AFTER my interview with Jack Charlton, I returned to the UK for a break and to interview several other men from the world of football who I thought would be of interest to readers who visited Tenerife or the expats who lived there.
My first port of call was to Hartlepool’s Victoria Park to see its then current Pools boss, Chris Turner, who in his playing days, graced the beautiful game for Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester United and Sunderland before going on to manage Hartlepool United and Sheffield Wednesday.
A trip across the Tees took me to Middlesbrough and an interview with Bryan Robson and his number two Viv Anderson. Robson played for West Brom, Manchester United and Middlesbrough as well as going on to captain England. His assistant was also the first black footballer to play for England as well as playing in the Nottingham Forest team managed by Brian Clough which won the European Cup twice in 1979 and 1980.
To complete my North-East hat trick, and trying to demonstrate some impartiality, I went to Darlington to see George Reynolds, the colourful chairman of the Quakers.
We met at George Reynolds House, in Reynolds Town, which locals call Shildon. The interview took place in the boardroom, complete with gold throne and red carpet into which was woven the letters “GR”. George also had matching number plates on his car GR 1, which ultimately would lead to his arrest and a period as a guest of Her Majesty. I had a copy of his book “Cracked It” which I asked George to sign. He declined but I still have the unsigned copy detailing his rise from safe cracker to millionaire.
Another pair of “safe” hands at Darlington was the legendary Jimmy Montgomery who had played at Sunderland and in the famous 1973 FA Cup Final when the Second Division underdogs beat a mighty Leeds United side 1-0.
Leeds had in their ranks Jack Charlton, Trevor Cherry and Peter Lorimer but it was Monty who saved the day with a double save described by a journalist as one “of the greatest of all time”, rivalling the one made by Gordon Banks for England v Pele’s Brazil in the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
From Darlington, I motored down the A1 on my way to Huddersfield to complete a Manchester United trio and interview Steve Bruce. Listening to the radio, I learned that Brucie had been sacked.
I was undeterred and proceeded to Leeds Road and, at reception, asked to see Mr Bruce. I was politely told he was not available but I explained I had flown 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to see him.
A compromise was reached and I was offered the first interview with the new manager – provided I did not publish my story before the town’s paper, the Huddersfield Examiner. I agreed, provided I could have a photo with the new boss who turned out to be Lou MaCari. Luigi, to give him his birth name, played for Celtic, Swindon Town, Scotland and at Manchester United – thus completing my Old Trafford trio!
Meanwhile back on the island, I caught up with another international player from the North East and interviewed him poolside at his holiday hotel. Chris Waddle was on holiday with his kids and I kept our chat very brief but collected yet one more photo of a football icon.
I had some great stories to tell and record for my readers in Tenerife and later to include in at least one version of my life. However something else happened in the UK which would open another door for this intrepid writer and traveller which I will explain in an episode called “Canada Calling” next week.
Author: John
Author of Around The World In 80 Years