This is a thread started by our "old friend" tourettesaint on the Saints page. For once, a good thread by him SO, have any of you ever met a past or present Pompey player, and if so, who and where ? I will "kick-off" (if you will excuse the pun !) with the fact I was in the same class at school as Bobby Stokes. I also met and spoke at length with Alan Knight when he opened a fete at a school in Cosham (he was living in Drayton at the time). Have met Ray Crawford at a book signing, Billy Wilson (what a genuine bloke) when I was collecting Football Pools money in the Purbrook area, and Jon Gittens (arrogant git) down in Torquay when he was playing there. Over to you............................
I used to, many years ago, for reasons I won't bore you with, have access to the players bar after games. So I've spoken with some of the players on and off and, in the main, they were all thoroughly nice chaps with one or two exceptions, the biggest headed of which, being one Sammy Igoe. I'm sure he's mellowed by now, but he could clear out the place back then, just by coming in!
St Godders - I thought you had gone away on holiday - don't forget to clean your only pair of shoes when you leave.
When I was 5 or 6 I was bombing around toys 'r' us in an electric go kart. Got a little out of control, turned a corner and knocked matt le tiss flat on the floor. He was not best pleased.
Not a player as such, but a fair few year back now I met Harry Redknapp and Tony Adams. Me, my Dad and my little brother were watching a reserve game against Spurs, and Adams and Redknapp were sitting about 100m away. We went over in the hope of getting their autographs, but Harry got a very important call (we knew it was important as he turned away and was covering the phone). We stood and waited for a few minutes, and then the grumpy steward kept telling us to leave them alone and sit back in our seats. Tony told him it was ok, we were with him, and he shared the chips he was eating with me and my brother. Redknapp finished his call and we got both their signitures and a conversation with them both. Brilliant memory Also, Gaydamark was there, and he knocked my little brother over on the way back to our seats. Once a tosser... Anyway O
I have met Ray Crawford several times, he used to come into a little cafe I owned for a while, what a great man. He bought his England caps in for my son to try on, he was well made up. Had a long chat with Frank Burrows and he was another really nice bloke. Alan knight used to drink in a club I used when he was younger, always seem to remember him as the "look at me I'm a footballer" type of person.
I have met Paul Hart when he was our Manager, Steve Wigley twice Paul Walsh twice and Noel Blake in the club shop. But the most recent encounter was during last season I used the Co-Op’s car-park in North Baddesley when visiting a neighbouring shop, I felt the need to buy something so went inside and after having looked around decided to pick up the last pack of crusty rolls at the same time somebody else tried to pick them up after a little jostle I got the rolls he got the hump and rapidly left the shop empty handed, I then went up to the counter and paid for the rolls where the youngster behind the counter said to me “ you have just duffed-up Ricky Lambert” well I didn’t recognise him I rushed out to see if he was still around to finish him off but he had scarpered. He did go on a goal drought after this little encounter.
I have spent a few nights on the piss with Paul Mariner. Apart from being a Skate he was a funny, decent bloke , who liked his beer. It was back around 89/90 when he was playing in the US...............
I went to school with Alex McLeish AND Gregor Fisher (Rab C Nesbitt) - none of whom played for Pompey or Scumhampton....... Had a drink with Billy Gilbert, Mick Tait, Mick Kennedy and others in Shepherd's Crook some while ago. Too many to mention......
There was an 18 year old lad on Pompeys books in the early 50s who came on as a sub during an exhibition match at Fratton Park against the visiting Scottish champions Hibs. I know him well, he's my Dad.
When a young teenager I played cricket against Hayling Island and Harry Harris was playing for the opposition. He batted high in their order, although he didn't get many runs that day, and was a quickish off spin bowler. I was delighted he did'nt get me out. Harry joined Pompey when they were still in the 1st Division I think and was primarily an inside forward until converting to a mid fielder later in his carreer. A sometimes insperational player who was good in the air and a great threat from corners. Upon Jimmy Dickinson's retirement he became captian.
I met Linvoy Primus, probably not the only one there. He was at a stand encouraging people to get checked for testicular cancer, I think. Top bloke.
See Joel Ward in Emsworth having tea at the pub with his mates, he's a big lad. Saw Pennant with his little girlfriend in Gunwharf Quays walked behind them.
Oh no please olddellboy - I'm splitting my sides with laughter. Have you ever thought about going on the stage ?...............possibly cleaning it !
