Peter Osggod

[eelpie]

It was good on Sunday to see that Chelsea have honoured our great Saints footballer Peter Osgood, and member of the 1976 F A Cup winning team, with a statue.

 

He was quite character and a real pleasure to watch on the pitch.

 

Anyone got any Ossie stories or memories?

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I have loads - suffice to say a nicer more approachable man was impossible to meet. I remember dancing with his grand mother in the saloon bar of the Fitzhugh pub around 1975. It is a long story. Probably out of all the Saints players I have known for someone so famous he was the most down to earth and friendly. You should have heard Jim Steele talk about him on Friday last.

[Whitey Grandad]

Good to see that. Stories? The only one that I can remember is waiting one evening for him to turn up at a referees society meeting in Southampton and him being 'indisposed' and unable to talk. I also seem to remember a report of him turning up at Chelsea to watch a game and being turned away at the door, possibly during Ken Bates's time in charge. Obviously being an ex-player and a fans' hero counted for nothing at that time.

 

Another greta name sadly taken from us at too early an age.

[cambsaint]

I'll never forget the goal that Ossie scored for Chelsea against Crystal Palace in the 71-2 season at Selhurst Park. He hit the ball with such force that I and my friends all ducked even though we were stood behind the goal. It was hit so hard that we thought it would break the net. the keeper didn't even move it went so fast.

The hardest I've ever seen an old football hit.

( I was working at KCH at the time and only had time to get to Selhurst Park after finishing at one.)

[eelpie]

Oops, my title typo. Correct if you like, mods, though Ossie was another Saints God imo.