Notts County Former Players Association

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WELCOME TO THE NOTTS COUNTY FORMER PLAYERS' ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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This official website of the Notts County Former Players' Association (NCFPA) is designed to keep you informed about regular activities and encourage you to get involved.

If you have made one or more League appearances for Notts County, you automatically qualify as a member of the Association.

And as one of the distinguished band, we hope you will want to renew friendships with former colleagues on a regular basis by attending the annual dinner, golf competition and any other functions.

Please register your interest by contacting Jon Nixon at: jonnixon@gmx.co.uk. Apart from your personal details – name, address, telephone number and email address – please supply brief information what you are doing now, so that we can add it alongside your career details in the Members Section of this site.

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NEXT MEETING - Please note that the next meeting of the Notts County Former Players' Association committee will be on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 (7.30pm).

We would welcome any input from former players. Please send any queries, comments or items to be included in the agenda to the secretary, Brian Bates, e-mail: bashandval@talktalk.net

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IMPORTANT GOLF DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

The annual Notts County Former Players' Association Golf Day will this year take place at Chilwell Manor Golf Club on Wednesday 29th September, 2010.

You are strongly urged to book through Brian Bates as soon as possible:

Telephone: 0115 9257274 or email: bashandval@talktalk.net

To submit enquiries or articles for consideration for this website, please contact:

BRIAN TANSLEY

Email: b.tansley951@btinternet.com

Former Notts favourites still involved in non-league football

nicky_law_pic_135 Nicky Law (left) and Darren Caskey darren_caskey150x150

Two ex-Notts players have been earmarked for success by the bookies in the race for honours in the Blue Square Bet North.Nicky Law’s Alfreton Town side have been installed as 5/1 favourites for the title by two leading internet sites, while Eastwood Town – managed by Paul Cox – are hot on their heels at 7/1.

Gary Martindale has been named as the new manager of Formby FC. The highlight of his playing career since leaving Meadow Lane came when he scored both the goals for Burscough in their 2003 giant-killing FA Trophy victory over Tamworth at Villa Park.

"I've got big aims and big goals for this club and I've told the lads everyone is starting from scratch," he said. " I'm not interested in what happened last season, I'm only bothered about people who will train hard and want to be in that first team. I don't want to just stabilise the club, I want much more and to at least finish in the top part of the table.”

Andy Legg, manager at Llanelli AFC, is now studying for his UEFA Pro License – having already achieved his UEFA A License.

Unfortunately his team’s hopes of a run in the Europa League came to an end with a 5-4 aggregate defeat by Lithuania’s FK Tauras.

Ilkeston Town, under Kevin Wilson, are celebrating their 65th anniversary with an exhibition in the Erewash Museum. The club will again be able to call on the services of former Notts players Darren Caskey and Jason Lee.

Zamaretto Premier Division side Clevedon Town are hopeful of improved fortunes under ex-Notts striker Peter Beadle, who previously had spells in charge of Newport County and Team Bath.

Meanwhile, Mike Whitlow, after leaving Mansfield Town as Head of Youth Development, has joined Burton Albion who are hoping to groom home-grown talent by fielding teams from under-12 through to youth level alongside the youth development scheme they run in conjunction with Burton College.

Mike has been apppointed Head of Scholars while ex-Derby County midfield player Gareth Holmes will run their centre of excellence.

We wish all our former players still involved in football all the very best for the 2010-11 season.

FORMER PLAYERS CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS IN AUGUST

Many congratulations to all former Notts County players with birthdays during the month of August. They include:

1^st Mick Gadsby (63)

4^th David Agnew (71), Brian Daykin (73), John Langford (73)

5th Steve Cherry (50)

6^th Ron Wylie (77)

10^th Nigel Jemson (41)

11^th Benny Docherty (69)

14^th Paul Rideout (46), John Sims (58)

15th Alan Paris (46)

18^th Sammy Chapman (64)

20^th Albert Broadbent (76)

22nd Alan Birchenall (65)

24^th Mike Barber (69), Dennis Shiels (72)

25^th Tommy Gallagher (36), Kelvin Yeomans (63)

26th Don Masson (64)

27^th Peter Butler (ex-West Ham 44)

28^th Tony Moulden (68)29^th Peter Bircumshaw (72)

31^st David Kevan (42)

Ian Scanlon recently celebrated his 58th birthday - but we're still none the wiser as to his current whereabouts.

After his time playing for Notts, Ian went back north of the border to wear the colours of Aberdeen and St Mirren, but attempts to trace him since have been unsuccessful.

Having retired from football in 1986, he is alleged to have worked in a bar in

Glasgow at one time, but whether this is true or not has never been proved.

The NCFPA would love to get in touch with one of our most popular former players. If anybody can help, could you please email: Brian Tansley - b.tansley951@btinternet.com

2010 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD GOES TO DAVID NEEDHAM

David Needham became the latest deserving recipient of the Notts County Former Players' Association Achievement Award at their Annual Dinner held at Meadow Lane on May 22nd.

Over 170 members and guests attended what was generally agreed was one of the best ever functions held by the Association, with the presentation to David the highlight of the evening's programme.

Tributes to him were paid by Roy Brown, Bob Worthington, Les Bradd, Kevin Randall, Don Masson, and finally by Brian Stubbs, his old centre-back partner and last year's winner of the Award, who passed on the trophy.

In his response, David said that although it had been a proud moment when as a young player in 1970 he had been voted Player of the Year by the Notts supporters, it meant even more to be honoured by his peers.

Gerry Carver presented flowers to Jackie Needham - one of over 30 members of the Needham clan in attendance - and to Georgina Mann, representing her mother Sandra (Arthur's widow), who was unable to attend.

Special welcomes were extended to Ray Trew, the Notts chairman, and his wife, while after the formalities, comedian John Martin rounded off a memorable evening.

NOTTS COUNTY FORMER PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

HONOURS BOARD

     1999 JACK WHEELER
2000 No award
       2001 PETER THOMPSON
         2002 COLIN SLATER MBE
    2003 ALEX GIBSON
2004 LES BRADD
   2005 DEAN YATES
   2006 DON MASSON
     2007 GERRY CARVER
    2008 PHIL TURNER
     2009 BRIAN STUBBS
      2010 DAVID NEEDHAM

LES BOMBS IN FOR ANOTHER BRADD SPECIAL!

It was a magical night at Meadow Lane in 1972 - and another great goal for our record scorer, Les Bradd.

These days employed by Hillside Medical Supplies based in Newark, Les is still a regular spectator at Meadow Lane and a highly-esteemed member of the NCFPA Committee, directly involved with such things as our Benevolent Fund and the Annual Golf Day.

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NOTTS COUNTY: THE TOMMY LAWTON ERA

Tommy Lawton was judged by many to be the greatest England centre-forward of all time. He was just 28, and in his footballing prime, when he landed at Notts County. He had scored against Northern Ireland days before signing for Notts and scored against Sweden days after signing. In between, Lawton scored on his Notts debut at Northampton. Has a greater player ever graced the English Third Division?

Author Edward Giles has written a fascinating book - which is available now - about arguably the most fondly-remembered period in the Magpies' history.

This should be a tale of glory. It isn't. Although Notts won a rapid promotion, they were soon embroiled in a downward spiral. Lawton's football and personal fortunes suffered. Cast into the international wilderness within a year of arriving at Meadow Lane, he was destined to miss the 1950 World Cup. Lawton came and left Notts County three times, each in circumstances more anguished than the last.

The book pays mention in passing to the Notts County Former Players' Association, and the Annual Dinner in May 2010 which honoured David Needham.

Notts County - the Tommy Lawton Era

by Edward Giles (April 2010) Hardback 240x159mm
224 pages. Illustrated
£14.99

FORMER CHAIRMAN DEREK HELPS BOOST NEW NCFPA BENEVOLENT FUND

Club Life President and former Chairman, Derek Pavis, has come forward with a fabulous donation to help get the new Notts County Former Players' Association Benevolent Fund off and running.

Mr Pavis, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, has handed over a cheque for £1,000, taking the total raised so far to around £3,500 - the majority of which came via the generosity of Notts fans when a bucket collection was made at the game against Aldershot, raising in excess of £2,000.

This was added to by long-time sponsor and supporterJoy Sharpe on behalf of Hillside Medical Supplies, who kindly made a donation of £250.

A sub-committee of Don Masson, Les Bradd and Terry Bowles has been set up to administer the Benevolent Fund, and Les said: “We believe it is a long overdue development for the Association.

“Our main activities are the Annual Dinner and Golf Competition, which bring people together from all sorts of far flung places to relive some great days at Meadow Lane, but the feeling among committee members is that we need to look beyond that.

“The Benevolent Fund will give us the chance to reach out a helping hand to those former players who need one."

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Anybody willing to make a further donation is asked to write a cheque made payable to the NCFPA Benevolent Fund, and send it to Terry Bowles,c/o Bowles Associates, TBI Courtyard, Notts CCC, Trent Bridge, Nottingham NG2 6AG.

PROMOTED HEROES WELCOMED BACK

Ten of the players who helped Notts to promotion from the Fourth Division 50 years ago were reunited at Meadow Lane on Saturday 21st November, as the club's special guests (see pictures below).

They agreed afterwards they had enjoyed a terrific day, exchanging memories from 1959-60, catching up on each other's news and meeting players from later eras.

They were also in demand from fans for photographs and autographs and were given a huge reception when introduced on to the pitch shortly before kick-off.

The visit had started with lunch in the 1862 Suite, hosted by our president, Colin Slater, during which the club presented each of them with a Notts scarf and there were welcome visits from the chairman, Peter Trembling, from former players Don Masson, Les Bradd and Mick Vinter and the former long-time vice-chairman John Mounteney.

For the record, those attending were Oliver Beeby, Gerry Carver, Frank Cruickshank, Dick Edwards, Tony Hateley, Roy Horobin, John Newton, Don Roby, John Sheridan and Alan Withers.

They were delighted to be joined by two widows of players from the same year, Enid Newsham and Sheila Gibson.

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THE TEAM OF 1959/60 – PROMOTED FROM DIVISION FOUR

ALAN WITHERS

Although he was born in Bulwell, Alan arrived at Meadow Lane via Blackpool (for whom he scored a hat-trick on his debut alongside Stanley Matthews), and Lincoln City.

During the promotion season Alan contributed 8 goals from 31 league appearances, eventually moving on to Wisbech Town.

ROY HOROBIN

An inside forward signed from West Bromwich Albion, Roy was seen primarily as a provider of chances – but still netted 37 goals in his 123 league outings for the club.

He contributed seven goals from 25 league matches in 1959/60, going on to serve Peterborough United with distinction in their early years as a Football League club.

Helped get County's promotion season off on the right foot by scoring the winner against Chester on the opening day.

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DICK EDWARDS

Dick made his debut for Notts in the 1959/60 promotion campaign, with the first of his 221 league appearances coming against Rochdale on Boxing Day. A superb athlete and versatile player who also went on to play for Mansfield Town, Aston Villa, Torquay United – and once for Manchester United (the circumstances of which he will be only too glad to tell you about!).

Way before the days of Rory Delap, Dick’s long throw-in was a useful weapon in County’s armoury.

JOHN NEWTON

John made his mark in midfield at the end of the promotion season after missing much of the action through injury.

Born in Edinburgh, John was 70 on January 19^th, and joined Notts from Craiglea Thistle.

He later played for York City and is a keen supporter of Notts County Former Players’ Association events.

TONY HATELEY

‘Big Tone’ became a regular up front 50 seasons ago when he was drafted in for the final ten games, scoring eight times.

He went on to feature in high-profile moves to Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Coventry City, Birmingham City, back for a second spell at Notts and then on to Oldham Athletic.

County’s second-highest scorer, Tony completed a promotion ‘double’ with the club, when his goals helped steer them to the Fourth Division title in 1970/71 season.

JOHN SHERIDAN

Still a regular when it comes to watching Notts at Meadow Lane, John was plucked from local non-league football after impressing for Linby Colliery.

Normally a wing half, he was adaptable enough to be used in a number of other positions – even wearing the number 9 shirt on a few occasions.

John played 287 league games for Notts scoring nine goals in that time, before moving on to start an association with Brian Clough – initially at Hartlepool United. Maintains a link with football by coaching students in Nottingham.

DON ROBY

Born in Wigan, Don was originally on the ground staff but soon became a well-established first team winger. He played in 42 of the 46 league games in season 1959/60, scoring 11 times as Notts chalked up 107 goals in finishing runners-up to Walsall.

In all, he went on to make 226 league appearances for Notts, scoring 37 times before moving to Derby County.

Now in his late 70s, Don lives in West Bridgford.

GERRY CARVER

Former Notts captain, Gerry was a one-club man who made nearly 300 appearances for the club between 1953 and 1966.

During the promotion season of 1959/60 he was restricted to 31 league appearances through injury, scoring twice.

Now aged 75, Gerry is a prominent member of the Notts County Former Players’ Association committee and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

OLIVER BEEBY

A left back who joined Notts from Leicester City, Oliver made 13 league appearances for the Magpies – all during the promotion campaign of 50 seasons ago.

Made his debut in October 1959, helping Notts to an impressive 4-0 victory over Hartlepool United.

FRANK CRUICKSHANK

Born in Falkirk, Frank signed as a full back from Nuneaton Borough, making his Notts debut at Swansea in season 1953/54.

After 151 league appearances – scoring five goals – he featured in the first five matches of the 1959/60 promotion season, before eventually moving on to play for Cheltenham Town.

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Photographs courtesy of John Sumpter.

http://www.jmsphotography.co.uk/

For all the latest Notts County FC news please see: www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/

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JACKIE SEWELL BOOK OUT IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

The publication date for a book about Notts County legend Jackie Sewell has been announced as October 4th, 2010 - so what better as a stocking-filler for Christmas!

Despite the delay, the book is bound to bring back memories of his wonderful partnership with Tommy Lawton - and much more.

Having notched 97 league goals for Notts in 179 matches, Jackie became the most expensive signing in English football when he joined Sheffield Wednesday for £34,500 in 1951. He then moved to Aston Villa, with whom he won an FA Cup winner's medal.

Jackie was capped six times by England, netting three times - including a goal in the famous 6-3 defeat by Hungary at Wembley in 1953.

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PLANS IN HAND TO MARK CLUB'S 150th ANNIVERSARY

Founded in 1862 and the oldest Football League club in the world, Notts County will be celebrating their 150th year in 2012.

The Former Players' Association committee has been invited to consider being represented on a small working party already considering a programme of events to mark this great achievement.

We know that some of our members will recall the club's centenary in 1962 - the highlight of which was a game on May 2nd against an England X1.

Of the Notts players that night, Bob Forrest and Alex Gibson are, sadly, no longer with us, but it's a nice thought that the others could all be joining the celebrations in 2012: Peter Butler, Dick Edwards, Peter and Tony Bircumshaw, John Sheridan, Gerry Carver, Keith Fry, Roy Horobin and Tony Hateley.

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OLD FRIENDS REMEMBER JACK

A memorial service to the Association's President, Jack Wheeler, took place at St Mary's Church in Nottingham on Thursday 19 March, 2009.

More than 200 people attended the service, with tributes from Colin Slater, Richie Barker, Don Masson, Howard Wilkinson and John Mounteney.

Many former Notts players were in attendance, including Les Bradd, Mick Vinter, Dean Thomas, Paul Hooks, Brian Stubbs, David McVay, Don Roby, Gerry Carver, John Sheridan, Ian McParland and Mick Leonard, along with Jack's wife of 66 years, Olga, and members of his immediate family.

PLEASE SUPPORT NOTTS BY JOINING LIFELINE

Lots of former Notts County players still support the club by becoming members of Lifeline.

This was launched as the result of a meeting on September 15, 1986, when more than 1,500 supporters packed into the Astoria Ballroom to hear of the financial crisis that threatened the future of the club.

Since then, Lifeline has been exactly that, raising in excess of £1million for Notts and providing a social and sporting organisation for all its members.

And the recent surge in interest in the club - which has resulted in Lifeline membership now topping the desired 1,862 target - means that this is the perfect time to consider joining for just £2 per week to help ensure the future of the club.

For further information on Notts County Lifeline, please contact Lynn Lawson on 0115 955 7200.

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Notts County club records

Highest Attendance 47,310 vs York City, FA Cup 6th Round, 1955-03-12

Highest Gate Receipts £124,539 vs Manchester City, FA Cup 6th Round, 1991-02-16

Record League Victory 11-1 vs Newport County, Division Three South, 1949-01-15

Record Cup Victory 15-0 vs Rotherham Town, FA Cup 1st Round, 1885-10-24

Most League Points (2 for a win) 69, Division Four 1970–71

Most League Points (3 for a win) 99, Division Three 1997–98

Most League Goals 107, Division Four 1959–60

Highest Scorer in One Season Tom Keetley, 39, Division Three South1930–31

All Time Top Scorer (League) Les Bradd, 124, 1967–78

All Time Most Appearances (League) Albert Iremonger, 564, 1904–26

Youngest player (League) Tony Bircumshaw, 16 years and 54 days, April 3 1961

Most appearances

	Name	Career	Appearances
1	Albert Iremonger	1904–26	601
2	Brian Stubbs	1968–80	486
3	Pedro Richards	1974–86	485
4	David Needham	1965–77	471
5	Don Masson	1968–82	455
6	Les Bradd	1967–78	442
7	Percy Mills	1927–39	434
8=	Billy Flint	1908–26	408
8=	David Hunt	1977–87	408
10	Dean Yates	1985–95	394

Most goals

	Name	Career	Goals
1	Les Bradd	1967–78	137
2	Tony Hateley	1958–63, 1970–72	114
3	Jackie Sewell	1946–51	104
4	Tommy Lawton	1947–52	103
5	Tom Keetley	1929–33	98
6	Don Masson	1968–82	97
7	Tom Johnston	1948–57	92
8	Ian McParland	1980–89	90
9	Harry Daft	1885–95	81
10=	Mark Stallard	1999–2004, 2005	79
10=	Trevor Christie	1979–84	79
10=	Gary Lund	1987–95	79

Notable former players

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NCPFA OFFICIAL WEBSITE

To either submit queries or articles for consideration for this website, please contact:

BRIAN TANSLEY:

Email: b.tansley951@btinternet.com

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Notts County Former Players' Association is on Monday 2nd August, 2010

NOTTS COUNTY FORMER PLAYERS' GALLERY

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Notts County FC 1949/50
Back row; Baxter, Deans, Southwell, R Smith, Houghton (Manager), Rigby, Chapman, Adamson
Middle; Broome, Sewell, Lawton, W.Evans, Johnston
Front; F.Evans, Simpson

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Notts County FC 1980/81
Back row; Christie, Kelly, Leonard, Avramovic, Richards, Harkouk
Middle; Wheeler(Trainer), Hunt, Wood, Kilcline, Stubbs, O'Brien, Benjamin, Walker(Youth)
Front; Masson, Hooks, Mair, Sirrel(Manager), Wilkinson(Coach), Manns, McCulloch, Doherty.

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"Page three pin-up? Aye...well that's many people's opinion, eh?!"