Diamond Jubilee

[Horatio]

Tomorrow it will be 60 years to the day since my Dad took me to my first Tigers' game. It was Raich Carter's last, a friendly against Sunderland. I was only 6 so can't claim to remember much, apart from being pushed forward to the railings at the front of the East Stand - and there was some old geezer with silver hair strolling around.

That night kindled an enthusiaism that has lasted 60 years, strong now as ever, despite the ups and downs.

In the 50's false dawns atrrived as some of the all-time greats signed up - Mortensen, Mannion and Sewell; all failed dismally. I remember being awestruck when a 17 year old made his debut with power in head and feet, against Bristol Rovers I think. Chris Chilton was a prodigy and, once irrepressible Waggy was brought, the Tigers had their best ever strike partnership. Golden years in the mid sixties - 109 goals in one season. Massive crowds of 40,000 plus. Taking on and beating the best like 1st Division Forest and Southampton; unlucky not to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

By now the East Stand was our regular haunt, with a group of cheerful mates. We mixed quite peacably with occasional opposition fans too. I colud go on but I'd better not. The enthusiasm still runs away with me once I start.

Great memories, culminating in the amazing year of 2008. My best mate was Godfry, who died last year but not until we had watched City silence the Kop with a 2-0 lead. It was his last game. RIP.

So, thanks Tigers, for some wonderful entertainment - even amongst the dross and disappointments.

A true Jubilee.

UTT

 

[Dr.Stanley O'Google, HCFC]

Bravo, Bravo!

 

[Mrs. BLUE_MOUNTAINS_BEAR]

Over to my husband-" I was 13 when I saw Carter's last Hull City match having seen his first a few years earlier.I suppose in some way we have to thank Leicester for him coming to Boothferry Park as, after he played for England Schoolboys, Leicester told him he would never make the grade in professional football as he was "too small". Who knows where his career would have led him if they had taken a chance with him as Sunderland subsequently did?

Loved his football philosophy -Quote :My aim is to play high-class football and let the result take care of itself"

 

[Horatio]

Thanks to "Thatcher's coffin" and Mr and Mrs Bear for the comments.

My Dad used to go on and on about Raich. He (that's Raich not my Dad) could pass, score and always led from the front - an inspiration. My earliest memories are of the excitement of Saturdays even though I didn't know why. That must have been about 1948 and 49. It's a regret that I didn't get to see Raich when I was old enough to appreciate him.

We could do with someone similar right now. The motto about aiming to play high-class football and leaving the result to take care of itself is spot on.

 

[Happy Tiger]

My Uncle used to taxi certain players from the club after games in the 60s, first to their mistresses then after, to their wives. Imagine the fuss nowadays eh?

Thanks for the post Horatio, and keep on believing

 

[Rigsby]

Great memories for you Horatio.

I've only been going for 30 years!

I do tend to envy those who witnessed the truly golden era of football in the 40's, 50's & 60's.

Massive crowds of working men supporting their local team, were individual skill and craft and attacking in numbers was the name of the game.

Today its much more tactical & fitness orientated resulting in stalemate matches of getting 9 & 10 men behind the ball when not in possession.

 

[Kempton]

My dads footballing hero Horatio Carter. He is he still a season pass holder. That great day at Wemberly was a long time coming for you and him,but maybe all the sweeter. Cheers Horatio

 

[Party Hull!]

My grandad's hero. That's all I get, you mention any of the new players and he goes "yeah...you know who was good? Waggy. And Raich Cater 'un all".

"Oh aye, was they?"

I have to act like it's the first I've heard as I think he forgets, but it is more or less every week.

That was his heyday.