forward to seeing you sometime and talking about old times, but like you I want success NOW so here’s hoping.
WHS.
Remember those days well and even Dennis Violett turning out for us. Magic pure magic those days although from memory Dennis never really set us alight the fact he just appeared put loads on the gate.As for Trevor Ogden he was the probably the most unconventional Centre forward I ever saw. I remember him once scoring a goal with his backside as he was facing the wrong way when the ball came to him. I’ve also seen him score many a goal with a rebound off his legs or thigh. The point is Trevor was always in the right place at the right time and was clinical in the penalty area and he’d always find a way of sticking it in the net even if it was not a convenential part of a goalscorers anatomy!! He’d be priceless today in any form of football as there are not that many leatel in the Penalty area.
Anyway good on you Central Grounder hope you can pay a visit this season and mull over old times with us. I can assure you that I think its looking good for this season and on the playing side things are hopefully looking up. Pity Trevor is not at Centre forward though but hey the lads we’ve got will hopefully do the businesss!!
Mona, your comments about Trevor Ogden made me laugh as I remembered one match where we had just won a corner. The ball was just to the side of the goal resting against the low white painted wall behind the goal (I seem to remember it had a red spot painted behind the goal?) and as Paddy Daly had gone to the corner to take the kick I leapt over the wall and kicked the ball to him. That bloody ball was the hardest thing I’d ever kicked in my life!
Yeah, I know - they don’t make 'em like they used to - but that ball was seriously harder than any of my old “caseys” that my old feller had ever bought me! How Oggy used to head the thing I’ll never know.
I’ve been rattling my old brains trying to remember who else used to play for us back in the 60s - I seem to recall that the full backs were called Davey and Lambert, and we had a Barry Wheatley, but I just can’t dredge up anything else. Did we have someone called Tynan (inside right)?
Come on, WHS - you MUST remember more than me!
You know what - I’m feeling pretty up for this coming season! I can’t wait for the start… :woohoo:
Absolute class David Lambert he was the first full back I saw that did overlapping. Barrie Wheatley was a good player what you would call a wing half in them days who got his fair share of goals too! I think Barrie still lives in Sandbach or at least he did 10 years ago. Tick a Tick Tynan was a big burly lad brilliant in the air perhaps not quite so good on the deck but always gave 100%.
Central Grounder you perhaps might remember another full back Keith Higgins? Keith usually stands with us at the games so is still on the scene!! What can I say about Paddy Daly he could beat anyone on a sixpence total class!! Yes we’ve had some great players over the years but I’ve got to say Trever Ogden was probably one of the most unconvential. I guess in recent years Darren Washington was probably the nearest I’ve seen to him as Darren was lethal in the penalty area same as Trev.Trevor was far better in the air though and as you say how he headed a heavy ball like that was incredible.
Great times, great club, great fans. You need to come up and have a look mate hopefully we’ll see you soon!!
Too late Eli!!! Terry Dunn, what a player, but more than that what a lovely fella he was, I was very proud to call him “cousin.” As for other players of that time, Chris Nichol "Corky Carrick, Ken Barnes, Peter Mellor, God how much would they have cost us if they were around today?
WHS.
One thing I forgot to mention. During those heady years a certain “Queenie” Price ran the tea hut and she continued to do so until a few years ago. She is now in a home at Lostock and sadly suffers from Dementia and hardly recognises me or anyone else when we go. She was a stalwart of Witton the like will shall never see again. I don’t know about a Brian Prichard Stand, there should be one for Queenie.
WHS.
Before my time WHS - Honestly!- but yes, I do believe England Cricketer Ken Higgs played Centre half for Witton for a season or two round about the late 50s/early 60s.
). With a team that included Peter Mellor, Ken Barnes, Chris Nichol and Paddy Daly (and even Dennis Violett for one season), they were heady times indeed.