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Thinking about my career I suppose we can record all the statistics and that would be it. But it’s been one hell of a career and I suppose it would be nice to break it down with a few words of explanation.
We all did it – kicked the ball around in the playground and against the side of the house for hours and I suppose for most of us, that’s where it all starts. Well, with me it was no different…
My first school was Clewer Green Primary in Hatch Lane Windsor where, at a very early age I fell head over heels in love. And no, it wasn’t with a female teacher, or even one of the dinner ladies! I was of course, helplessly in love with something even more beautiful - the ‘beautiful game’: football!
So naturally I quickly lost interest in all lessons…
I suppose I must have made a gradual – if uneventful, progression through the school teams at Clewer before moving to Dedworth Secondary Modern. I was progressing quite nicely now and was selected for the Slough and District team before joining the Spital Youth Club side.
Feeling quite confident by now, I applied for a trial at Reading – off my own back, went for a trial at Reading – off my own back… and heard nothing! Then Arsenal (yes the Gunners!) offered me a trial. For some reason which I can’t now remember, I didn’t fancy that. They weren’t even boring Arsenal back then!
Shortly after this, my Uncle Bob decided that I needed a little bit of guidance, so he put pen to paper and wrote a letter about me to Stamford Bridge. I’m sure at the time he never dreamt of what it could lead to.
Uncle Bob, bless him, had unknowingly set a little piece of soccer history in motion, as my time had come for a trial with……CHELSEA!
I signed amateur forms for Chelsea in 1964 and was paid the princely sum of £10 a week before signing professional for the legendary Tommy “The Doc” Docherty. It all took off from there. First team debut 16th December 1964 against Workington Town in a fifth round League Cup tie replay at the Bridge….and yes I scored ..TWICE!!
Into Europe and we lifted the Cup Winners Cup after some fantastic battles against some of the top teams and characters of the era. We played the game hard and enjoyed the fruits of our labours to the full! It was a wonderful time for Chelsea and me!
Amateur Days
Chelsea 1964-74
