Two of our ex-goalkeepers Jim Stannard and Mark Schwarzer share a birth date today - they are 52 and 42 respectively Both of course ranked high among popularity at the Club but thereâs no doubting it was Jim who was the cult hero. He stood out, in more ways than one, during the naughty, and at times rather miserable, nineties. And not just for his goal against Crewe Alex (disputed by some who claim a forward got a touch on his long kick downfield, although never in question according to Jim). please log in to view this image [Ed note: slight licence here - the goal was scored in a match in 1989 - we won 3-2] Jim made a total of 389 appearances for the Club, more than double Mark Schwarzerâs 172. He finally left, after a total of 13 years at the Cottage when signed by Tony Pulis for Gillingham on a free transfer in 1995. His starring role though has to be when he went to Hollywood playing alongside his pal Vinnie Jones in a re-make of the film âThe Mean Machineâ. Weighing in at more than a little over 16st âFat Boy Jimâ took to the part of a prison guard in the Wardenâs team with all of his usual aplomb!
I think they were using the Dazzle Ships idea from WW1 & 2. Confuse the opposition into thinking the goal was unguarded.
