My Dad

[roverthtaeh]

Back when £30 a week was a good wage and a modest semi would set you back around two grand, my Dad was a professional footballer.
He began his career at Leicester City in the 60's where he had the privelege to play alongside the likes of Frank Mclintock and Gordon Banks.
From there he moved to Hull City for a couple of seasons before being transferred to Scunthorpe united.
It was at Scunthorpe that he met and played with the great Kevin keegan.
Kevin was the player who stayed behind after training to hone his shooting skills - he had more motivation than any other player my Dad has ever known. And it clearly paid off when a Liverpool scout came looking.
My Dad's 'claim to fame' is described in Mr. Keegan's autobiography when, on a golf course, Keegan sliced a vicious shot off the tee and the ball smacked my Dad straight in the mush.
In a recent, Scunthorpe-based poll, my Dad was chosen in an all-time Scunthorpe United fantasy team.
Graham Taylor, then of Lincoln City, made my Dad his first signing at Sincil Bank.
He was forced into early retirement through cartliage problems but was awarded a testimonial against Ipswich Town.
I was at that game. Cooper, Mills, Butcher, Gates, Wymark, Mariner.... It finished 2-2.
Retiring to Cornwall my Dad got me signed up with the Newquay boys team. I enjoyed it but we never won anything.
Then, after much persuasion, my Dad took over managing at Under-15 level.
He revolutionised training, changed the positions of the most of the side, and, in two consecutive seasons we won everything there was to win.
Nobody actually knew at the time, but my Dad had taken and achieved his professional coaching badges some years previous, but had become disillusioned with football and didn't bother to stay in the game.
He then organised a tour to Bournemouth, during which we were fortunate enough to visit The Dell for a Southampton home game in Division One. As we waited in the crowd, pre-kick-off, my Dad disappeared for a few minutes. On returning he beckoned us to follow him and lead us down to the Southampton changing rooms where we met all the players. At the time, Southampton's manager was none other than Mr. Keegan. I'm not sure how my Dad swung that but for the majority of us lads it was a fantastic experience.
Throughout my life, my Dad has hardly ever spoke of his footballing life, despite numerous opportunities at social gatherings. He is a very modest man.
My Dad now lives in Spain where he has some health problems. I don't get to visit as much as I would like to.
With some digging and delving I'm sure I could find a lot more stories pertaining to my Dad's career in football, but for now I just wanted to say.... Dad, I'm proud of you.

[Acidmouse]

 

[Wardonkey]

Great post Rover!

Belongs in General Discussion for more exposure.

[kinboshi]

 


The campaign starts here for him to be the next England manager!! 

[boldie]

great post!

[scotty2hatty]

Immense post.  My Dad is a plumber.

[Graham C]

What a great post, a fantastic read Rover

[RED-DOG]

Stunning post.

[boldie]

Immense post.  My Dad is a plumber.

Bet ya if you asked him he'd have some cool stories though. We hardly ever ask our Dad's about what they've done in the past assuming they've either always done what they do now or haven't really done anything.

[Geo the Sarge]

Fantastic post Rover.

My Dad was a pure tosser, hope one of my sons can write so well of me one day.

Geo.

[RED-DOG]

If you asked my dad what he had achieved during his lifetime he would probably say "Oh nothing much" The truth is he, along with my mother managed to raise 5 children under incredibly difficult circumstances.

While my parents struggled and worried, they shield us from the harsher realities of life. Although we worked hard and had very few material things, our childhoods were filled with adventure, wonder, laughter and love. We truly lived a life less ordinary.

Respect to my dad and mam, they gave us the things that money can't buy, it's a debt we will never repay.

[Geo the Sarge]

Great post Rover!

Belongs in General Discussion for more exposure.

Just a Bump for this idea!!

Geo

[The_nun]

It is a very nice post you are very lucky to have a dad to be proud of. I hope you tell him to his face too with a big cuddle.x

[tikay]

Great post Rover!

Belongs in General Discussion for more exposure.

Just a Bump for this idea!!

Geo

Sorted.

[tikay]

What a stunning Post by Rover, &  lovely thread. I don't go into Betting Board every day, or I'd have moved it across sooner.

Keegan? He was playing for Scnunthorpe when they were away to Brentford one day, cocky little so & so I thought, but he coulden't 'arf play. Scored against us too, I think.

As to Dads, so many of us loved our Dads dearly, & when they've gone upstairs, we all wish we'd been better Sons.

My Dad was a God, brother, best mate, the lot. No angel mind, but who cares?

You are a top bloke Rover.