rpb Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 When I was driving taxis, I took Gordon Banks and Terry Conway from the Polygon to Central Station - 1/6d fare + 6d (2 and a half pence) tip!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 When we were looking to move back 'home', one of the houses we looked at was Terry Paine's in Bitterne Park. He was there when we looked round and he showed us his trophy cabinet. He was a real ladies' man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rut Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Back in the early 90's I was working as a juggler in Bournemouth Precinct. Having to go through the usual cr*p of drawing a crowd I notice this bloke, his wife & kids sat on one of the benches eating burgers. It was only Matt Le Tiss! I didn't make a spectacle of him but it did put me right off. This was when he was at the height of his goal-scoring feats. Cliched as it is he really was just sat around eating a burger. Top man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 13 January, 2009 Author Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Back in the early 90's I was working as a juggler in Bournemouth Precinct. Having to go through the usual cr*p of drawing a crowd I notice this bloke, his wife & kids sat on one of the benches eating burgers. It was only Matt Le Tiss! I didn't make a spectacle of him but it did put me right off. This was when he was at the height of his goal-scoring feats. Cliched as it is he really was just sat around eating a burger. Top man. Nice one Rut - performing in front of Matt. It don't come any better. Hope life in the States is suting you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 BASSA? Now it's beginning to make sense. Duncan it appear's you love flogging dead horses and why you say yourself you love looking back as you believe the good times have left the club for good. Why don't you spend your time writing to Gordon bemoaning what happened to the real Labour party. The world has moved on Duncan and unfortunately for you, you haven't and that's why your views on Lowe have as much relevance as Trade Unions in today's society. I'll rise to this. Why are you like this? Do you have a small manhood? It's about time you were treated to another sabbatical! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 I bet you had to refer to ITN for those stats!!!!!! That's "In That Number", a post war chronicle of Southampton FC written by Holley and Chalk. Just added that for Sundance in case he thinks you rang up that Gray's Inn Road news establishment:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: And "The alphabet of the Saints", anyway I remember him well, 1955/1958. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fareham saint phil Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Met Mike Channon and what a top bloke he is as is MLT who is as polite and down to earth a bloke as you could ever wish to meet, he even let my daughter put a hair clip in his hair when the saints team had played cricket against the Burridge team. Saddest ever meeting was going into the cafe on ports*outh harbour and being served by Bobby Stokes, had a lovely chat with him, lovely friendly bloke, but just so sad to see the man that gave me the happiest day as a saints supporter fallen on hard times, few months later he died and sadly that memory stays with me now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fareham saint phil Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 One of my funniest moments is with regards Mr Wallace Senior (i.e. the father of Danny, Rod and Ray) and looking back it's slightly cringeable. Charlton away at Selhurst park on new Years Day early 90's. Won 4-2 with Osman scoring 30 yard screamer and Rod Wallace bagging two. Topped up from the night before all the way there and was fairly steaming when we bumped into the Wallace clan who we had a bit of a chat with. Anyway at half time still stumbling around I was in the toilets when Mr Wallace senior rocks up next to me. Being rather merry, I pointed at his member and proudly stated "Your cokcc has given me so much pleasure over the years!!!!!!!". Luckily he saw the funny side and I'm sure I even offered to shake it for him Dont think i've laughed as much for a long time, this is a fantastice thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berkhamsted Saint Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Hiya P - my sister still owns 27A!!! Was Mrs Chivers a butcher? A relation of Martin Chivers told me that soon after he signed for Spurs he came back home and was going on a bit about how he had now joined a big club and all that when a few of his uncles/relations/cousins, most of whom worked down the docks brought him down to earth with a bit of a bang, if you know what i mean!!! Duncan You will remember Bridgens the Butchers in Bedford Place -she used drive the delivery van back in the early - mid sixties. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 When I was a youngster we used lived around the corner from Terry Paine went to his house a number of times he was friends with my dad. I have played golf with MLT in a charity day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mini_me Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Absolute gospel truth. it was a classic day and can remember it vividly, goals, hangover, cokcs and all! On the way up we had to stop at Rownhams Services because Mini Me, who sometimes posts on here, couldn't handle being in the boot all the way up to London, can't say I blame him really!!!!!! Not on New Years day, after only a couple of hours sleep and exhaust fumes filling the boot of a beat up Astra I remember the aforementioned slash and comment to daddy Wallace very well. Great day out when we used to be good ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weston Saint Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Here's one. Last summer at Goodwood races I spoke to John Motson and happened to mention Duncan Holley (Fitzhugh Fella of this thread for those who did not know ) asking if he remembered him. Immediately he said "Duncan - In That Number fame - of course I do give him my best regards when you see him again." As Duncan knows, I did pass on his best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaiser Soze Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 When I was watching Saints in Norway (preseason) a couple of years back me and a few mates were getting hammered with all the players and staff in some local club. Surman admitted they had a 1am curfew but half were still there at gone 2am, Burley was so paraletic he couldn't walk, and I have a video of Lallana being sick in a plantpot outside begging me for water.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoswellSaint Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 It's not fair for those who work in the media to name-drop, as talking to and interviewing sports stars is part of the job. In fact, if you don't speak to famous people, you're not doing your job properly. So I won't bang on about those I've met, interviewed, ghost written columns for, and even had run-ins with. Oh, all right, I will a little bit. Highlights? Not necessarily Saints related, but interviewing John McEnroe after he had retired (still full of pith and vinegar), shaking hands with Michael Johnson after he set a world record in winning the 200m gold medal in Atlanta, having a ride on Chris Boardman's bike as part of a piece written after he won gold in Barcelona, just being in the same room as Kathy Freeman after her gold in Sydney in 2000, er....I'll stop there for fear of outstaying my welcome. I was lucky in that footballers were far more approachable, accessable and agreeable back in the day, and of all the Saints players I have known, the nicest was Matt Oakley (still keep in touch with him to this day). Duncan's not the only one to be insulted and sworn at by Rupert. But hey, it was part of the job, and I've been sworn at down telephones lines by better people than him!! But it's not all honey. The downside of working in the media is that you cannot be a fan and be as awestruck and worshipping as you should be. Professionalism dictates that you have to treat even your heroes with cool, calm detachment, and not deference. It means that you cannot let your true feelings show, like a fan can. The worst accusation that can be attached to any sports hack is that he is a fan with laptop. A great thread which has cheered me up on a day that has, otherwise, been a real downer. Made me a bit homesick though. Only namedropping I have was meeting MLT at the Plymouth game in November - agree a great guy, very patient as my wife struggled to get the camera to work! I was in the Olympic Stadium to witness the highlighted event - one of those incredible sporting moments that you never forget. Over 80,000 roaring as he tore up the track and the stadium rocking as everyone celebrated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red robbo Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 great post FF,prize prat SB, i used to co edit the ugly with nick and clive and we interviewed quite a few players and they were all great,benali,horne,ruddock and shearer together was funny we couldnt pront half the stuff! and matt was class! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 (edited) You've just reminded me of an awesome evening around 1995ish. Jim Steele took over the Chamberlayne Arms in Sholing and invited some members of the 1976 team along including Osgood, Holmes, Fisher and Rodrigues. Roaring fire, loads of mates there, flowing beer and the 1976 boys. My grandfather used to play bridge with Jim Steele in the 1970s. Didn't Ruben Agboola run Pub in the Park? correct,reuben did run the pub in the park. i also used to sit and chat with alan shearer on the bus when i was about 17 he must of been about 14-15,i was working in town and used to get the bus in the morning,alan used to get on a few stops later and sometimes i would talk to him. i knew he was a saints trainee as he got off at the dell but it wasnt until a couple of years later that i realised it was him.he was a very quiet lad and seemed a bit shy tbh. Edited 14 January, 2009 by lordswoodsaints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CLOTH EARS Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 BASSA? Now it's beginning to make sense. Duncan it appear's you love flogging dead horses and why you say yourself you love looking back as you believe the good times have left the club for good. Why don't you spend your time writing to Gordon bemoaning what happened to the real Labour party. The world has moved on Duncan and unfortunately for you, you haven't and that's why your views on Lowe have as much relevance as Trade Unions in today's society. You toff tw*t!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 13 January, 2009 Author Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Duncan You will remember Bridgens the Butchers in Bedford Place -she used drive the delivery van back in the early - mid sixties. David Ah - I remember now - also Hamers, Oakenfuls the sweet shop and Delbridges. I was in Bedford Place today - the only thing you would remeber is Frenches the shoe shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morph Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Here's one. Last summer at Goodwood races I spoke to John Motson and happened to mention Duncan Holley (Fitzhugh Fella of this thread for those who did not know ) asking if he remembered him. Immediately he said "Duncan - In That Number fame - of course I do give him my best regards when you see him again." As Duncan knows, I did pass on his best wishes. Ron, Not wishing to name drop, but I was sat next to John Motson in the Directors Box at the S****horpe game during Leon's tenure. What a terrific guy and great Saints fan and he loves all things statistics, so he would love Duncan's "In that number". I believe he has a home in Bournemouth. Kind Regards Morph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 I'll rise to this. Why are you like this? Do you have a small manhood? It's about time you were treated to another sabbatical! If you check, I believe he has... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 13 January, 2009 Author Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Here's one. Last summer at Goodwood races I spoke to John Motson and happened to mention Duncan Holley (Fitzhugh Fella of this thread for those who did not know ) asking if he remembered him. Immediately he said "Duncan - In That Number fame - of course I do give him my best regards when you see him again." As Duncan knows, I did pass on his best wishes. Motty always had a great memory and away from work he was excellent company (he loved a scotch) but I tell you what Ron, he was a bloody nightmare to work with and for. I had a few run ins with him and once my wife driving the pair of us to St James Park threatened to throw him out of the car. He was/is a perfectionist and had no tolerance if things did not go his way. He also tended to panic a bit and many a time, off camera things descended into farce because of his irrational perfectionism/behaviour. I could repeat the story about him insisting I drag a naked referee (Martin Bodenham) from his changing room so he could interview him why he had called off the Bristol City v Liverpool Cup-tie (floodlight failure) but it was not a pleasant memory - not only because Bodenham did not look good naked but Motson was frothing at the mouth because we missed the live link into Grandstand. Things only cooled after Russell Osman (B City's mgr) subsequently invited us to his office for a cold beer. He was the only manager I met who had a fridge full of beer in his office. I was mightily impressed and so was Motty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Channon's Sideburns Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Motty always had a great memory and away from work he was excellent company (he loved a scotch) but I tell you what Ron, he was a bloody nightmare to work with and for. I had a few run ins with him and once my wife driving the pair of us to St James Park threatened to throw him out of the car. He was/is a perfectionist and had no tolerance if things did not go his way. He also tended to panic a bit and many a time, off camera things descended into farce because of his irrational perfectionism/behaviour. I could repeat the story about him insisting I drag a naked referee (Martin Bodenham) from his changing room so he could interview him why he had called off the Bristol City v Liverpool Cup-tie (floodlight failure) but it was not a pleasant memory - not only because Bodenham did not look good naked but Motson was frothing at the mouth because we missed the live link into Grandstand. Things only cooled after Russell Osman (B City's mgr) subsequently invited us to his office for a cold beer. He was the only manager I met who had a fridge full of beer in his office. I was mightily impressed and so was Motty. Ahhh Donny Osman...bless him. Miss his free kicks. He used to live near me just outside Beaulieu. His missus was lovely... Sat on KK's knee once during a Junior Saints Q&A Session in early 80's. I think that was when he had a nasty injury (or was that after?) Had Work Experience with Alan Smith and Eileen in the Junior Saints office during the Branfoot era. Sat in on a discussion about Micky Adams being nominated for Coaching Badges by Branfoot. Speaking to him he was actually a very nice bloke. Met Dave Merrington and Ray Graydon in the Boot Room. My sister used to babysit for Dave Peach (he lived in our village). Played football with his son Dan...at age 8 he ran rings around us when we were 11!! Spent a Booze Cruise from Southampton to Cherbourg with Peter Rodrigues. He was there organising a trip with the Shirley Con Club but spent the whole journey drinking with us. Brilliant guy, very flattered by the conversation we had about the 'hero' status that the squad continue to enjoy. Nick Holmes rang our house once to discuss a new Team Kit with my Dad. (He was running a Sports Shop at the time). I answered the phone and then ran round the house shouting.....'DAD!!!! IT'S NIIIIIIIICCCKKK HHOOOOLLLMMMEESS!!!!' My dad was not that impressed but did see the funny side, and Nick sold him a new kit...New Olympic in a lovely Forest Green I remember. Insisted on No5 at the time as I thought I was Neil Ruddock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 (edited) Couple of shorties and a funny Long time back Salisbury Saints had a Race Night at the back of a pub in Wilton, think it was a testimonial event for someone. Anyway, Holmes, Moran, Armstrong and I'm sure others were there, great fun great night and strangely that is ALL I remember of the evening.... Back in the 80's when I was a sales rep, stopped at the pub near Winchester (where the A34 used to split off the A33, nice thatched place good lunches) - placed my order, sat at a table for two waiting when Bally asked if he could share the table. Of course as he was at Sk*tes at the time I sort of joked no way, but ended up having a fantastic 2 hour lunch talking about old games at Saints (inc THAT Coventry game).. And funnily - following from FM's line, here in Dubai I have been lucky to meet lots of famous people (besides EricofArabia), drink with or talk to them, sometimes I even remember them. Over the years working as a Senior Marshall at Golf events had got to know Mark Steinberg who is Tiger Woods's manager (and yes Tiger has bought me beer more than once and yes I have the photos). Anyway 2 years back he was walking round watching Tiger so I collared him, had a quick light hearted chat and asked about Tiger's investment strategy in sport, and yes (as posted on TSF) I did ask if Tiger was interested in buying a football team ie US... Mark roared with laughter and said it was the funniest thing he had ever heard on a Golf Course.... He also gave me 10 out of 10 for effort and bought a beer later and got the great man to pose for photos with me along with his buddy Roger Federer after the man had finished his round... Great thread FF, and SB you stupid sad fool, not everything in life has to always be about politics Edited 13 January, 2009 by dubai_phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamesaint Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 When I was 18 my parents lived in Birmingham. It was the season we got promoted and we had just bought Chris Nicholl from Villa. That September we played Millwall away and I went down to the match by train. We got stuffed (3-0 I think) but walking through the train on the way back to Brum, I walked through a carriage to see Chris Nicholl sitting by himself eating a banana. He still lived in Brum and was returning after the match. I asked him to sign my programme & we got chatting and ended up talking about football all the way back to Brum. When the train stopped at Coventry , 2 Middlesborough fans got on the train. Coventry had played 'boro that day and one of these fans had been arrested . They had been delayed and had missed their coach back. They joined our conversation and we had a good chat before we all got out at New Street. My last sight was of Chris Nicholl helping the boro fans find the right platform for their connection. At this time football hooliganism was rife but he was going out of his way to help the 2 boro "hooligans" get on the right train. Chris Nicholl was a real gent. I wonder if he would like to return now as a manager!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpb Posted 13 January, 2009 Share Posted 13 January, 2009 Eric Martin trained a team I played for one season (Maple Sports). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW11_Saint Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 correct,reuben did rub the pub in the park. i also used to sit and chat with alan shearer on the bus when i was about 17 he must of been about 14-15,i was working in town and used to get the bus in the morning,alan used to get on a few stops later and sometimes i would talk to him. i knew he was a saints trainee as he got off at the dell but it wasnt until a couple of years later that i realised it was him.he was a very quiet lad and seemed a bit shy tbh. Actually, mention of Lordswood and buses reminds me of similar story - I used to get the 2A to school in the mornings and Danny Wallace used to get the same bus. He was about my age - I knew well who he was (when I first saw him it was before his first team debut), but never quite plucked up the courage to chat to him. Many many years later met his brother Rodney in a bar in Leeds (with Brian Deane, Chirs Fairclough and possibly Noel Whelan - memory fades!). Had a quick chat, nice guy - good memories of Saints (although said he'd never come back when I posed that question). Also distinctly remember him calling Barry Fry a w*nker when I asked how Danny was doing (this was pre his MS diagnosis and he'd just had his s/t contract cancelled by Fry at Birmingham (again if memory serves)). Also helped interview a few players for Redstrip Fanzine which a mate ran - interviewed Jeff Kenna and Jim Magilton in Greensleeves Cafe in Bedford Place (presume that's gone too Duncan??); Bally in his office at The Dell (made us feel like kings, inviting us into his office and "holding all calls") and Glen ****erill at Brisbane Road when he played for Orient. All of them were absolute gents. The only less than savoury player experience I can remember is (trying to) talk to Terry Hurlock at a London Saints Xmas Do - he was with a bunch of dodgy South London mates, and really wasn't all that pleasant... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diggers Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Going back about eight years I was living in Spain and the then wife and I decided to buy a reverse holiday home so as not to over stay the hospitality of the in laws. We located a suitable property in Valley Park and after my sister had provisionally checked it out for us arranged a viewing. The agent was a little coy about the owner but it eventually turned out to be Mr & Mrs Pahars. The viewing was arranged for the only day we had left on our trip home, but being a mad fan I was aware that we had an away game the previous night. (Blackburn I think?)Anyway, I suggested that the viewing should be as late in the day as our travel plans allowed, about 11am I remember, so as not to disturb them too much. When we got to the house, Mrs Pahars met us and showed us the ground floor. This is nice we thought, show us more. "I'm sorry" she says, "my husband is in bed and he won't get up" As I didn't want to check his bedroom out with him snoring away we declined. I explained that we really liked the house, that we had a plane to catch, and asked her to speak with her husband again. Up she went, back down she came again, "sorry" she said, (in a really horny Russian accent) he wont move. So off we went, without buying the house obviously! Lazy Bastard is what I always think when his name crops up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rut Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Another Chris Nicholl one. Not quite as good as TameSaint's but was good for me at the time. I was about 11 or 12 & autograph hunting in The Dell car park on a non-match day (the players would turn up for training). I'm sure a lot of us did that over the years. Chris Nicholl had just signed as a player very recently. I was the only one around and he came out of a gate in the West Stand near to where I was. I recognised him and asked for his autograph. Instead of the usual 'sure' and a quick scrawl before jumping in his car he started to chat. He asked me what the names of the stands were and wanted to know where all the 'singers' went. I happily told him all he needed to know and we parted our ways. Of course Chris Nicholl was now my best mate. I do wonder if he politely asked this of anyone else? Of course not!! I was the one & only person to tell him that The Milton, was indeed The Milton. It was excellent when my close, personal friend became manager & (still) a travesty that he was sacked (to be replaced by Branfoot). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Strover Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Ian Turner use to work down the refinery - I think he was a pipe fitter or a pipe fitter's mate. All the Saints team used the Mill Arms occasionally (Ted MacDougall owned it) and David Peach often used to work behind the bar (very nice bloke) and a lot of the Saints team used the Malthouse. Which included Kevin Keegan at the height of his Saints career who sat next to my mate Shaun and he had to be told this after Keegan left. Steve Moran tried to chat my then girlfriend up big time as did Alan Ball to my mates girlfriend along the lines of 'Do you know who we are?' to which the answer was 'Nope' when they told them both girls still didn't know who they were - that deflated the egos a bit! I've played football against Peter Osgood (he kicked me - I used to play in goal) and Ian Hutchinson. Sundance has proved by one simple post how small minded and how little real Saints knowledge or indeed love he has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanthemanfairoak Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I got to say, how ****ing rude. There is no need for that is there. A bit of nostalgia never hurt anyone and I and others are interested in what these people are really like without todays media hype. Don't listen to him, pay of no mind.if he was even born back then in are fitzhugh days we`d have put him up against the dart board and all gone for bulls eye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanthemanfairoak Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 The White Horse is a different pub these days. The landlady is 22 or 23 and meant to be the youngest in the county.amey cricketers fair oak 21 ! youngest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Breeny Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I was lucky enough to have dinner with John Sydenham and his wife Julie last week at a mates place. All of us from Southampton and now living in Perth WA ! John was in fine form after a few reds and told me many great stories about his Dell days. He is in contact with many team mates such as Terry Pain etc and still follows the club with a passion. He was scouting for Saints until recently and unfortunatly feels we will struggle to aviod relagation this season ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Billy Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 When I was a teenager in the early 70's my very first job was working at Holt & Haskells sports shop in Shirley. We use to have several saints players come in and hampshire cricket players. I use to often serve Mick Channon and I think Brian O'Neil who were always game for a laugh. Their main and frequent purchase was shotgun catridges for hunting, can you imagine selling that over a counter now. My wife also use to know Mick reasonably well and he brought her son a signed saints football which he proceeded to take outside and kick about and puncture, I will never forgive him! My wife also use to have the odd drink in the Bugle in Botley, one day she walked in and got hit by a wet bread roll on the back of the head, turned round to see Mick Channon laughing his socks off. He's a boy! BTW, well done Fitzhugh Fella for not rising to the bait of the Sundance Skid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Tickle Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Was that down Pine Road by any chance? You may have been next door but one to my Nan if so! I think you will find it will be Merdon Avenue on the Corner of Tyrrel Road? If so I believe I have unmasked 'Hatch.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmel Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Really enjoyed the thread! Met a few players over the years and with the exception of Shilton, who my Dad met on a train and asked for his autograph and was told to **** off, they have all been really good blokes. Walking in Whitehart lane back in 93, Kevin Moore came up and asked if i was a Saints fan and promtly gave me four free tickets - we went 2 up and then conceded 4 (I think) in 6 minutes. Used to have our sports lessons on the common and the Saints would often come running past - My cue to ditch the game we were playing and try and keep up with them, none of them minded with the exception of my games teacher...... more detentions Had a freind that claimed his Dad, spent the night of the FA cup victory knocking out dents in the lid of the trophy, where a certain Mick Channon had spent the evening wearing it as a hat and it had kept falling off.....Never knew whether to believe that one, but some years later actually met the father, who confirmed it was all true. Attended a game in a wheelchair, as i could n't get tickets (Long story) and we had Man Utd in the cup. I used to hate Ince and Hughes as moaning bastards, but we had to be in place long before the game kicked off and guess which two players came out in there suits to speak to the disabled supporters.....Ince and Hughes, they couldnt have been nicer (Although i was squirming, as i shouldnt have been there). Actually we were winning and Hughes scored a last minute equiliser. I know we lost up there and Jimmy case was sent off, so may be that was karma and all my fault Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 in the late 80's early 90's (cant remember exactly) i trained with brockenhurst and ian turner was manager(or assistant?),a mate of mine played for them and i was invited along for a couple of trial games, a mixture of A and B team players playing each other with ian turner in goal on the opposite team to me......i came on for the second half and ended up scoring against him,not a bad goal if i must say :-),it dawned on me after the game that i had achieved something the 1976 man utd cup team had failed to do.:-) i didnt get the gig but ian was down to earth and was a nice bloke with a good sense of humour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 14 January, 2009 Author Share Posted 14 January, 2009 (edited) OK more blatant name dropping coming up and I swear this story is 100% true. Saint Billy mentioned Mick Channon so here goes. In 1986 I was just putting the final touches to my first book - the Complete Record, and as I was still flying on long haul routes I used to take a small portable type writer with me and get my wife, Louise, a stewardess to type up the manuscripts (I know it sounds boring). We used to fly together - it was called married rosters - and one day landed one of the best trips going with a week off in Mauritius. The trip started with a night in Bahrain and then picking up the next days service from London onto Mauritius. I was working in first class, so I had no idea who was sitting down the back. Soon after take off Louise came into the first class galley and said "guess who we've got down the back - Mick Channon and his girlfriend Jill who are on their way to Mauritius on holiday". Louise had already introduced hereself with "hey I just typed your biography" which sort of broke the ice and as Jill was a BA stewardess on Concorde there was plenty to gossip to be had throughout the rest of the flight. Anyway to cut short a long story before we had landed, Mick and Jill had invited us over to their hotel for a day (us BA crew were staying the other side of the island). I was made up not only because I was going to spend a day with one of my boyhood idols but also I could ask him to write the foreword for the book. The taxi ride to the Le Touserok hotel where Mick and Jill was staying took about an hour but it was worth it. We had a great day on the hotel beach, plenty of chat about his Dell days etc etc. After dark we had a few beers in the bar then went back to his room for van loads of wine and then room service. By this stage all of us were "wide-eyed and legless" and it being about 10pm I asked Mick if he would ring down to reception to order me a taxi which he duly did, booking it in his name. Louise and I said our farewells (we we operating on their flight home later in the week) and staggered into the lobby where our excited taxi driver was waiting. He grabbed me by the hand and said what a great honour it was to drive the great Mick Channon in his taxi. At first I was so "out of it" I didn't cotton on but as we got into the back seat Louise said "he thinks you are Mick Channon, you better tell him". But of course I didn't and the more I went along with his mistaken identity the harder it was to 'fess up. So I let him think I was Mick Channon - no harm done I thought as I graciously accepted his platitudes. But my deception was about to come undone. He suddenly said - "would I mind if we made a detour to his village as he wanted to show me to all his neighbours and friends". I could hardly say no. Louise elbowed me to come clean but with a fuddled brain I wasn't thinking on my feet and before we knew it, we had pulled off onto a dirt track and then arrived at a small village with him blowing his horn to waken and summon the inhabitants. Someone opened the car door and I fell out. I was ushered up some stairs and offered a seat on the balcony and someone else offered me a cold beer (which I did not need but duly accepted). As a curious crowd gathered at first no one realised I was not Mick Channon but it was only a matter of time and I was not half way through my beer when one recent arrival shouted "That's not the Mick Channon I've seen on TV". Horrified my taxi driver suddenly realised he had made a big faux pas and it dawned on him - horror of horrors - he had now woken up half his village to show off a drunken British Airways purser and he was going to be a laughing stock. He quickly grabbed my arm and poured me back into his taxi before the mood got ugly. I can't remember too much about the rest of the journey except Louise giving me a rollocking for going way too far with my Mick Channon impersonation/deception. The taxi also cost and arm and a leg....understandably. When I saw Mick on the homeward flight (we bumped him up to Club World) I didn't tell him how I had cause for a village to be woken from their slumber by making out I was him. He did agree to write the foreward and we kept in touch for a couple of years before Jill married him and left flying. It was a cracking day out despite the rather muddled ending. I have a photo of him and I on his balcony that night, if someone lets me how to post it. Sorry it is a bit of a long story but it is completely kosher. Edited 14 January, 2009 by Fitzhugh Fella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordswoodsaints Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 i attended the opening night of letissiers/osmans nightclub and went outside to give a mate who was running late his entry ticket,on going outside i noticed that there was a crowd of fans gathered looking for autographs,i had a pen and book thrust into my hand and was asked for my autograph.......surpised i asked the fan who he thought i was??? he replied 'neil heaney' i laughed and told him he was wrong but he wouldnt have it so i made the mistake of signing his book,this led to about another 20 people wanting my autograph so i duly obliged,even signing my own name. if any of you are one of those fans then i do apologise:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocco boxo Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 On the Chris Nicholl theme, actually caddied for him the week he signed for us. My mate and I were messing around up the Muni when he was by himself about to go out and play. We asked if we could caddy for him. Chris as stated being a gentlemen let us caddy and hit some shots. He became my favourite player after that! About 2 years ago played in Alan Ball's golf day and Chris was our celeb, first thing I did was asked him did he remember that day 30 years ago, he politely tried to remember it! Good golfer and good bloke. Played on a golf day about 15 years ago and thought Dave Armstrong was a knob! Hopefully he had an off day that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I'm really enjoying these posts. But do you know what saddens me? Our players these days aren't around long enough to be come part of our community. All the tales on here show that in the 'old days' the players were to be seen around and about and in the area for years. There's just not the same connection these days, it seems. If anyone can prove me wrong, I'd love to hear some good tales about today's players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I think you will find it will be Merdon Avenue on the Corner of Tyrrel Road? If so I believe I have unmasked 'Hatch.' [-( I'm denying everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Tickle Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 So was it true about you, Mrs Murray and the stick of celery? I believe the photos are still doing the rounds! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLYMPIC Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Have seen MLT up the gym a few times also he puts in a bit of time at Stoneham golf course,also used to do electrical repair work for Beattie when he lived in Chillworth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 14 January, 2009 Author Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I was lucky enough to have dinner with John Sydenham and his wife Julie last week at a mates place. All of us from Southampton and now living in Perth WA ! John was in fine form after a few reds and told me many great stories about his Dell days. He is in contact with many team mates such as Terry Pain etc and still follows the club with a passion. He was scouting for Saints until recently and unfortunatly feels we will struggle to aviod relagation this season ! How is John? I heard that he couldn't attend the "Constant Paine" launch because he was unwell and due an operation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 OK more blatant name dropping coming up and I swear this story is 100% true. Saint Billy mentioned Mick Channon so here goes. In 1986 I was just putting the final touches to my first book - the Complete Record, and as I was still flying on long haul routes I used to take a small portable type writer with me and get my wife, Louise, a stewardess to type up the manuscripts (I know it sounds boring). We used to fly together - it was called married rosters - and one day landed one of the best trips going with a week off in Mauritius. The trip started with a night in Bahrain and then picking up the next days service from London onto Mauritius. I was working in first class, so I had no idea who was sitting down the back. Soon after take off Louise came into the first class galley and said "guess who we've got down the back - Mick Channon and his girlfriend Jill who are on their way to Mauritius on holiday". Louise had already introduced hereself with "hey I just typed your biography" which sort of broke the ice and as Jill was a BA stewardess on Concorde there was plenty to gossip to be had throughout the rest of the flight. Anyway to cut short a long story before we had landed, Mick and Jill had invited us over to their hotel for a day (us BA crew were staying the other side of the island). I was made up not only because I was going to spend a day with one of my boyhood idols but also I could ask him to write the foreword for the book. The taxi ride to the Le Touserok hotel where Mick and Jill was staying took about an hour but it was worth it. We had a great day on the hotel beach, plenty of chat about his Dell days etc etc. After dark we had a few beers in the bar then went back to his room for van loads of wine and then room service. By this stage all of us were "wide-eyed and legless" and it being about 10pm I asked Mick if he would ring down to reception to order me a taxi which he duly did, booking it in his name. Louise and I said our farewells (we we operating on their flight home later in the week) and staggered into the lobby where our excited taxi driver was waiting. He grabbed me by the hand and said what a great honour it was to drive the great Mick Channon in his taxi. At first I was so "out of it" I didn't cotton on but as we got into the back seat Louise said "he thinks you are Mick Channon, you better tell him". But of course I didn't and the more I went along with his mistaken identity the harder it was to 'fess up. So I let him think I was Mick Channon - no harm done I thought as I graciously accepted his platitudes. But my deception was about to come undone. He suddenly said - "would I mind if we made a detour to his village as he wanted to show me to all his neighbours and friends". I could hardly say no. Louise elbowed me to come clean but with a fuddled brain I wasn't thinking on my feet and before we knew it, we had pulled off onto a dirt track and then arrived at a small village with him blowing his horn to waken and summon the inhabitants. Someone opened the car door and I fell out. I was ushered up some stairs and offered a seat on the balcony and someone else offered me a cold beer (which I did not need but duly accepted). As a curious crowd gathered at first no one realised I was not Mick Channon but it was only a matter of time and I was not half way through my beer when one recent arrival shouted "That's not the Mick Channon I've seen on TV". Horrified my taxi driver suddenly realised he had made a big faux pas and it dawned on him - horror of horrors - he had now woken up half his village to show off a drunken British Airways purser and he was going to be a laughing stock. He quickly grabbed my arm and poured me back into his taxi before the mood got ugly. I can't remember too much about the rest of the journey except Louise giving me a rollocking for going way too far with my Mick Channon impersonation/deception. The taxi also cost and arm and a leg....understandably. When I saw Mick on the homeward flight (we bumped him up to Club World) I didn't tell him how I had cause for a village to be woken from their slumber by making out I was him. He did agree to write the foreward and we kept in touch for a couple of years before Jill married him and left flying. It was a cracking day out despite the rather muddled ending. I have a photo of him and I on his balcony that night, if someone lets me how to post it. Sorry it is a bit of a long story but it is completely kosher. Shame you didn't tell him, bet he would av had a right laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 Besides meeting Mr ITK Dubai Phil, not really had many actual meetings with any Saints players. I was sat a few rows in front of MLT at Coventry away a few years ago.... "and we've still got Matty in the stands .." lol. Watching Coventry fans walking outside the ground jaws on the ground or walking into lamp posts as they couldn't beleive that it really was Matt was leaving the ground with the away support Have seen Mick Channon at Dubai Race Course but could not get close enough to speak, but did get a nod from Alan Shearer at the same venue when Newcastle were out here a few years ago on a winter break. He is probably typing the same moment on a players web site saying he'd seen ericofarabia give him the nod, but was to shy to come and speak to me ... :smt044 My dad used to work for MiniCabs and used to drive Eric Martin home and often need to 'escort' him to the door . In fact Eric used to ask for my dad whenever he phoned up for a taxi. (No I wasn't named after Eric Martin, I was already an avid SFC fan by then!!) How about somebody giving Mick 7 a wake up call and get some of his cherished memories from growing up with his dad Superb fred, and one that really does highlight the difference between the money/image fixated players of today compared to the characters of yesteryear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Fandango Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I used to be Kevin Keegan's paperboy in Romsey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West End Saint Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I have met Le Tiss a few times always a top bloke his after dinner questions and answers are always good and very honest the last time at John Crawleys benefit dinner he was asked what he thought of Rupert Lowe and said he is a f u c k i n g t w a t with no personality quality bloke I have also done a fair bit of business with David Armstrong over the years he was a director at a office stationary company and has bought a few vans from me over the years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I have met Le Tiss a few times always a top bloke his after dinner questions and answers are always good and very honest the last time at John Crawleys benefit dinner he was asked what he thought of Rupert Lowe and said he is a f u c k i n g t w a t with no personality quality bloke I have also done a fair bit of business with David Armstrong over the years he was a director at a office stationary company and has bought a few vans from me over the years I've forgotten - was it David Armstrong or David Peach who lived in Fair Oak? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West End Saint Posted 14 January, 2009 Share Posted 14 January, 2009 I've forgotten - was it David Armstrong or David Peach who lived in Fair Oak? David Armstrong I have been to a new year party there once about 18 years ago I think he still lives there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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