08/04/70: England V Bulgaria U23: Roy McFarland

That was a pretty impressive England Under 23 team and a reminder that the change from U23 to U21 football in 1976 represented a significant change of direction and made for quite a different spectacle over the years. Those U23 teams were packed with First Division regulars whereas today's U21 sides are often comprised of players with limited first team experience (especially in the context of the modern Premier League). Arguments both ways of course and, having enjoyed talent-spotting at last week's U21 international at Milton Keynes, I can see the merits of representative football for emerging talent. On the other hand, the U23s were virtually an England B team meaning the step-up to full international level wasn't as great in those days.

Incidently, last week's programme included an all-time list of England U21 internationals which included the likes of Kelvin Davis, Justin Fashanu, Mark Ford, Dean Gordon, Andy Marriott, Liam Rosenior, Lee Sharpe, Chris Waddle and Paul Williams. Quite an assortment linked by a common thread.

And finally, from that Plymouth programme, there's a reference to Mayflower '70 which was a big event that year. This marked the 350th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth (and just about every other port on the east and south coasts of England). I might still have a commemorative key ring somewhere...

Mark Platts played for England at schools and youth level but fell from grace before he was really old enough for the Under 21s. Sheffield Wednesday debut at 16, Torquay United at 19, Worksop (I think) at 21...then what?

Sort of goes in the same bracket as Mark Ford, doesn't he?

I went down to that game too - with a few schoolmates in the back of one of the lads' dad's car...
A Jensen Interceptor - now that was a real 60's style icon.

Wouldn't it be great to turn up to a game at Plainmoor in one of those now.I can but dream!