50 Years Ago

[smallthorner]

Lovely memories.

[ihaveadream]

Excellent memories March 4th.

[apb1]

Aug 15, 2024 19:53:51 GMT march4 said:

On Saturday, it will be 50 years since we started the new season against Brian Clough's league champions - Leeds Utd. Leeds had been involved in one of English football's most controversial games the previous weekend against Liverpool and they lined up against Stoke with a number of regulars missing; Harvey, Reaney, Cooper, Bremner, McQueen, Cherry, Lorimer, Madeley, Jordan, Giles, McKenzie. This was still a formidable outfit in spite of the rumours of unrest at the club. We started the season with; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Dodd, Smith, Mahoney, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Hurst. This was one of our most memorable games of the 70s.

Hudson revelled in the August sunshine. He is now a stone lighter than when he joined the club and the extra fitness saw him dominate the game from start to finish against some of the best players in British football. It was a performance that saw the Sunday papers urging new England manager Don Revie, to make Huddy a fixture in the international team. Of course, Revie (nor his assistant; Les Cocker) were actually at the game between two of English football's best teams. Leeds simply couldn't cope with Stoke although it took a 50th minute long ranger from Mahoney to break the deadlock. Leeds wilted in the heat and Stoke added two further goals in the last 5 minutes through Greenhoff and Ritchie to complete a 3-0 victory. Stoke are the team of 1974 and this victory cements their place among the favourites to win the league title this season.

Thankfully, the ATV cameras and Hugh Johns were present to record this fantastic victory forever. The video also includes Brian Clough's post match interview.



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Fab stuff as always.

Clough suggested they dominated 80% of the game. Any truth in that?

[march4]

We’ve now played our second game of the season away at Goodison Park and returned with nothing. We played well enough but two inexplicable defensive errors gave Everton victory through two Joe Royle strikes. After our win at Leeds, we were full of confidence and took the game to Everton. Salmons opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a diving header following a crisp move from Greenhoff, Haslegrave and Hurst. We looked for a second goal but in the 30th minute, in the aftermath of an Everton corner, the referee judged Hudson had pushed his opponent and pointed to the spot. 1-1 at half-time. In the second half, Smith seemed determined to score, clipping the top of the bar with one header and then forcing the keeper into a good save. Everton looked like they had settled for a draw but with the game heading to the final whistle, Pejic misjudged a chested backpass and Royle nipped in to fire goalwards. Smith cleared off the line but Royle was in the right position to sweep the rebound home. A deflating 2-1 defeat. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Hurst, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Conroy

This was only our 3rd league defeat of 1974.

After the game, it is announced that John Ritchie's sister had sadly passed away.

[J-Roar]

Aug 15, 2024 19:53:51 GMT march4 said:

On Saturday, it will be 50 years since we started the new season against Brian Clough's league champions - Leeds Utd. Leeds had been involved in one of English football's most controversial games the previous weekend against Liverpool and they lined up against Stoke with a number of regulars missing; Harvey, Reaney, Cooper, Bremner, McQueen, Cherry, Lorimer, Madeley, Jordan, Giles, McKenzie. This was still a formidable outfit in spite of the rumours of unrest at the club. We started the season with; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Dodd, Smith, Mahoney, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Hurst. This was one of our most memorable games of the 70s.

Hudson revelled in the August sunshine. He is now a stone lighter than when he joined the club and the extra fitness saw him dominate the game from start to finish against some of the best players in British football. It was a performance that saw the Sunday papers urging new England manager Don Revie, to make Huddy a fixture in the international team. Of course, Revie (nor his assistant; Les Cocker) were actually at the game between two of English football's best teams. Leeds simply couldn't cope with Stoke although it took a 50th minute long ranger from Mahoney to break the deadlock. Leeds wilted in the heat and Stoke added two further goals in the last 5 minutes through Greenhoff and Ritchie to complete a 3-0 victory. Stoke are the team of 1974 and this victory cements their place among the favourites to win the league title this season.

Thankfully, the ATV cameras and Hugh Johns were present to record this fantastic victory forever. The video also includes Brian Clough's post match interview.



View Attachment

Subtitles are great - Mickey Paycheck was the highlight!

[march4]

We now travel to Shepherd's Bush for our second tricky away game of the week. QPR have their own hopes for the season marshalled by Gerry Francis in midfield. In the build up to the game, the national papers suggest this is a test of Francis and Huddy to see who will be England's new midfielder. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Hurst, Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. QPR had two number 9s on the pitch (Givens and Beck) and no number 11. Sloppy work from their kitman.

This was a much better performance than the defeat at Everton although QPR played their part in an entertaining game. Indeed the first hour belonged to QPR with Stan Bowles hitting the post. A couple of sharp challenges saw Bowles leave the field and we then took control. We scored just as the game seemed to be heading for stalemate with a typical Hurst goal. He timed his run to perfection meeting Salmons' cross with a well executed volley.

We weren't at our very best with Huddy playing deeper than normal and Salmons rarely involved but this was a big win against a good team.

Carlisle are now top of the table after winning their first 3 games in Division 1.

We are now a box office team and the TV cameras were there again to see our performance (commentary by Brain Moore);

[march4]

The Sentinel is reporting that Stoke are interested in signing goalkeeper Peter Shilton from Leicester. A fee of £300,000 has been mentioned but Chairman Albert Henshall is adamant that Stoke have no money but would be interested in a player exchange.

And Francis Lee has moved to Derby for a fee of £100,000. Stoke were rumoured to be interested in signing the striker throughout the summer.

[spitthedog]

Aug 24, 2024 19:59:50 GMT march4 said:

We now travel to Shepherd's Bush for our second tricky away game of the week. QPR have their own hopes for the season marshalled by Gerry Francis in midfield. In the build up to the game, the national papers suggest this is a test of Francis and Huddy to see who will be England's new midfielder. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Hurst, Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. QPR had two number 9s on the pitch (Givens and Beck) and no number 11. Sloppy work from their kitman.

This was a much better performance than the defeat at Everton although QPR played their part in an entertaining game. Indeed the first hour belonged to QPR with Stan Bowles hitting the post. A couple of sharp challenges saw Bowles leave the field and we then took control. We scored just as the game seemed to be heading for stalemate with a typical Hurst goal. He timed his run to perfection meeting Salmons' cross with a well executed volley.

We weren't at our very best with Huddy playing deeper than normal and Salmons rarely involved but this was a big win against a good team.

Carlisle are now top of the table after winning their first 3 games in Division 1.

We are now a box office team and the TV cameras were there again to see our performance (commentary by Brain Moore);



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Terry Mancini.....you don't see hairstyles like that in the top flight of English football these days!

But what a sublime finish from Geoff Hurst with such an understated celebration. I guess when you've scored an hat-trick in a World Cup Final, everything else must feel like a bit of an anti-climax!

[J-Roar]

Aug 24, 2024 19:59:50 GMT march4 said:

We now travel to Shepherd's Bush for our second tricky away game of the week. QPR have their own hopes for the season marshalled by Gerry Francis in midfield. In the build up to the game, the national papers suggest this is a test of Francis and Huddy to see who will be England's new midfielder. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Hurst, Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. QPR had two number 9s on the pitch (Givens and Beck) and no number 11. Sloppy work from their kitman.

This was a much better performance than the defeat at Everton although QPR played their part in an entertaining game. Indeed the first hour belonged to QPR with Stan Bowles hitting the post. A couple of sharp challenges saw Bowles leave the field and we then took control. We scored just as the game seemed to be heading for stalemate with a typical Hurst goal. He timed his run to perfection meeting Salmons' cross with a well executed volley.

We weren't at our very best with Huddy playing deeper than normal and Salmons rarely involved but this was a big win against a good team.

Carlisle are now top of the table after winning their first 3 games in Division 1.

We are now a box office team and the TV cameras were there again to see our performance (commentary by Brain Moore);



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Was Brain Moore the thinking man's commentator?

[J-Roar]

Aug 24, 2024 19:59:50 GMT march4 said:

We now travel to Shepherd's Bush for our second tricky away game of the week. QPR have their own hopes for the season marshalled by Gerry Francis in midfield. In the build up to the game, the national papers suggest this is a test of Francis and Huddy to see who will be England's new midfielder. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Hurst, Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. QPR had two number 9s on the pitch (Givens and Beck) and no number 11. Sloppy work from their kitman.

This was a much better performance than the defeat at Everton although QPR played their part in an entertaining game. Indeed the first hour belonged to QPR with Stan Bowles hitting the post. A couple of sharp challenges saw Bowles leave the field and we then took control. We scored just as the game seemed to be heading for stalemate with a typical Hurst goal. He timed his run to perfection meeting Salmons' cross with a well executed volley.

We weren't at our very best with Huddy playing deeper than normal and Salmons rarely involved but this was a big win against a good team.

Carlisle are now top of the table after winning their first 3 games in Division 1.

We are now a box office team and the TV cameras were there again to see our performance (commentary by Brain Moore);



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Top advertising board for Brentford Nylons.

[spitthedog]

Aug 27, 2024 7:46:41 GMT J-Roar said:

Aug 24, 2024 19:59:50 GMT march4 said:

We now travel to Shepherd's Bush for our second tricky away game of the week. QPR have their own hopes for the season marshalled by Gerry Francis in midfield. In the build up to the game, the national papers suggest this is a test of Francis and Huddy to see who will be England's new midfielder. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Hurst, Hudson, Greenhoff, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. QPR had two number 9s on the pitch (Givens and Beck) and no number 11. Sloppy work from their kitman.

This was a much better performance than the defeat at Everton although QPR played their part in an entertaining game. Indeed the first hour belonged to QPR with Stan Bowles hitting the post. A couple of sharp challenges saw Bowles leave the field and we then took control. We scored just as the game seemed to be heading for stalemate with a typical Hurst goal. He timed his run to perfection meeting Salmons' cross with a well executed volley.

We weren't at our very best with Huddy playing deeper than normal and Salmons rarely involved but this was a big win against a good team.

Carlisle are now top of the table after winning their first 3 games in Division 1.

We are now a box office team and the TV cameras were there again to see our performance (commentary by Brain Moore);



View Attachment

Top advertising board for Brentford Nylons.

The power of advertising eh??? After the final whistle couldn’t wait to get down to Brentford Nylons for some discount cotton polyester sheets with the rest of the lads.

[J-Roar]

Aug 27, 2024 10:15:23 GMT spitthedog said:

Aug 27, 2024 7:46:41 GMT J-Roar said:

Top advertising board for Brentford Nylons.

The power of advertising eh??? After the final whistle couldn’t wait to get down to Brentford Nylons for some discount cotton polyester sheets with the rest of the lads.

I think Alan Freemans' syrup came from Brentford Nylons.

[apb1]

Aug 27, 2024 10:15:23 GMT spitthedog said:

Aug 27, 2024 7:46:41 GMT J-Roar said:

Top advertising board for Brentford Nylons.

The power of advertising eh??? After the final whistle couldn’t wait to get down to Brentford Nylons for some discount cotton polyester sheets with the rest of the lads.

What is this ‘cotton’ of which you speak?

[march4]

The fixture list has thrown us up against Everton, just 8 days after losing to them at Goodison Park. A chance for revenge with watching England manager Don Revie and his assistant Les Cocker in attendance. Everton signed Bob Latchford for £350,000 at the end of last season and have now spent a further £300,000 on Burnley midfielder Martin Dobson. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Ritchie, Hurst, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. This is the first time since his signing that Greenhoff has been dropped when fully fit.

Stoke started at a cracking pace with both Hudson and Ritchie going close. At the other end Royle and Latchford combined well to see a volley flash just wide. The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Latchford brushed past Dodd to put in a powerful header that Farmer could only help into the net. Waddo replaced Hurst with TC but Stoke spent too much time passing sideways and made little progress towards the Everton goal. Farmer made a remarkable save to deny Latchford before Haslegrave sent over a swinging cross that Mahoney headed home for an equaliser. TC had a chance for a winner when clean through on goal but his effort bobbled wide. So it finished 1-1, a result that puts us 7th in the table with Ipswich top 3 points above us.

Alan Bloor's sore knee is confirmed to be more serious than first thought and he will be out for up to 6 months. Tottenham's long serving manager Bill Nicholson has resigned with his team bottom of the table with no points.

Among the spectators at our game was Sports Minister, Denis Howell. He enjoyed the game but remains committed to introducing identity cards for football supporters. In the USA, they are getting used to a new president with Gerald Ford replacing Richard Nixon.

[apb1]

Aug 28, 2024 21:46:23 GMT march4 said:

The fixture list has thrown us up against Everton, just 8 days after losing to them at Goodison Park. A chance for revenge with watching England manager Don Revie and his assistant Les Cocker in attendance. Everton signed Bob Latchford for £350,000 at the end of last season and have now spent a further £300,000 on Burnley midfielder Martin Dobson. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Ritchie, Hurst, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. This is the first time since his signing that Greenhoff has been dropped when fully fit.

Stoke started at a cracking pace with both Hudson and Ritchie going close. At the other end Royle and Latchford combined well to see a volley flash just wide. The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Latchford brushed past Dodd to put in a powerful header that Farmer could only help into the net. Waddo replaced Hurst with TC but Stoke spent too much time passing sideways and made little progress towards the Everton goal. Farmer made a remarkable save to deny Latchford before Haslegrave sent over a swinging cross that Mahoney headed home for an equaliser. TC had a chance for a winner when clean through on goal but his effort bobbled wide. So it finished 1-1, a result that puts us 7th in the table with Ipswich top 3 points above us.

Alan Bloor's sore knee is confirmed to be more serious than first thought and he will be out for up to 6 months. Tottenham's long serving manager Bill Nicholson has resigned with his team bottom of the table with no points.

Among the spectators at our game was Sports Minister, Denis Howell. He enjoyed the game but remains committed to introducing identity cards for football supporters. In the USA, they are getting used to a new president with Gerald Ford replacing Richard Nixon.

View Attachment

I actually think we might win the title this season. Solid start on which to build. Fingers crossed.

[roylandstoke]

Aug 29, 2024 6:34:47 GMT apb1 said:

Aug 28, 2024 21:46:23 GMT march4 said:

The fixture list has thrown us up against Everton, just 8 days after losing to them at Goodison Park. A chance for revenge with watching England manager Don Revie and his assistant Les Cocker in attendance. Everton signed Bob Latchford for £350,000 at the end of last season and have now spent a further £300,000 on Burnley midfielder Martin Dobson. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Ritchie, Hurst, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Conroy. This is the first time since his signing that Greenhoff has been dropped when fully fit.

Stoke started at a cracking pace with both Hudson and Ritchie going close. At the other end Royle and Latchford combined well to see a volley flash just wide. The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Latchford brushed past Dodd to put in a powerful header that Farmer could only help into the net. Waddo replaced Hurst with TC but Stoke spent too much time passing sideways and made little progress towards the Everton goal. Farmer made a remarkable save to deny Latchford before Haslegrave sent over a swinging cross that Mahoney headed home for an equaliser. TC had a chance for a winner when clean through on goal but his effort bobbled wide. So it finished 1-1, a result that puts us 7th in the table with Ipswich top 3 points above us.

Alan Bloor's sore knee is confirmed to be more serious than first thought and he will be out for up to 6 months. Tottenham's long serving manager Bill Nicholson has resigned with his team bottom of the table with no points.

Among the spectators at our game was Sports Minister, Denis Howell. He enjoyed the game but remains committed to introducing identity cards for football supporters. In the USA, they are getting used to a new president with Gerald Ford replacing Richard Nixon.

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I actually think we might win the title this season. Solid start on which to build. Fingers crossed.

With Bluto out long term we could be vulnerable to injuries.

[march4]

The Match of the Day cameras were at the Victoria Ground to see our battle against newly promoted Middlesbrough. This was the programme which began with a panorama of the rooftops of Stoke with the question asked; "is this the home of the league champions?". Middlesbrough had made a similar start to the season to Stoke and we were level on points. Greenhoff returned to the starting 11 as we lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; Conroy.

This was a horrible football match with manager Jack Charlton unrepentant that his team came to stifle Stoke. They put a ring of steel around Huddy and he was unable to break away from the shackles. Stoke did take an early lead following a Ritchie penalty but the visitors equalised soon afterwards with a stunning drive from Souness. The tackles were flying from kick off with one 'Boro player booked in the first couple of minutes for a challenge on Greenhoff (this was already his 3rd booking of the season). Souness hobbled off at half-time and was forced to miss the next few games with ankle ligament damage. Even more frustrating was Middlesbrough's deliberate ploy of passing back to their keeper at every opportunity. At the final whistle, boos and jeers rung out around the ground to greet the 1-1 draw. The national press were unanimous that this Stoke team will not win the league without the addition of another striker. The Sentinel letters page expressed similar sentiment.

The Peter Shilton saga took another turn with the papers suggesting Brian Clough is keen to take him to Leeds and is prepared to offer Billy Bremner in return. Everton are also interested which would take their spending to over £1M in 6 months.

A gala night was held at Jollees nightclub in Longton for Gordon Banks' benefits.

Here are the highlights (if they can be called that);

[Mr_DaftBurger]

Looking back Josh Mahoney was a really underrated player for us.

Hudson, Salmons and Mahoney were a brilliant midfield balance!

[march4]

Today we visit newly promoted Carlisle who are flying high with their 'push and run' football that has seen them climb from the 4th to 1st Divisions. This is our first visit to Cumbria since WW2 and comes at the end of an international week where TC and Josh have played for Ireland and Wales respectively. The national press are linking our Assistant Manager, George Eastham with the vacant Spurs manager's job. Stoke would like to keep him considering our form since he took a bigger role at Stoke. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; - Conroy.

Carlisle made the mistake of letting Stoke play and we put in a performance to make every team in the country sit up and notice. Huddy was in imperious form as was Pej. We dominated the game with our first goal an exquisite thing of beauty - Haslegrave and Greenhoff exchanged passes through the middle of the pitch before the former crossed to Ritchie. Our big striker cleverly dummied the ball and Huddy on the follow up lashed the ball home. It was one way traffic and had we won by 6 or more goals it wouldn't have exaggerated our dominance. In the end, we had to settle for just one more goal after Greenhoff's shot hit the post and Ritchie tucked away the rebound. And with that we are upto 3rd in the table behind Ipswich (2nd) and Liverpool (1st). Stoke now have as many away wins this season as in the whole of last season. Liverpool manager Bob Paisley declared the title race over as his team would now stay top until the end of the season and the only interest would be determining who would finish 2nd.

Things are not looking stable at Leeds as Brian Clough looks to refresh his squad. The papers are already saying he would be prepared to let Bremner go in a swap for Shilton and today there is news he has agreed to sell Terry Cooper and there are bids for Joe Jordan and a number of midfielders. Clough is summoned to see the board of directors and consequently, none of the deals go through. Portsmouth want Sir Alf Ramsay to be their new manager. In an attempt to curb hooliganism, Cardiff ban under 17s from games unless they have an identity card and are accompanied by an adult.

Nationally, we are being warned about pen bombs being used by the IRA and there is feverish speculation that the government is about to call another election just a few months after the previous one. In the USA, there is outrage that the new president Gerald Ford has pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon of any offences committed in office. Nixon is now in hospital and said to be seriously ill. and Gerald Ford's wife Betty has sadly been taken ill and admitted to hospital.

[J-Roar]

Sept 7, 2024 10:34:07 GMT march4 said:

Today we visit newly promoted Carlisle who are flying high with their 'push and run' football that has seen them climb from the 4th to 1st Divisions. This is our first visit to Cumbria since WW2 and comes at the end of an international week where TC and Josh have played for Ireland and Wales respectively. The national press are linking our Assistant Manager, George Eastham with the vacant Spurs manager's job. Stoke would like to keep him considering our form since he took a bigger role at Stoke. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; - Conroy.

Carlisle made the mistake of letting Stoke play and we put in a performance to make every team in the country sit up and notice. Huddy was in imperious form as was Pej. We dominated the game with our first goal an exquisite thing of beauty - Haslegrave and Greenhoff exchanged passes through the middle of the pitch before the former crossed to Ritchie. Our big striker cleverly dummied the ball and Huddy on the follow up lashed the ball home. It was one way traffic and had we won by 6 or more goals it wouldn't have exaggerated our dominance. In the end, we had to settle for just one more goal after Greenhoff's shot hit the post and Ritchie tucked away the rebound. And with that we are upto 3rd in the table behind Ipswich (2nd) and Liverpool (1st). Stoke now have as many away wins this season as in the whole of last season. Liverpool manager Bob Paisley declared the title race over as his team would now stay top until the end of the season and the only interest would be determining who would finish 2nd.

Things are not looking stable at Leeds as Brian Clough looks to refresh his squad. The papers are already saying he would be prepared to let Bremner go in a swap for Shilton and today there is news he has agreed to sell Terry Cooper and there are bids for Joe Jordan and a number of midfielders. Clough is summoned to see the board of directors and consequently, none of the deals go through. Portsmouth want Sir Alf Ramsay to be their new manager. In an attempt to curb hooliganism, Cardiff ban under 17s from games unless they have an identity card and are accompanied by an adult.

Nationally, we are being warned about pen bombs being used by the IRA and there is feverish speculation that the government is about to call another election just a few months after the previous one. In the USA, there is outrage that the new president Gerald Ford has pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon of any offences committed in office. Nixon is now in hospital and said to be seriously ill. and Gerald Ford's wife Betty has sadly been taken ill and admitted to hospital.

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Love that statement from Paisley. How many managers would date say that now?

[march4]

Sept 7, 2024 11:05:51 GMT J-Roar said:

Sept 7, 2024 10:34:07 GMT march4 said:

Today we visit newly promoted Carlisle who are flying high with their 'push and run' football that has seen them climb from the 4th to 1st Divisions. This is our first visit to Cumbria since WW2 and comes at the end of an international week where TC and Josh have played for Ireland and Wales respectively. The national press are linking our Assistant Manager, George Eastham with the vacant Spurs manager's job. Stoke would like to keep him considering our form since he took a bigger role at Stoke. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; - Conroy.

Carlisle made the mistake of letting Stoke play and we put in a performance to make every team in the country sit up and notice. Huddy was in imperious form as was Pej. We dominated the game with our first goal an exquisite thing of beauty - Haslegrave and Greenhoff exchanged passes through the middle of the pitch before the former crossed to Ritchie. Our big striker cleverly dummied the ball and Huddy on the follow up lashed the ball home. It was one way traffic and had we won by 6 or more goals it wouldn't have exaggerated our dominance. In the end, we had to settle for just one more goal after Greenhoff's shot hit the post and Ritchie tucked away the rebound. And with that we are upto 3rd in the table behind Ipswich (2nd) and Liverpool (1st). Stoke now have as many away wins this season as in the whole of last season. Liverpool manager Bob Paisley declared the title race over as his team would now stay top until the end of the season and the only interest would be determining who would finish 2nd.

Things are not looking stable at Leeds as Brian Clough looks to refresh his squad. The papers are already saying he would be prepared to let Bremner go in a swap for Shilton and today there is news he has agreed to sell Terry Cooper and there are bids for Joe Jordan and a number of midfielders. Clough is summoned to see the board of directors and consequently, none of the deals go through. Portsmouth want Sir Alf Ramsay to be their new manager. In an attempt to curb hooliganism, Cardiff ban under 17s from games unless they have an identity card and are accompanied by an adult.

Nationally, we are being warned about pen bombs being used by the IRA and there is feverish speculation that the government is about to call another election just a few months after the previous one. In the USA, there is outrage that the new president Gerald Ford has pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon of any offences committed in office. Nixon is now in hospital and said to be seriously ill. and Gerald Ford's wife Betty has sadly been taken ill and admitted to hospital.

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Love that statement from Paisley. How many managers would date say that now?

Mind games, 1970s style.

[apb1]

Sept 7, 2024 11:05:51 GMT J-Roar said:

Sept 7, 2024 10:34:07 GMT march4 said:

Today we visit newly promoted Carlisle who are flying high with their 'push and run' football that has seen them climb from the 4th to 1st Divisions. This is our first visit to Cumbria since WW2 and comes at the end of an international week where TC and Josh have played for Ireland and Wales respectively. The national press are linking our Assistant Manager, George Eastham with the vacant Spurs manager's job. Stoke would like to keep him considering our form since he took a bigger role at Stoke. We lined up; Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Ritchie, Hudson, Salmons. Sub; - Conroy.

Carlisle made the mistake of letting Stoke play and we put in a performance to make every team in the country sit up and notice. Huddy was in imperious form as was Pej. We dominated the game with our first goal an exquisite thing of beauty - Haslegrave and Greenhoff exchanged passes through the middle of the pitch before the former crossed to Ritchie. Our big striker cleverly dummied the ball and Huddy on the follow up lashed the ball home. It was one way traffic and had we won by 6 or more goals it wouldn't have exaggerated our dominance. In the end, we had to settle for just one more goal after Greenhoff's shot hit the post and Ritchie tucked away the rebound. And with that we are upto 3rd in the table behind Ipswich (2nd) and Liverpool (1st). Stoke now have as many away wins this season as in the whole of last season. Liverpool manager Bob Paisley declared the title race over as his team would now stay top until the end of the season and the only interest would be determining who would finish 2nd.

Things are not looking stable at Leeds as Brian Clough looks to refresh his squad. The papers are already saying he would be prepared to let Bremner go in a swap for Shilton and today there is news he has agreed to sell Terry Cooper and there are bids for Joe Jordan and a number of midfielders. Clough is summoned to see the board of directors and consequently, none of the deals go through. Portsmouth want Sir Alf Ramsay to be their new manager. In an attempt to curb hooliganism, Cardiff ban under 17s from games unless they have an identity card and are accompanied by an adult.

Nationally, we are being warned about pen bombs being used by the IRA and there is feverish speculation that the government is about to call another election just a few months after the previous one. In the USA, there is outrage that the new president Gerald Ford has pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon of any offences committed in office. Nixon is now in hospital and said to be seriously ill. and Gerald Ford's wife Betty has sadly been taken ill and admitted to hospital.

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Love that statement from Paisley. How many managers would date say that now?

Seems at odds with my memory of him as a very soft spoken modest chap

[march4]

Stoke fans awoke this morning to the worrying news that Alan Hudson has been involved in a road traffic accident overnight. This one is more serious than the one he had a month ago and Huddy has been left badly shaken with a broken hand, 10 stitches in his forehead, 4 in his chin and further stitches in his hand. Huddy was the sole occupant in the car and no other vehicle was involved as Huddy's mini finished in a wooded area at the junction of Northwood Lane and Whitmore Road. Coming so soon after Banksie's accident on a similar stretch of road, the club and its supporters are holding their breath that he will be back playing sooner rather than later.

The Sentinel detail the incident along the following lines. After the victory at Carlisle the Stoke players travelled by train to Carlisle where they collected their cars. Huddy had arranged to give Hurst a lift home. En-route, they went off for a meal before stopping at Hurst's house in the Westlands for a coffee. As Huddy was then driving to his house in Tittensor Lane, Barlaston, just after midnight, something ran out in front of his red mini and the player swerved to avoid it. Huddy flagged down a passing motorist who took him home and the following morning a doctor advised him to go to A&E. Police found the mini a while later.

In further bad news, the knee injury to Alan Bloor is even worse than first thought. Bluto had been told he would be unable to play for a few months but the latest assessment of the injury suggests his career could be over.

The only good piece of news today is that Geoff Salmons will no longer be commuting from Sheffield every day having moved with his family to a new house in Blythe Bridge.

[spitthedog]

Sept 7, 2024 20:43:35 GMT apb1 said:

Sept 7, 2024 11:05:51 GMT J-Roar said:

Love that statement from Paisley. How many managers would date say that now?

Seems at odds with my memory of him as a very soft spoken modest chap

He was canny though!

As my Gran always said.....'it's the quiet ones who you need to keep an eye on!'

[march4]

Sept 8, 2024 11:24:13 GMT spitthedog said:

Sept 7, 2024 20:43:35 GMT apb1 said:

Seems at odds with my memory of him as a very soft spoken modest chap

He was canny though!

As my Gran always said.....'it's the quiet ones who you need to keep an eye on!'

He was also under the pressure of replacing Shankly who had transformed Liverpool from also-rans into one of the top teams in Europe. Clough didn't handle a similar situation at Leeds as successfully.

[ihaveadream]

Sept 8, 2024 11:10:43 GMT march4 said:

The Sentinel detail the incident along the following lines. After the victory at Carlisle the Stoke players travelled by train to Carlisle where they collected their cars. Huddy had arranged to give Hurst a lift home. En-route, they went off for a meal before stopping at Hurst's house in the Westlands for a coffee. As Huddy was then driving to his house in Tittensor Lane, Barlaston, just after midnight, something ran out in front of his red mini and the player swerved to avoid it. Huddy flagged down a passing motorist who took him home and the following morning a doctor advised him to go to A&E. Police found the mini a while later.

Was Hurst's house in Berne Avenue?

[march4]

Sept 10, 2024 12:49:45 GMT ihaveadream said:

Sept 8, 2024 11:10:43 GMT march4 said:

The Sentinel detail the incident along the following lines. After the victory at Carlisle the Stoke players travelled by train to Carlisle where they collected their cars. Huddy had arranged to give Hurst a lift home. En-route, they went off for a meal before stopping at Hurst's house in the Westlands for a coffee. As Huddy was then driving to his house in Tittensor Lane, Barlaston, just after midnight, something ran out in front of his red mini and the player swerved to avoid it. Huddy flagged down a passing motorist who took him home and the following morning a doctor advised him to go to A&E. Police found the mini a while later.

Was Hurst's house in Berne Avenue?

Not sure.

[march4]

Tonight, Stoke welcome 3rd Division Halifax Town to the Victoria Ground for a League Cup tie. Huddy is ruled out after his car accident and Hurst is to be given a run out in preference to Ritchie because Big John is suspended from the forthcoming UEFA cup match (he was sent off at Kaiserslautern). TC has a tummy bug but is expected to play. This game sticks in my memory as I stood in the Butler St paddock for a change of routine. A crowd of only 19,000 meant plenty of room and there were a group of Keele University students standing next to me who supported Halifax. Somehow they had brought into the ground a full crate of bottles of beer (Double Diamond I seem to remember) and they were happy to share with the folk around them!

We lined up; - Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Hurst, Conroy, Salmons. Sub; - Robertson. TC had always rated himself as a striker and now was his chance to show what he could do and he didn't let himself down, scoring the first hat-trick of his Stoke career. The 3rd goal was a penalty after TC himself had been brought down. A special mention to Haslegrave who was behind everything that went well on the night, finishing with two assists to his name. A straightforward 3-0 win against a gallant Halifax team. After the game, England manager Don Revie names Greenhoff, Hudson, Pejic and Salmons amongst those invited to his 84 player get together. Disappointment for Smith who Stoke supporters felt should also have been involved.

The evening is dominated by events at Leeds, where the newspapers report that before their cup game with 3rd Division Huddersfield, the players had a vote of no confidence in new manager Brian Clough. It took an 89th minute equaliser from Lorimer to save the League Champions from humiliation. The next morning Clough is sacked after just 44 days in charge. Leeds player Johnny Giles is favourite to replace him. At Crewe Alex there is turmoil, as the Chairman resigns and 3 other directors are voted off.

Nationally, as Harold Wilson's government struggles, there is a sugar shortage and the price doubles overnight to 20p a bag. I remember visiting houses where their pantries were stacked bottom to top with dozens of bags.

[Veritas]

Sept 11, 2024 20:11:41 GMT march4 said:

Tonight, Stoke welcome 3rd Division Halifax Town to the Victoria Ground for a League Cup tie. Huddy is ruled out after his car accident and Hurst is to be given a run out in preference to Ritchie because Big John is suspended from the forthcoming UEFA cup match (he was sent off at Kaiserslautern). TC has a tummy bug but is expected to play. This game sticks in my memory as I stood in the Butler St paddock for a change of routine. A crowd of only 19,000 meant plenty of room and there were a group of Keele University students standing next to me who supported Halifax. Somehow they had brought into the ground a full crate of bottles of beer (Double Diamond I seem to remember) and they were happy to share with the folk around them!

We lined up; - Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Hurst, Conroy, Salmons. Sub; - Robertson. TC had always rated himself as a striker and now was his chance to show what he could do and he didn't let himself down, scoring the first hat-trick of his Stoke career. The 3rd goal was a penalty after TC himself had been brought down. A special mention to Haslegrave who was behind everything that went well on the night, finishing with two assists to his name. A straightforward 3-0 win against a gallant Halifax team. After the game, England manager Don Revie names Greenhoff, Hudson, Pejic and Salmons amongst those invited to his 84 player get together. Disappointment for Smith who Stoke supporters felt should also have been involved.

The evening is dominated by events at Leeds, where the newspapers report that before their cup game with 3rd Division Huddersfield, the players had a vote of no confidence in new manager Brian Clough. It took an 89th minute equaliser from Lorimer to save the League Champions from humiliation. The next morning Clough is sacked after just 44 days in charge. Leeds player Johnny Giles is favourite to replace him. At Crewe Alex there is turmoil, as the Chairman resigns and 3 other directors are voted off.

Nationally, as Harold Wilson's government struggles, there is a sugar shortage and the price doubles overnight to 20p a bag. I remember visiting houses where their pantries were stacked bottom to top with dozens of bags.

View Attachment

I remember all of that, except the Crewe bit, like it was yesterday.

[spitthedog]

Sept 11, 2024 20:11:41 GMT march4 said:

Tonight, Stoke welcome 3rd Division Halifax Town to the Victoria Ground for a League Cup tie. Huddy is ruled out after his car accident and Hurst is to be given a run out in preference to Ritchie because Big John is suspended from the forthcoming UEFA cup match (he was sent off at Kaiserslautern). TC has a tummy bug but is expected to play. This game sticks in my memory as I stood in the Butler St paddock for a change of routine. A crowd of only 19,000 meant plenty of room and there were a group of Keele University students standing next to me who supported Halifax. Somehow they had brought into the ground a full crate of bottles of beer (Double Diamond I seem to remember) and they were happy to share with the folk around them!

We lined up; - Farmer, Marsh, Pejic, Mahoney, Smith, Dodd, Haslegrave, Greenhoff, Hurst, Conroy, Salmons. Sub; - Robertson. TC had always rated himself as a striker and now was his chance to show what he could do and he didn't let himself down, scoring the first hat-trick of his Stoke career. The 3rd goal was a penalty after TC himself had been brought down. A special mention to Haslegrave who was behind everything that went well on the night, finishing with two assists to his name. A straightforward 3-0 win against a gallant Halifax team. After the game, England manager Don Revie names Greenhoff, Hudson, Pejic and Salmons amongst those invited to his 84 player get together. Disappointment for Smith who Stoke supporters felt should also have been involved.

The evening is dominated by events at Leeds, where the newspapers report that before their cup game with 3rd Division Huddersfield, the players had a vote of no confidence in new manager Brian Clough. It took an 89th minute equaliser from Lorimer to save the League Champions from humiliation. The next morning Clough is sacked after just 44 days in charge. Leeds player Johnny Giles is favourite to replace him. At Crewe Alex there is turmoil, as the Chairman resigns and 3 other directors are voted off.

Nationally, as Harold Wilson's government struggles, there is a sugar shortage and the price doubles overnight to 20p a bag. I remember visiting houses where their pantries were stacked bottom to top with dozens of bags.

View Attachment

I was always under the impression there were 5 Stoke players in the Revie squad? Must be my memory playing tricks. I'd be interested in seeing a list of the 84 players though if anyone has got it? Used to be a photo of it with the Stoke players huddled together but cant find a record of that. He used 52 players in his 29 England games apparently.