Hadn’t realised before the pre-match announcements today that Bobby Campbell had passed away. Always a sad thing to hear but from a football memory, a Fulham football one that is, have to say he was not my favourite son. In fact, he comes a close second to my least liked manager, Vic Buckingham. When Campbell took over from Alex Stock – no, that’s a misnomer – when Alex Sock was pushed out by the duplicitous Ernie Clay, Campbell was promoted from his coaching role to that of manager. Most folks were astonished that Alan Mullery wasn’t given the job, and I suspect Alan has never forgiven the Club. Like Buckingham, Campbell was full of himself and immediately made changes. Within two seasons not one of the 1975 Cup Final team was left, although Les Strong (who didn’t play through injury) did survive the cull. In fairness, Campbell did bring in some tidy players; Gordon ‘Ivor’ Davies, Roger Brown and Ray Lewington among them. Though I think it’s equally fair to say that all of them played their best football after he was sacked. Campbell started poorly (going 12 consecutive games without a win in his first season) and ended badly (with relegation in 1978/79). The two seasons in between brought few smiles for the fans. Fitting however, on this day, to remember Bobby Campbell more kindly.
Thanks for this, Cottager. If he signed Gordon Davies, that's not a bad legacy to leave with the club. Rest in peace, Bobby.
