Ok - having a childish moment, but we all talk (and argue) a good game and have some experience - but what do you REALLY know about the beautiful game? - I was a late starter - always working evenings and weekends at the Dundry Inn I had no time to play in my early years Always a City fan though I looked for their results with enthusiasm. Once I got a 'proper' job I played 5-a-side with work colleagues at Whitchurch Sports Centre, until making the move to Wiltshire at the rather senior age of 30. Once in Swindon I started to play regular 11-a-side, either up front or midfield (wing), playing for some local sides - reaching the dizzy heights of Wiltshire League Div 3 before 'retiring' at the age of 40 (Wing needs pace and mine had left me - but being 2-footed helped me to last beyond 'normal' fitness). I continued to play 5-a-side until in 2008 I suffered a ruptured rec-fem, and the doc told me that I should never play again. After some strenuous exercising and physio however, I managed to make it back - and now my son is 21 we play together (sometimes as opponents) which is a really good thing from having kids young! Dads - there is nothing more satisfying than turning your boy (and his mates) to score - he still can't catch the old man! I still play - every Friday (and sometimes Wednesdays) albeit 5-a-side. However, there is talk in work of a charity 11-a-side and I am already dusting my boots! I just LOVE the game and want to play it forever! What about you guys - back up your opinions with experiences!!!
At age 10 I wanted to be a goalkeeper, then .a centre forward. But in truth with short sight and a lack of pace I was pretty crap. But always able to read a game so that made watching more fun.
I initially played in goal. Then played middle of midfield (first touch and picking a pass were probably my best qualities) Playing career ended by a ruptured cruciate
I was a forward when school age, playing in the Gwent leagues, but moved to Gloucester and was tipped to play for the schools until I discovered cigarettes. I did play a season for the Wedlocks pub in my 20's but by then I lost pace. Played for the works team by then I was more right back as an overweight smoker. Never really played by i was a qualified coach for Chepstow juniors rugby team.
played midfield from 9 until 33, then became a centre half/sweeper till 38, had trails for Bristol Boys when 11, and had a trial for City at 12 but unfortunately was ill with german measles and missed it! ( wasnt good enough anyway lol) but from 9 till 19 played along side my mate Wayne Bray who DID go on to wear a City first team shirt ala 1982!! ( he was good enough, but had a temper problem, shame really).
Played local football for 20 odd years, was a right winger in my early days before settling in to a midfielder & sometimes as a striker. My forte was passing, non stop runner & an eye for goal. Played for Bristol Manor Farm, Henbury OB, Southmead United, Filton United & Filton Town, also played in the downs league. Played Sunday football for a works team known as Alusage & Southmead club, Embletonians who where very successful in the few years they existed in the Bristol Regional League, while playing for them I scored a last minute penalty in a cup semi final against a team who included Paul Cheesley....oh yes had a trial for Bristol City when Fred Ford was manager, I was not good enough though but still a great experience.
Played up the Downs on and off for about 36 years,never really got out of 3rd and 4th divisions,played up front a fair time,left back and right back for a large chunk,in goal when needed and the occasional appearance in midfield.
Traditional number 9 with no pace, but knew where the net was, lethal from 6 yards never missed a penalty in a competitive game. Many of my current friends played at least at Western league standard, with many having been with City or Rovers and elsewhere. I was no where near that level. What I can also tell you is all the 40 plus reminiscing on here were no where near as good as their memory is telling them.!
You say you never missed a penalty at competitive level - I'm ashamed to say I did - against Cheltenham Town in a charity tournament back in 2002. However, I have scored a penalty with my left foot (I am naturally right footed but worked on my left) I am a huge believer in using both feet and have tried to play that way.
My son has a penalty claim better than me, he scored past an England keeper (Nigel Martyn) in the last City V Rovers legends game at the Memorial last year. ( to win the game.!) its on You tube.! Louis Carey was the first to celebrate with him..
[video=youtube;ZJOEnKOy4SQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ZJOEnKOy4SQ[/video] Its right at the end (obviously but its 9 minutes long..
Played most of my football in the Andover and District league and then moved in to managing some teams followed by refereeing, all in the same area. Biggest claim to fame was playing at Villa Park against their youth team when most of the squad that were playing went down sick before the coach left Somerset and when I was picked up in Pawlett their manager told me to run home and get my boots. What a thrill that was, except we lost 17-0, and the Villa squad had a few players that went on to become internationals playing for Joe Mercer - a gentleman of the sport.
I played right wing when I was at school and then for AEK Rangers in the Bristol & District League whilst I was at Uni. Those were the days before all day pub opening and we used to get into the local through a side door with a secret knock for a few early ones after the game before the doors opened to the public. Played as a sweeper in the Commercial League in Bermuda for 6 years after I left Bristol,where I played against Shaun Goater's uncle a fair few times. Played the same position in the Gold Coast League in Florida until I was 40 when I hung up the serious boots. Still play most Saturdays with a group of ex-pats in Tampa - we usually play against a bunch of Hispanic kids who are younger & faster than us but lack the "nouse" that some of us "mature" guys have. And it's a good excuse to have a few beers afterwards!
Blimey BCFC, we might know each other!! In the early seventies played full-back for Dundry United. In those days, the pitch was a field (usually full of cow-crap, great for sliding tackles!!) behind the Carpenters Arms. It was run by an old bloke called Phil something or other who - even then - was one of the last people alive to see City play in the 1909 Cup Final. Me and my mates would often drink in the Dundry Inn though and then stumble down the slopes to bed! Did the same - had an injury to the top of my right foot so spent hours kicking a ball against a wall with my left. Stood me good stead as I then played at left-back/left-midfield most of my life. Even scored a few with my "weaker" foot. For the life of me I cannot understand why the prima donnas of today can't do the same. Anyway, played Weston & District, Somerset County, Bristol & District, Avon Prem Combination, Wednesday League, Bristol Insurance League and the odd game on the Downs. Gave it all up in my early thirties as I married my first wife. Looking back, she was a bitch then and I was weak-willed!! Hey-ho
