This isn’t about who I met, but Pele’s recent death reminded me of a topical story.
I got to know Colin Mclocklan quite well through work. Many more mature boarders will no doubt remember and probably know Colin (he seems to know everyone, presumably through sport). He has to be one of the most talented all round sportsmen to come out of this area. In the late 60’s/ early 70’s, he played semi pro football for Goole and Ferriby when they were good. He then had a stint in America. He was one of the best cricketers in this area and playing semi pro in the Yorkshire league into his 50’s for various clubs including Hull, Sheffield. Played squash for Hull. And was playing RU (I think into his 50’’s).
In my early teens, I was an avid reader of the Green Sports Mail, so he was probably at his peak around then, so was a bit of a hero of mine.
I first met him when we were paired together on a training course. I think we had to describe something interesting about ourselves to our partner who would then present to group to test listening skills.
He described how when playing in America he played against Pele (I think was playing for NY Cosmos). He has a photo of the scoreboard reading;
‘his team ’ 1 (Mclocklan)
New York Cosmos 1 (Pele).
He had apparently managed to get Pele’s soap as a souvenir!
I started quizzing him about his sporting career. His list of players he had played for and against at both football and cricket was very impressive, but other stand outs were that he had bowled David Gower as well as hitting Devon Malcom for six! That’s a hell of a hat trick.
I was in total awe, and obviously passed the active listening test!!!!!
Oddly, it seems I may not have been the only person to be impressed. Years later, I learnt that he married the course facilitator.
I got to know Colin Mclocklan quite well through work. Many more mature boarders will no doubt remember and probably know Colin (he seems to know everyone, presumably through sport). He has to be one of the most talented all round sportsmen to come out of this area. In the late 60’s/ early 70’s, he played semi pro football for Goole and Ferriby when they were good. He then had a stint in America. He was one of the best cricketers in this area and playing semi pro in the Yorkshire league into his 50’s for various clubs including Hull, Sheffield. Played squash for Hull. And was playing RU (I think into his 50’’s).
In my early teens, I was an avid reader of the Green Sports Mail, so he was probably at his peak around then, so was a bit of a hero of mine.
I first met him when we were paired together on a training course. I think we had to describe something interesting about ourselves to our partner who would then present to group to test listening skills.
He described how when playing in America he played against Pele (I think was playing for NY Cosmos). He has a photo of the scoreboard reading;
‘his team ’ 1 (Mclocklan)
New York Cosmos 1 (Pele).
He had apparently managed to get Pele’s soap as a souvenir!
I started quizzing him about his sporting career. His list of players he had played for and against at both football and cricket was very impressive, but other stand outs were that he had bowled David Gower as well as hitting Devon Malcom for six! That’s a hell of a hat trick.
I was in total awe, and obviously passed the active listening test!!!!!
Oddly, it seems I may not have been the only person to be impressed. Years later, I learnt that he married the course facilitator.
