I have met quite a few players and mangers over the past 30 years.
I will start with two stories,both from December 1979.
I was on a two day parts training course at Mercedes-Benz in Hayes.On the evening of the first day I decided to go in to London to watch Arsenal play Swindon in a league cup tie.
As I was waiting on the platform of Heathrow tube station I noticed two very familiar faces,Mike Green and Mike Hickman.I went up to them and introduced myself as being a TUFC supporter.They were also going to the Arsenal game to spy on Swindon who we were due to play in the second round of the FA Cup.
I traveled with them to Highbury,the only thing I can remember them saying to me is that if they knew I was going they wouldn`t of bothered themselves.
We went are separate ways after arriving at Highbury.
Game finished 1-1.Decided too leave 5 minutes before the end and missed Swindons equaliser.
On Boxing day we played Newport County.Due to lack of transport and me not having past my driving test I decided to walk to the match.
As I was walking between Paignton and Torquay with my Torquay scarf on a car pulled up and the driver offered me a lift to the match,this was none other than Mr Frank O`Farrell.
Can`t remember the conversation I had with him.
Arrived at Plainmoor a lot earlier than expected.Newport were promoted that season and brought a lot of fans with them,they also arrived early and due to no segregation or stewarding they took over the mini stand and were not removed.We won 2-0.
Also met Frank about 8 years ago when he purchased a Mitsubishi from where I work.
Other players I have met:
Robin Stubbs:I used to be Lottery/Bingo agent for tufc when living in Marldon.One of my customers for short time was Robin.I didn`t know he lived there before and don`t if he still does.Romfordkevs parents were also my customers.
Derek `The Dude` Dawkins:Back in March 1985 I was a patient in Torbay Hospital,one day Derek walked in to ward,he was probably doing some community work.
I attracted his attention by calling out Dude ! Dude !.Can`t remember what he said to me,but a very nice bloke.
Paul Gibbs(and Helen Chamberlain):One Saturday morning in the summer of 1998 Paul and Helen came to the car showroom where I worked.This was just before Paul left the club and I think he had high hopes of moving to a big club because he was enquiring about a top of the range Mitsubishi 3000GT.He ended up at Plymouth.Probably thought Helen would pay for it.
I asked Paul where he was going,all he said was Dunno..
Introduced myself to Helen as being a supporter,but she wasn`t interested.
Liked Paul as a player,and enjoy watching Helen on Soccer AM,but on that day I found then to be unfriendly and arrogant.
Les Lawrence:When I worked for Rogers Garage in the early 80`s(my boss was the late Bill Rogers,who was a director at the time),Les came in to buy some parts for his Mitsubishi.
Kenny Allen:Met him a few times.Quite often see him shopping in Newton Abbot Tescos.
Maurice Cox and Darren Cann when they helped with the Lottery/Bingo.
Also met John Turner and Maurice on an away trip.Will be posting a thread about this trip in the near future.
Also met some celebrities:
Jimmy Saville:In 1968 or 69 when I was a patient at Torbay Hospital.
The Krankies:Customers of where I work now,haven`t seen them for awhile.
Sid Little and Ted Rogers when they purchased new Mercs from Rogers Garage in the early 80`s.Unlike Dave,I found Sid to be a nice bloke.
Cliff Morgan(ex Rugby player,TV pundit,Question of Sport captain):I met Cliff on a tube train when going to to watch us get snuffed 4-1 at Wimbledon.Mentioned to him that I was a great `A Question of Sport fan(and tufc).
