I was a young 9 year old,I had gone through some worrying and painful experiences and was in Bristol Eye hospital recovering from a serious eye operation,the day came for the bandages to be removed,who was the first person I recognised smiling down at me,it was Big John Atyeo,smiling at me from the side of my bed,he was doing a hospital visit,he shook my hand and told me to buck up,get well and come back down to the Gate as I was missed. In all my years I've never forgotten that man or that day,Oh and by the way I still go to the Gate but I have to wear glasses these days.. Up the City.. Do you have a HERO.....?
Nothing to compete with that wize, but I had a cricketing hero in Derek Randall. I loved his unorthodox approach to playing, his carefree batting, his laughing at sledging, and his fielding. Another cricketing hero was Colin Milburn. Footballing heroes were the Rovers team of the 60s, and Bobby Charlton. Oh, and the wonderful Brian Clough!
Randall,Nottingham man I think,Colin Milburn,big hunk of a man,(lost an eye I think) Bobby Charlton,class act and Brian Clough-fantastic,4 just men and I too loved everyone of them plus Jimmy Greaves...
So so many heroes from my childhood, that I have enough to post one a day for the next year at least. In no particular order; Harry Bamford Rovers right back. Had several coaching sessions with him via the Eagle comic. Died in traffic collision in 1956 a few days before Rovers v City at Eastville. Wonderful person, sad way to go. Big John, saw his first and last games in a City shirt. Giant of a man Ray Lindwall & Keith Miller; Aussie opening fast bowlers in 1953 tour of England. Headmaster gave whole school day off to go to County ground where I sat on the grass totally mesmerised by poetry in motion of Lindwall's run up and smooth action and Millers sheer strength. Jack Gregory; Bristol Rugby right wing who I think was also an Olympic athlete in 1948 Do you want some more Wize?
Probably not a popular one on here but my boyhood hero was Robbie Fowler ever since he broke on the scene in his teens. He was a striker with an eye for goal who could score with either feet or with his head even though he wasnt the tallest of players. Still holds the record for the fastest ever hattrick. Because of him when growing up I praticed kicking with both feet which came in handy and it annoys me now that so many players cant kick with both feet. What I liked about him which modern players should take note that even at an early age he invested his earnings in to properties and not booze and drugs which is why a lot of team supporters sang, "we all live in a Robbie fowler house". He never earned over £30k at Liverpool yet is one of the richest footballers due to his investments he made. Still remember going to the City Liverpool league cup game. He broke his leg that night early on and after it being 1-1 with goals from Rush and Allison the fload lights failed and game was called off. It was outside that the Liverpool fans came round to the home end and started throwing coins and if it wasn't for my uncle grabbing my brother at the last minute he would have been trampled by a Police horse. I guess now I have grown up the word hero has probably changed and my heroes are now people like my wife and mother who are nurses who do so much and work stupid hours but get paid peanuts compared to footballers and... my father in law and brother in law who are both in the Navy defending our country. Funny how prioroties change and things matter differently when you get older.
It would have been glasses with one side blanked out with sticking plaster! an almost iconic memory from the 60's.
Absolutely loved George Best. My Mum wrote to him and he sent me a signed photo and a personal letter for my 7th birthday. My son went on to idolise Ryan Giggs who is George Best reincarnated.
Banksy I am right with you on that I met him back in 1993. My band were rehearsing in Battersea, and we took a break which led us across the bridge to a pub in Chelsea. I led the lads into the pub without thinking or observing, and found myself staring at George who was sat on his own at a table, drinking from a wine glass. I froze, opening and shutting my mouth in disbelief at who it was. He just twinkled back at me, and the impish legend of Old Trafford was there in his eyes. I guess he was used to such reactions, because he never spoke to me, just inclined his head slightly and twinkled like a star. My childhood dream, and I couldn't say a word !
Banksy I was in a Bristol band that did ok in the late 80s, but the one in question was called Slingshot. We had the bass player from Jamiraqai and the drummer from D-Ream (who came out with the band 'Gun'), and a guitarist from Weston S Mare. We did a handful of gigs around London, then the rhythm section got busy with their other projects and the head of A&R from Creation left the company when we were on his wish list. Thats showbiz. I did have my 15 minutes though in the 80s, and very enjoyable too...
My hero would of been Keegan, met him a few times as a kid and he kissed my mum, saw him at euro 96 in a hotel lift going to the Germany game, my brother asked if he could remember he said no so he kissed her again. But on all the times I have spoken to him he always has time to speak. Never liked Liverpool but him and Tosh were a handfull to any defence!
