Jon
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Post by Jon on Oct 22, 2020 23:50:19 GMT
link - sad to hear he has died but a good innings and was the oldest former England international. Surely worth a thread of his own. A short TUFC career, but spent all the rest of his life living in Chelston. Despite being a full England international - remember he had Tom Finney and Stanley Matthews as rivals for the right wing spot!- he led a normal and modest life. He worked until retirement age collecting insurance premiums for the Co-op and his wife worked at Marks and Spencer. A warm and down-to-earth character loved by all who came into contact with him - whether they knew who he was or not. Was England's oldest living player and a few months back Argyle posted this fantastic video. Was very impressed at the time by the way the two Argyle youngsters carried themselves. One is Adam Randell - who has impressed so much on the field on loan with us. |
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sam
TFF member
Posts: 338
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Post by sam on Oct 24, 2020 6:53:56 GMT
Very sad news about Gordon. My first match was Torquay v. Bradford City on 29th August 1962. The team that day was
1. Terry Adlington
2. John Rossiter
3. George Allen
4. Geoff Cox.
5. Colin Bettany
6. David Hancock
7. Gordon Astall
8. Bobby Webb
9. Tommy Northcott
10. Bryan Handley
11. Ernie Pym
Manager of course - Eric Webber
I see John Rossiter quite often at Plainmoor. I believe it is him and Colin Bettany who are the last survivors of this match.
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Jon
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Post by Jon on Oct 24, 2020 12:55:51 GMT
I see John Rossiter quite often at Plainmoor. His sister Jill was a director / part-owner of the club with Dave Phillips and co. |
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Jon
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Posts: 6,841
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Post by Jon on Oct 24, 2020 12:59:46 GMT
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Post by gateman49 on Oct 25, 2020 16:35:31 GMT
Yes, as quoted in that thread I witnessed that goal as I'm old enough to remember Gordon's playing days. He was one of those players whose innate skills meant that the ball seemed to be tied to his feet when he received a pass.
In passing the other unusual incident in that match was also caused by the wind when Shrewsbury's Arthur Rowley laid down and put his fingers on the ball while our Ray Spencer took a free kick.
Thanks for all the memories Gordon and rest in peace.
p.s. I've just watched that lovely recording of Gordon reminiscing. It was very poignant and moving.
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