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Happy Days at Meadow Lane
1949-50
Even allowing for the fact that football immediately after the War was attracting huge crowds across the country, that was an exceptional period of Notts County’s colourful history.
It was inspired by Tommy Lawton, who was actually the current England centre-forward when he signed from Chelsea, and he packed the grounds wherever he played.
Strangely, the great man failed to inspire them to promotion in his first two seasons at Meadow Lane but it was a case of third-time lucky in 1950 as they finished top of the Third Division (South).
Lawton contributed 31 goals in 37 games that season and strike partner Jackie Sewell, who was honoured by the Former Players’ Association a few years ago, netted 19 in 32 games.
Stan Newsham | 1959-60 County had slipped into the Fourth Division for the first time in their history in 1959, but bounced straight back as runners-up to Walsall. The success was built on three prolific goal-scorers as Bob Forrest, Stan Newsham and Peter Bircumshaw contributed 60 goals between them. Manager Frank Hill also introduced a number of players that year who were to become active members of the Former Players’ Association from the outset. One of them was Tony Hateley, who burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion that season with eight goals in the final 10 matches, and others included Alex Gibson, Dick Edwards, John Newton and Frank Cruickshank. |
1970-71
A seven-year stay in the basement division was ended in 1971 when Jimmy Sirrel breathed new life into the Magpies and they stormed to the title as runaway champions.
Evidence of the transformation is easy to find. For example, the attendance for the opening home fixture against Barrow was just 5,826 but for the final home game against Exeter, by which time promotion was already assured, 18,002 turned up.
Sirrel built a formidable unit, most of whom served the club for many years, and it was hardly surprising that they became the backbone of the Former Players’ Association when it was formed.
Bob Worthington, David Needham, Jon Nixon, Don Masson and Les Bradd have all been on the committee from the start, and the likes of Tony Hateley, Richie Barker, Mick Jones, Geoff Ball and Roy Brown regularly support the functions.
For the record, Notts finished nine points clear of Bournemouth that season and it was to be the start of arguably the most successful era of the club’s history.
Brian Stubbs | 1972-73 Having narrowly missed out on a second promotion in successive seasons, Notts made no mistake the following year as they returned to Division Two as runners-up to Bolton. Tony Hateley had departed by then – Kevin Randall was signed from Chesterfield to become goalscorer-in-chief – but the squad otherwise had a very familiar look to it. David Needham and Brian Stubbs were still the rock in the heart of the defence on which success was built, Don Masson continued to rule midfield and Jon Nixon enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring 17 goals from the right wing. The way things worked out, Notts completed the season with three home games on the trot – watched by a combined attendance of 62,022 – and there were scenes of great delight when Randall (2), Nixon and Needham got the goals on the final day that beat Tranmere 4-1 to clinch a return to Division Two. |
1980-81
Notts had banged on the door of the First Division on several occasions over the previous eight years but each time, they fell away over the hectic Easter period.
That wasn’t the case this time, however, and for Jimmy Sirrel and his young assistant Howard Wilkinson, it was an incredible achievement for a club with such slender resources to win promotion as runners-up to West Ham.
Don Masson was still very much at the hub of activities and he was aided by a mixture of home-grown talent and players brought in to fill key roles.
It was a superb advertisment for the Meadow Lane youth scheme that Pedro Richards, Tristan Benjamin, Brian Kilcline, Paul Hooks and Gordon Mair were regular members of the line-up.
The imports included Yugoslav international goalkeeper Raddy Avramovic, who cost of a club record fee of £200,000, Iain McCulloch and Ray O’Brien.
Mark Draper | 1989-90 Although Jimmy Sirrel’s team survived for three years in the top flight, Notts took two steps backwards before the end of the decade and were under new ownership by the time they turned the corner. Long-serving chairman Jack Dunnett, who had seen the club progress from the Fourth Division to the First, sold out to Derek Pavis in the summer of 1987. And it was an inspired decision by Pavis some 18 months later when he appointed little known Neil Warnock as manager. He led Notts back into Division Two at the end of his first season – via a 2-0 win over Tranmere on their first-ever visit to Wembley – and yet again it was a triumph for the Meadow Lane youth scheme. Dean Yates, Mark Draper and Tommy Johnson were right at the heart of the success and numerous other former apprentices, like David Kevan and Paul Barnes, made contributions along the way. As with Sirrel’s team of the early-70s that won two promotions in three seasons, Warnock’s team were a close-knit bunch so it is no surprise that many of them are active members of the Former Players’ Association. The likes of Johnson, Draper, Yates, Steve Cherry, Craig Short and Dean Thomas regularly support the annual dinner and golf competition, and they’re in their element reliving the good old days at Meadow Lane. |
1990-91
As so often happens when a team grows accustomed to winning, they get up such a head of steam that one success is soon followed by another.
That’s what happened so impressively during the Warnock era and it was at its height in 1990-91, which must surely go down as one of the finest seasons in the history of Notts County.
Right from the off, when they won 2-1 at Hull City on the opening day, they had the look of a team destined to mount a determined challenge for promotion.
And they also found time to fit in a glorious FA Cup run which took them all the way to the 6th Round, where they were controversially beaten 2-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
When they needed to put a foot on the gas in the closing weeks of the season to set up a return visit to Wembley, that’s exactly what they did – finishing the campaign with seven straight wins.
That included a 2-1 success at Upton Park on the final day, which cost West Ham the title, and having stormed into the Play-offs for the second successive year, no one was going to stop them.
A crowd of 59,940 were at Wembley for a thrilling final against Brighton, where two goals from Tommy Johnson and another from Dave Regis provided County with a passport back to the top flight.
1997-98 and 2009-10
Sam Allardyce experienced two incredible extremes during his first 16 months at Meadow Lane. He had to wait 15 matches for his first win as County plunged back into the basement section but the following season, they proved to be unstoppable.
They were clear at the top of the table by mid-December and pushed on from there to become the first team in League history ever to clinch the Championship before the end of March.
A long list of club records were broken en-route … highest number of points, longest winning run, most away victories, most successive away victories and so on. Quite simply, they were a class apart, inspired by the goals of Gary Jones and Sean Farrell.
Many of that team went on to play at a higher level – notably Steve Finnan, Shaun Derry, Andy Hughes and Mike Pollitt.
And so to season 2009-10 with its highs and lows off the field and its remarkable success on it. To finish 10 points clear of their nearest challengers for the League 2 title, boasting such impressive attacking and defensive records, speaks volumes for the team's focus.
We wish them continued success in their aims to bring Championship football - and who knows, maybe even Premier League action - back to Meadow Lane.
| Pos | Club | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notts County (Champions) | 46 | 25 | 12 | 7 | 95 | 30 | +65 | 93 |
| 2 | AFC Bournemouth | 46 | 25 | 8 | 13 | 59 | 43 | +17 | 83 |
| 3 | Rochdale | 46 | 25 | 7 | 14 | 82 | 48 | +24 | 82 |
NOTTS COUNTY FORMER PLAYERS' ASSOCIATION WEBSITE ARCHIVE
A BIG WELCOME BACK TO CRAIG - 4/6/10
So it’s a big welcome back to one of our most popular former players from any era, with Craig Short unveiled as Notts County’s new manager.
Craig, who is 42 later this month, joined Notts in 1989 from Scarborough, making his debut in a 1-0 victory at Leyton Orient as we went on to finish third in Division Three, gaining promotion via the play-offs, with Craig netting in the famous 2-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Wembley Stadium.
The return to Meadow Lane sees the new boss link up with the scorer of the club’s other goal that day – Tommy Johnson.Craig made 128 league appearances for Notts, scoring six league goals, before moving to Derby County in September 1992 for a record £2.5m again joining up with Tommy.
The Notts County Former Players’ Association wishes him well in the job ahead. Let’s hope his spell as manager reflects his success as a player at Meadow Lane when he helped the club from the old Third to First Division.
LES WINS GOLF DAY - AGAIN!
SEPTEMBER 2009
NCFPA committee member Les Bradd has joined Charlie Crickmore in winning the Former Players' Golf Day on two occasions - and was clearly thrilled to do so.
Les was the first-ever winner of the Arthur Mann Memorial Trophy in 1999 when it was competed for at Ruddington Grange. He has now repeated the feat on the Springwater course at Calverton, the venue for the third year running.
At dinner in the clubhouse after the tournament, Les received the Trophy from Arthur's widow, Sandra, who was joined by son Neil and daughter Georgina. They were warmly welcomed - as were Roy Brown, who travelled from Littlehampton, near Brighton; Frank Cruickshank, who was marking exactly 60 years since he signed for Notts as an 18-year-old; and Darren Ward, competing for the first time; and all other guests.
In second place behind Les was Terry Bowles who did a great job in organising the day.In third and fourth places respectively were two former players from the successful Neil Warnock era in the early Nineties, Dean Yates and Tommy Johnson.
Once again the event was favoured by excellent weather, as it has for all eleven years.
The 2010 NCFPA Golf Day will take place on Wednesday 29th September - at Chilwell Manor Golf Club.
LEGENDS BACK TOGETHER - 22/4/10
Photographs by kind permission of JohnSumpter www.jmsphotography.co.uk/
There has been a happy Meadow Lane reunion between Notts County's two all-time top goalscorers, Les Bradd and Tony Hateley.
Tony was a special guest in the 1862 Carvery Suite before the match against Rochdale when he was joined on stage by Les to be interviewed by Colin Slater, before being paraded on the pitch.
Another Notts legend, 'Sir' Charlie Palmer was special guest at the previous game against Morecambe - bringing back memories of that famous goal against Forest!
ERIC, STEVE AND STAN ALL IN TOUCH - 13/4/10
The NCFPA is delighted to have heard from three of our former players recently.
Eric Weaver, who played on the wing in season 1967-68 scoring four goals in his 17 league appearances, appeared in the same Notts team as NCFPA committee members Brian Bates and Les Bradd.
Having joined the club from Swindon Town, Eric went on to play for Northampton Town and Boston United – where he again played alongside Brian Bates, Alex Gibson and John Froggatt.
Interestingly, his four league goals for Notts came in successive matches in November 1967.
We have also heard from popular former defender Steve Sims (pictured below) who joined us from Watford in 1984, going on to play 85 league matches for Notts over a couple of seasons.
Steve is currently a monitor for the Premier League, going around academies to check that they are all doing things by the book - such as monitoring the standard of football and making sure the coaches are doing the right things with the youth players.
“It’s a part time position that suits me down to the ground. I was previously working for Leicester for a good few years on the coaching side, which was great.”
Former striker Stan Marshall has also been in touch. Stan joined us from Middlesbrough in 1966, playing in 49 league games scoring 17 times in those matches.
SAD LOSS OF TERRY BLY - 24/9/10
The Notts County Former Players’ Association is sad to report the death of Terry Bly following a heart attack.
Terry, who played for Notts during 1963-64 season, was dogged by injuries during his time at Meadow Lane, and after being a prolific scorer with previous clubs, Norwich City, Peterborough United and Coventry City, managed only four league goals from 29 appearances.
He went on however, to enjoy considerable success both as player and manager of Grantham Town.
Terry would have been 74 on October 22, 2009.
For full details of Terry Bly's playing career, please go to:
GREAT FUN AT LIFELINE QUIZ NIGHT - 15/4/10
Several former – and current – Notts County players helped make the Lifeline Quiz Night in the 1862 Suite at Meadow Lane another resounding success, with no fewer than 35 teams taking part.
The former players' table comprised Gerry Carver, Brian Bates and John Newton, with partners and other guests, including Sheila Gibson, widow of our former captain Alex.Les Bradd was on the table of Hillside Medical Supplies, while Mark Draper and Tommy Johnson were part of a team which included Steve Cotterill and Carl Muggleton.
As ever our NCFPA President Colin Slater, was question-master - and we still couldn't win!
Pictured above, Colin looks on as Les makes the Lifeline draw.
The next event, the annual Gala Night, will be in September and is always a great night.
So please contact Lynn Lawson at Meadow Lane on 0115 9557200 or email: lifeline@nottscountyfc.co.uk for full details of how to join Lifeline.
MEMORIES OF 'KING' JEFF - 8/6/10
In the build-up to the 2010 World Cup it was nice to see several snippets of our old friend Jeff Astle in action for England at the 1970 tournament in Mexico – albeit if it did remind us of his glaring miss against Brazil!
In all Jeff made five appearances for England and surprisingly didn’t manage to find the net once.
He made his first-ever league appearance for Notts in a 4-2 defeat at Reading on September 23, 1961, when Roy Horobin and Alan Withers netted for the Magpies.
Jeff went on to score 31 league goals for Notts in 103 appearances – the final one of which was a 3-1 defeat at Newport on September 28, 1964. Two days later he made his debut for West Bromwich Albion and we could only sit back in admiration and watch as his career blossomed.
He would have been 68 last month (May).
PROGRAMME PIECE: NOTTS 1 FULHAM 1 1952/53
JIMMY JACKSON GOAL EARNS NOTTS A HOME POINT
The NCFPA recently came across a programme for Notts County v Fulham which took place at Meadow Lane on Thursday September 11th, 1952 - and, of course, did a bit of research on the game.
The match finished in a 1-1 draw with Jimmy Jackson scoring the Notts goal in front of a crowd of 19,109.It was a season in which the Magpies would go on to finish 19th in Division Two, just three points clear of relegation.
Fulham finished eighth in the table that season and showed their potential just four days after the Meadow Lane clash by thumping Notts 6-0 at Craven Cottage.
The County line-up for the Meadow Lane meeting was: Bradley, Deans, Groome, Adamson, Leuty, Johnston, Broome, Jackson, McCormack, Wylie, Crookes.
Also in the 1952/53 season, the Magpies beat Forest 3-2 at Meadow Lane in front of a crowd of 39,920, with McCormack (2) and Crookes on target. Our biggest success came with the 5-0 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers at Meadow Lane on December 13th 1952, when centre forward Ken McPherson scored four of the goals.
DARREN A BIG HIT IN THE USA - 2/6/09
A former YTS player at Notts County has been in touch from America, where he is making a reputation for himself as a coach.
Darren Powell, who played alongside such people as Michael Johnson in his first spell at Meadow Lane, goalkeeper James Walker and Eastwood Town manager, Paul Cox, was with the Magpies from 1988 to 1991.
When he left Meadow Lane in the summer of 1991 he headed for the USA and has been over there ever since. “Having left Notts and become involved in the college game in the USA, I found a mixture of similarities and several challenges,” he recalls.
“We had a great team spirit at Notts County mainly through always being around each other. The college system here mirrors that concept, as the players all live together, go to classes together and then train together. It gives you a sense of achieving together.
"The American game has developed a lot over the past 15 years. When I was playing at college level and later, at professional level, I found there were a lot of athletic players who were physically quick and technically sound, but not tactically quick. I think this allowed a slower player like myself to be able to compete."Darren, who is now head coach at Elon University in North Carolina, where the team has just won its first league title. “We start back in August and we are excited to have everyone returning from last year’s team – plus a few new players.”
If he has one regret, it is that he didn’t stay in better touch with his former Meadow Lane colleagues. “Initially I used to come back every year and would get together with some of the lads, but as time goes by you tend to lose contact.
“My father, Trevor, who is the Notts FA’s Women’s and Girls’ Football Development Officer, sees several of my old colleagues from time to time and keeps me up to date with how they are doing, which is always good to hear.”
And the future? Darren admits that it could see him remaining in the States. “When I first moved over here I planned on coming back to England. However, the opportunities which were available allowed me to continue in the game as both a player and coach – while living in a great area. I consider myself very fortunate.”
COUNTY STILL THE TEAM FOR PETE AND JIMMY - 6/4/09
Pete actually managed the Meadow Club for a short time when Larry Lloyd was in charge at Meadow Lane, but he’ll possibly be best remembered for teaming up with musician Jimmy Willan and several keen fans in 1981 to make that never-to-be-forgotten single, ‘County’s the Team For Me’ and ‘Tie Them in Notts’ – which sold over 3,000 copies (which would probably guarantee a top ten place these days!).
“I have lived in Tenerife for some 12 years now,” Pete says. “I’m a radio presenter with powerfmradio.com here on the island. “I had a studio guest a few months ago who coached at Notts. His name was Steve and he came to Tenerife to start a football coaching award, but he is now back in the UK coaching the kids at Manchester United.
“I’ve had a look at the former players’ website and was so sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy and Jack. Great guys.”
Pete adds that he keeps in touch with former Notts midfielder David Smith, who runs the Duke of Cornwall Inn at Ivybridge, Devon. The address is 3,Keaton Road, Devon, PL21 9DH if anybody is in that area during the summer holidays. Ring and ask for David on 01752 892 867 – he’s bound to make you more than welcome.
Pete (left) pictured above with Jimmy Willan in the era when they recorded ‘County’s the Team For Me.’
TRIPLE AWARD SUCCESS FOR GARY LUND - 4/6/09
Congratulations to our former striker Gary Lund, and his West Bridgford estate agency Royston and Lund, who scooped three top accolades at the prestigious Estate and Letting Agent Awards for 2009.
Staff at Royston and Lund were delighted the company’s sales office was voted the best in the East Midlands, winning the gold award for the region. It also took bronze in the Best Letting Agent for the Central Region. The biggest accolade on the night for the Notts company was being voted the second best agent in the UK.
The privately run agency was recognised for its excellent customer service as voted for by their clients over the last 12 months. The trophies were presented at a lavish ceremony in Mayfair in London, which was attended by 300 of the UK’s top estate and letting agents
Royston and Lund was formed by the partners in 1994 and today the company is West Bridgford’s number one agent and fully independent. It employs 23 members of staff in West Bridgford at both their sales and rental offices.
Gary Lund, who scored 62 league goals for Notts in 248 league matches between 1987 and 1993, added: “While the market struggles, Royston and Lund continues to do well. In March we sold more houses in a single month since August 2007 - which is fantastic news in the current market conditions. The company is in its fifteenth year and continues to go from strength to strength. These awards are testament of our hard work and excellent customer service which we have constantly striven to provide over the years.”
IAN STILL A VISITOR TO THE LANE - 6/9/09
Our popular former defender, Ian Baraclough, who still lives in Leicester, gets to watch the current Notts team while scouting for Scunthorpen United where he is first team coach.
“I still have lots of great memories of my time at Meadow Lane,” he says. “I’ve been part of the management set-up at Scunthorpe for over three years now. First of all I combined this with playing, but officially hung up my boots at the age of 38 – so I suppose I haven’t done too badly.
“I love the coaching/management side of the game however – and it’s been far from dull. In the three years I’ve been at Scunthorpe we have won the League One title - the first time the club has been in the second tier of English football for over 50 years. The following season we narrowly got relegated from the Championship and then last season we regained our Championship status via a thrilling play-off final victory over Millwall at Wembley.
“Add to that another Wembley appearance in the Johnstones Paint Trophy Final at Wembley, losing to Luton Town after extra-time and you can see that it has been quite a period.“I still have some good friends who either work for or are still connected to Notts in some capacity, so I wish them the very best of luck in achieving success. None more so than coach Tommy Johnson, who I speak to regularly as a former team mate and car sharing buddy - oh, and the odd round of golf!
“We always have a good laugh with plenty of stories of the 'old times' but we still have the passion to succeed and win for the club and its supporters. That never dies."
For full details of Ian Baraclough’s career, please click on:
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Baraclough
EX-WINGER KEITH BACK IN TOUCH - 6/1/10
A popular former Notts County winger from the early 1960s has been in touch with a former colleague to reveal that he is now living in Cardiff.
Keith Fry, who made 73 league appearances for Notts during which time he scored nine league goals, was known to have moved to live in Australia some time ago, but he has now telephoned ex-colleague Bobby Tait, to tell him that he has returned to Wales.Right-winger Keith – who is now 69 – joined Notts from Newport County in 1961, making his first team debut on February 24th 1962 in a 0-0 draw at Portsmouth in Division Three.
His only goal that season helped Notts to a 2-1 win at Halifax, when John Sheridan was also on target. While not a prolific scorer he provided a lot of the crosses from which Tony Hateley and Jeff Astle benefited.
Towards the end of his two-year spell at Meadow Lane Keith became the team’s penalty-taker, netting twice from the spot in a return of six league goals for the season. He left Notts to join Merthyr Town in 1964 before going on to play twice for Chesterfield.
A LETTER FROM AUSTRALIA - 7/8/09
I was looking over the County website and noticed your former player's registration link. I would love to join, but don't know if I'd qualify. I played in about four or five of the Notts County pre-season games in 1993 when County were under the guidance of Mick Walker and Russell Slade.I enjoyed my short stint as a goalkeeper with County and remember a few of the players quite well, including Mark Draper, Paul Harding, Tony Agana, David Reeves, Paul Cox, etc. My last game was against Stoke in the semi-final of the Bass Midlands Charity Shield (I think that's what it was called back then).
I left to play in the US about a week before the start of the 1993 season. I am good friends with Mick Leonard, who, of course, returned to Notts last year as director of the youth academy.
I am South African, currently live in Australia, and still talk to Mick regularly regarding young players out here. I'm a psychologist these days, with an interest in sport psychology and still do a fair bit of goalkeeper coaching on the Gold Coast in Australia.
I'd love to be able to attend one of your organised events one day, should I be in the UK at the right time - and would love to get in touch with the likes of David Reeves and Mark Draper at some point too. Mark used to give me a lift to training every day.
If I'm not eligible for membership, could you advise me of another way I can maintain some allegiance to the club. I'm also really interested in trying to track down a team photo that includes me in it, from the game against Stoke in July/August 1993.
There were many photos taken that day by local media. I was brought in as a replacement for Steve Cherry and Bobby Catlin, who were both injured during my time at County.
Warren Artz | Psychologist | BSocSc (PSYCH) (HONS), MA (TL), BSc (PSYCH), Dip (JOUR), Assoc MAPS |
Circle of Care
Suite 8b, Fred McKay House
John Flynn Hospital, Tugun
QLD 4223, Australia
GERRY'S BLAZER OUT OF MOTHBALLS! - 17/11/09
There was a surprise for NCFPA committee member Brian Tansley at their latest meeting, when he was presented with an official club blazer courtesy of Gerry Carver.
“Gerry mentioned his blazer had only been worn on a couple of occasions some 50 years ago and had long since been confined to the loft. “I told him that it was just the sort of memorabilia you would find on eBay but he very kindly handed it over to me at our meeting.
“I’m not saying that it fits like a glove, but it now gives me the incentive to lose some more weight! When I first started watching Notts in the 50s, Gerry was one of my heroes. These days he would have been without doubt snapped up by a Premiership club. It’s a great honour to be given the blazer and I’d like to thank Gerry most sincerely.”
WHEN BOBBY'S GOAL LIT UP MEADOW LANE - 21/9/09
One former Notts County player in particular is getting heavily involved with his local community.Bobby Tait, who joined Notts from Aberdeen in 1962 and made 60 league appearances over two seasons, scoring 11 league goals, is Conservative Councillor for St Mary’s Ward on Gedling Borough Council.
“I am presently on four committees, Chair of one and Deputy Whip – so that keeps me occupied! “What with a couple of games of golf per week, five grandchildren with our family all local, plus the jobs my wife has been trying to get me to complete, retirement hasn’t been a problem!”
Bobby can claim to be the scorer of a unique goal for Notts County, which is pictured above. On October 11, 1962, the club’s new floodlights were switched on for the first time in a league fixture against Port Vale and with a crowd of 14,320 at Meadow Lane, Bobby scored the only goal of the game – his first for the club. At the end of the season in Division Three, Notts finished seventh and Port Vale third.
Tony Hateley was top scorer for the Magpies that season with 22 goals from 32 league fixtures, while Jeff Astle notched 16 goals from 44 appearances.
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR BRIAN STUBBS - 18/5/09
The eleventh Annual Dinner of the Association, held at Meadow in early May, was a huge success and there has been no more popular recipient over the years of the Achievement Award than long-serving, one-club-man Brian Stubbs.
Brian told 150 guests that it had never occurred to him to think of playing for any other club but Notts. “Why would I want to go elsewhere? I’m a local lad, I was doing a job I loved and for a club that’s in my heart. That’s good enough for me.”
The big defender chalked up 426 League appearances, plus 21 in the FA Cup and 23 in the League Cup between 1968 and 1980 and figured in the teams that gained promotion as Fourth Division champions in 1971 and from the Third Division in 1973. He admitted to just one disappointment – “I never played for Notts at the top flight.”
Those who paid tribute to him included other stars from those days, goalkeeper Roy Brown (who travelled from the south of England to be present) midfield maestro and captain Don Masson and goalscorer extraordinaire Les Bradd.
And there could have been no other choice to hand over the Achievement trophy than Brian’s long-time central defensive partner, David Needham, whose later career took in Queen’s Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest but who, in a glowing reference, said “I never played with a better partner than Brian”.
Brian was also thrilled to receive a Magpies’ shirt, with his name and the number five on the back. This was presented to him, on behalf of the club, by the former long-time vice-chairman John Mounteney.
After the formalities the guests were well entertained by comedian Gary Marshall. Then there was plenty of time for conversation and reminiscences between old friends one of whom, Paddy McGovern, had flown from Scotland in order to be present.
It’s a happy sign that the dinner continues to enjoy enduring appeal and the committee will be working to ensure a repeat success in 2010.
COLIN SLATER INTRODUCED AS NEW PRESIDENT - 18/05/09
Association secretary Brian Bates took the opportunity at the start of the Annual Dinner to formally introduce Colin Slater MBE as the new President in succession to the late Jack Wheeler.
Brian explained that the invitation to serve in this capacity had been offered to Colin on the unanimous wish of the Association committee.
Colin has been reporting on Notts since 1959, first on the city’s newspapers and, from 1968, on BBC Radio Nottingham for whom his total of League and Cup games now stands at 2,082.
A few days after the Association dinner his services to radio were recognised nationally by the presentation of a Gold Award by the Sony Radio Academy, the “Oscars” of radio. The award was in the local and regional category and the citation reflects this as a Lifetime Achievement Award.
It was presented at a glittering ceremony, hosted by Chris Evans, at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel by Martin O’Neill, the Aston Villa manager and a former Notts player who when he hung up his boots was, for a while, summariser on BBC Radio Nottingham to Colin’s commentaries. Colin later described the honour as “a total surprise, nevertheless giving me great pleasure”.
NATIONAL AWARD FOR COLIN - 19/11/09
Many congratulations to BBC Radio Nottingham’s Notts County correspondent, Colin Slater MBE, who has picked up a major national award in London.
Colin – who was recently announced as the new President of the Notts County Former Players’ Association - won the local and regional lifetime achievement award at the annual Sony Radio Academy Awards.
The judges said that he deserved the award for his unstinting commitment to radio’s role within the sporting community of his home city. Colin says that he had no idea he was going to receive the award. “The overwhelming feeling is one of absolute total surprise. I sat there absolutely amazed with some pleasure and a little bit of pride.”
Former Notts and Forest star, Martin O’Neill made the presentation to a many who has reported and commentated on over 2,000 football matches dating back to 1968.
Sheila Gibson, widow of our fondly-remembered former captain, Alex, is amongst many people to post a message on the BBC Radio Nottingham website. “I would like to send my congratulations to Colin for this milestone. At one time I suffered and rejoiced on many occasions along with him. I doubt if Notts County would still have been here today without him. I hope he is there for many more years.” And so say all of us! Well done Mr President!
