OFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAMME
SATURDAY 12th July 2014
£5
Official Raffle Thank you for purchasing your official copy of the souvenir programme – by doing so you are not only getting exclusive interviews from a number of former stars but your programme is also your raffle ticket to win some of the great prizes below! To be in with more chances to win these fantastic prizes, simply buy as many souvenir programmes as you like! All proceeds will go to Cure Leukaemia.
Raffle Prizes 1st Prize
42inch x 33inch 1966 England World Cup Winners Presentation, includes an original signature from Sir Geoff Hurst.
2nd Prize 2 x Tickets to the 2014 FA Community Shield Final featuring Arsenal vs Manchester City on August 10th.
3rd Prize 2 x Tickets to an England Football International.
4th Prize 4 x Skyline Tickets to the England vs India ODI at Edgbaston on September 2nd.
5th Prize A Special prize from a midlands club of your choice.
The prize draw will take place live on the pitch during this evening’s showpiece event.
YOUR RAFFLE No.
CONTENTS
The Schedule DOORS OPEN 14:30 THE FOOTIEBUGS LITTLE LEGENDS CUP 15:00 LADIES LEGENDS MATCH 17:00 THE CLUB LEGENDS CUP 18:00 RAFFLE DRAW 21:30 FINISH TIME 22:30
Programme designed by Peter Brennan T: 07833164349 | E: design@thevillatimes.com
*Times subject to change
In The Programme 2 3 4–5
Official Raffle Prizes Contents / The Schedule Welcome from Professor Charlie Craddock at Cure Leukaemia 6 – 13 Aston Villa FC 14 – 21 Birmingham City FC 22 – 28 Coventry City FC 30 – 31 The FootieBugs Little Legends Cup 32 & 37 Legends for the Day 34 – 35 Club Legends Cup Wallchart 38 – 39 Ladies Legends Teams 40 – 46 Walsall FC 48 – 53 West Bromwich Albion FC 56 – 63 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 64 – 64 Patient story - Brooke Evans 67 Thank you Messages
Thank you so much for attending today, all money raised goes to Cure Leukaemia but if you would like to make an additional donation please Text:
Cure 03 + £5 to 70070
Club Legends Cup 3
WELCOME
H
Welcome
A welcome from Cure Leukaemia Co-Founder Professor Charlie Craddock
ello and welcome to the inaugural Club Legends Cup indoor football tournament at the spectacular LG Arena. I hope you enjoy what is sure to be a very special and memorable occasion showcasing the very best footballing talent in the West Midlands region. I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make this event a reality. Without the support of all our wonderful ambassadors, players, sponsors, partners, fans and volunteers this tournament would not have been possible. By attending today you are not only sure to enjoy a fantastic event but you are also supporting a wonderful midlands charity as well in Cure Leukaemia. As I’m sure many of you are aware, football and particularly Midlands football has been closely linked to blood cancer in recent years with former Wolves and England Midfielder Geoff Thomas, former Aston Villa Captain Stiliyan Petrov and Toby, the son of former Wolves defender Jody Craddock all contracting the disease. This unhappy connection between football and leukaemia led to the concept of today’s tournament, one that will bring the whole region together for a fun event but also support a very serious cause. Cure Leukaemia was founded in 2003 to help people like Geoff, Stiliyan and Toby fight this dreadful disease. The charity helps to support our team of doctors and nurses based in the Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and across the West Midlands make a significant international impact in the fight against blood cancer. Each year more than 30,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer
in the UK. Over the past decade we have supported over 4,000 patients in the West Midlands by raising charitable funds for specialist nurses to treat patients on cutting edge clinical trials. We have made available more than £23 million worth of new and often dramatically effective drugs to patients who have exhausted all other treatment options and, in the process, advanced medical science. Despite recent advances it remains the fact that the majority of adults, and many children, are still destined to die of blood cancer. Although progress is being made in the development of new drug and transplant therapies, currently many patients fail to benefit from these advances simply because of the absence of specialist nurses to deliver potentially lifesaving clinical trials. Quite simply, the pharmaceutical companies are creating new potentially lifesaving drugs at a faster rate than they can be tested and unless we fund nurses, patients will die without accessing these new drugs. Because of the highly innova-
tive clinical trials our clinicians are leading, we are able to obtain free drugs for every trial patient. As a result, we are able to leverage each figure by a factor of ten. Therefore, your £10 ticket for today’s event enables us to access £100 worth of free, potentially lifesaving drugs. It’s fantastic that you are all here at the LG Arena today but please do consider the many other ways you can help Cure Leukaemia. Perhaps some of you are keen runners and would like to take part in this year’s BUPA Great Birmingham Run for Cure Leukaemia? Our aim this year is raise £250,000 and register 1,000 runners, doubling the participation and fundraising of last year. Entry for this year is already open and we’d love you to support us in 2014 so please register via joe@cureleukaemia.co.uk. We will pay your registration fee, provide you with a high-performance Cure Leukaemia running shirt, offer advice and support and invite you to the biggest post-race party in Birmingham. In return, we ask for a minimum sponsorship of £350. If running is not for you then please visit our website www.cureleukaemia.co.uk and take a look at our Events Calendar to find out all the other ways you can help save lives. In supporting Cure Leukaemia, you will enable us to extend our impact by recruiting additional specialist nurses giving patients access to these pioneering drugs and treatments. Rest assured your support will make a real difference: you can help save lives! Thank you for attending, thank you for supporting Cure Leukaemia and I hope you all have a truly wonderful day at the Club Legends Cup. With thanks, Professor Charlie Craddock
Club Legends Cup 5
ASTON VILLA
Who was the best player you played with? I would have to say Dwight Yorke. He was class, skilful, scored goals and had so much ability and on top of that he was a great guy. Who was the best player you played against? I have always said it was Patrick Viera. When we used to play Arsenal he was just a great all-round player. He was also very strong which made it so hard to get the ball off him. What was your best match you played in? Playing for Villa against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Cup (1997) at a cold, packed Villa Park. The atmosphere was unbelievable. I always remember coming out of the tunnel with the hairs standing up on the back of my neck – it was unreal. The game was fantastic and the goal (from Stan Collymore) was a screamer and the roof nearly came off the stand. I had a great chance to score not long after but the keeper made a good save. What was the best goal you scored? My best goal was against Crystal Palace at Villa Park (2004/ 2005 season). I got past the defender Ben Watson and curled the ball into the top corner. I loved it. What was the best moment in your football career? Playing for England was the best moment of my career. I only wished I had the chance to play more. What are you doing now? I am now focusing on giving a little bit back to the game that has played a huge part in my life. I am now the Director of FootieBugs, a coaching school for kids aged 3 – 9 and have an academy for kids 16 – 18 year olds. Who knows what the future holds. I’ve always wanted to manage and this can be a good experience if that is the route I head down.
Lee
Hendrie “Playing for England was the best moment of my career. I only wished I had the chance to play more.”
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Who do you think will win the Legends tournament?
“Us of course!” What does it mean to you to be able to put the Villa shirt back on for this occasion?
with their legends but who was your legend growing up?
It's always fantastic to pull on the Villa colours! But even more so for this occasion as it's for such a good cause. I don't play very often these days but this time, it was a no brainer!
Definitely SID! Gordon Cowans that is. Silky midfielder that didn't mind a tackle! He was a great player.
What are your best memories of being at Villa? Of course people will look at winning the League Cup in 96 which was amazing. To lift a trophy and score as well? Superb! But I have always said,to walk out on Villa Park for Aston Villa for the 1st time would always stand out. The best memory though is actually scoring on my home debut,v Chelsea,in front of the Holte End. A dream come true! Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside or against?
What was the best manager you played under? Loved playing under Brian Little and John Gregory but would always be in debt to John Rudge at Port Vale as he plucked me out of non league football and took a chance on me. Hard to pick one of those 3 though! What are you doing now? Right now I have a company called Stadia Sports & Lifestyle with Michael Johnson which develops various projects and investment within sport and entertainment. Then I have my own audio range of headphones and speakers called iT7 Audio,in stores now! Then I have a role at Aston Villa as club ambassador.
No one in particular to face but just looking forward to seeing what kind of shape some of the lads will be in! Who do you think will win the Club Legends Cup? What was your favourite game as a player? Us of course! Favourite game? Tough question as there were so many good ones! If I had to pick one,probably the Who do you think will be top goal-scorer? "can't win anything with kids" game v Man Utd. We My money would be on Julian Joachim! won 3-1 on opening day and I scored. Not many times that you beat them is it! We were superb on Who do you think will be Player of the the day and had a brand new team. tournament? What was your favourite footballing memory Always would be a Dion Dublin in the mix! as a player? As I said in question 2? But also playing at Wembley for the 1st time in my 1st season at Port Vale. It was a real "welcome to professional football! We won too,so it was an amazing experience. It’s a great opportunity for the fans to play
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It’s the World Cup Final the day after the tournament, who was your prediction to win the World Cup? My prediction was Argentina. Messi's time I think. Although,this World Cup is wide open.
INTERVIEW
Ian
An Interview with Villa Legend
Taylor Club Legends Cup 9
Goalkeeper
A
Aston Villa
ston Villa Football Club also known as Villa, The Villa, The Villans and The Lions is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and has played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder members of the Premier League in 1992, and have remained there ever since. Aston Villa is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in the history of English football. They have the fourth highest total of major honours won by an English club, having won the First Division Championship seven times (most recently in the 1980-81 season), the FA Cup seven times (last won in 1957), the Football League Cup five times (last won in 1996) and the UEFA Super Cup in 1982. Villa also won the 1981–82 European Cup, and are thus one of five English clubs to win what is now the UEFA Champions League. They have a fierce local rivalry with Birmingham City. The Second City derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City has been played since 1879. The club's traditional kit colours are claret shirts with sky blue sleeves, white shorts and sky blue socks. Their traditional badge is of a rampant gold lion on a light blue background with the club's motto "Prepared" underneath; a modified version of this was adopted in 2007. 10 Club Legends Cup
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Marshall began his career as a trainee with Norwich City. He has previously played for the England Under-21s, Norwich City, Bournemouth, Gillingham, Ipswich Town, Millwall, Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Andy Marshall
2009–2013 Defender Wright was signed from Blackburn Rovers for a fee of £1,000,000 in February 1995, brought to the club by then Villa manager Brian Little and made an immediate impact, Wright is currently in third place in Aston Villa's European appearances list, having made 26 appearances between 1996 and 2002.
Alan Wright
1995-2003 Midfield A lifelong supporter of the "Villans", as a child he used to stand on the Holte End at Villa Park. Brian Little signed Taylor in December 94 that year for £1 million plus Guy Whittingham. Ian played, and scored, in the Aston Villa side that won the 1996 League Cup final 3–0 against Leeds.
Ian Taylor
1994–2003 Midfield Petrov joined Celtic from CSKA Sofia in 1999, and stayed with the club until he moved to Aston Villa in the Premier League, along with his former manager Martin O'Neill. He later became club captain. Petrov also played 106 matches for the Bulgaria national team. In March 2012, Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
2006–2013
Stiliyan Petrov
THE SQUAD Midfield
Forward
Born in Birmingham, Hendrie started his career at Premier League club Aston Villa where he spent fourteen years. He also played for the England U21s and earned one full cap for England in 1998. He has also played for Stoke City, Sheffield United, Leicester City, Derby County, Brighton and Bradford City.
Byfield started his career at Aston Villa, and graduated through the club's Academy to make his Premier League debut on 28 December 1997, in a 1–1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. He appeared in the UEFA Cup in a 3–2 win over Norwegian outfit Strømsgodset IF at Villa Park on 15 Sept 1998.
Lee Hendrie
1993–2007
1997–1999
Forward
Midfield
An Aston Villa fan, Vassell was taken on by the club's School of Excellence. While playing for the club's youth team Vassell set a club record by scoring 39 goals in a single season. He made his first team debut as a substitute in a 3–1 win against Middlesbrough in August 1998.
Aston Villa signed him as a 16year-old in 1992, and he made his Villa début on the 20th of September 1995 against Peterborough United. He moved to Everton in July 1997 for approximately £700,000, scoring the goal that preserved their Premier League status on the final day of the 1997– 98 season against Coventry City.
Darius Vassell
1998–2005
1992-1997
Forward
Forward
Signed from Coventry City for £5.75 million in 1998, in his first four games for the club, he would score 7 goals including a memorable hat-trick against Southampton in only his second game for the Villans. As a result, he is one of only six players to score in the first four consecutive games for a club.
He was sold to Aston Villa in 1996 for £1.5 million, making his debut for them as a substitute against Wimbledon on 24 February 1996. After five seasons in the Premiership, Joachim dropped down a division to play for the relegated Coventry City in a deal that saw Villa exchange Joachim plus £2 million for Mustapha Hadji.
1998–2004
Dion Dublin
Darren Byfield
Gareth Farrelly
Julian Joachim
1996–2001
Club Legends Cup 11
GUEST MANAGER
How does it feel to be back in charge of the Villa? I'm really looking forward to it. Obviously a few of the lads have played for me in the past. It will be great for me to meet up with the other lads connected with Villa over the years. Some of them I know really well but others who I've watched play for Villa. Who do you think will be the best player on the day? Well, I really would hate to put that much pressure on any of them. They are all good players and let's not forget football is a team game. What was the best team you ever managed? I have to say my ‘96 Villa team which finished 4th in the Premier League, after the semi-final of the FA Cup and winning the Coca Cola League Cup was a team blessed with some great individual footballers. What was your favourite moment in football? I think my favourite moment in football was back to my playing days and would be the semi-final of the League Cup in 1977 when I scored a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers. What are you doing these days? Most of my time is spent doing co commentary on Premier League, Champions League and Europa League football but I do hope that one day I will return to the professional game in some full time capacity.
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Club Legends Cup
Brian
Little “It will be great for me to meet up with the other lads connected with Villa over the years.”
Available online at www.argos.co.uk
This is such a unique tournament. Why do you want to get involved? I got involved in the tournament in November 2013 when it came to fruition, and became an ambassador for the Club Legends Cup. Cure Leukaemia is a local Birmingham charity and one that that the Midlands people can really get behind. How will it feel to line up once again with your former Blues team-mates? It’s going to be brilliant, especially putting on a Birmingham shirt again. The majority of the players getting involved on the night I played with in the cup final and got promoted to the Premier League. It will be great to meet them all again – we had a 10 year reunion a couple of years ago (for the promotion team) so it will be great to catch up with them again - it’s hard to keep in touch with everyone. Who are you most looking forward to playing against? People like Dion Dublin I played against in the Villa – Blues derbies so playing against him will be brilliant. Probably the one I’m most looking forward to be playing against is Dele Adebola. He’s an exBlues legend and could easily get in the Blues side but I don’t think he’s good enough (joking). Seriously, he’s a great lad Dele but he’s chosen to play for Coventry so I’m looking forward to giving him a little kick (but not too hard as he’s a big lad). What a great family day out it will be at the LG Arena, raising money for Cure Leukaemia and the great work they are doing across the region. Can you say few words about football’s recent link with leukaemia? With the Cure Leukaemia being a Birmingham charity I think that’s the biggest link with Blues but football being such a close knit community, especially when you’ve got people like Jody Craddock (Wolves), whose son got diagnosed with
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Leukaemia, then you’ve got Stiliyan Petrov (Villa) so when you’ve got people like that based in Birmingham (and the West Midlands) who are affected with it the football community come together. At these events everyone pulls together with one main goal and that’s to raise as much money as we can and help try to cure this horrible disease. It does affect every single football club in the Midlands so that’s why it’s such a big thing for everyone to be involved in. Who do you think will win the tournament? There’s only one winner – I’m not going to say Villa am I? Of course blues are going to win it. Myself and Michael Johnson have been heavily involved in it and we’ve put together a really good side who can still get about the pitch. A friend of mine (Mark Pilsbury) who’s involved with the Stirling Group who’s sponsoring the Blues shirt is a big Wolves fan, and he asked me who he should sponsor and I replied, “If you want to sponsor the winner go with Birmingham. If you want a sentimental value go and do it with Wolves.” He’s putting his money where his mouth is and sponsoring Birmingham. Who do you think will be the top goal-scorer? Dele will be up there. Dion will be up there, but I can’t see past Geoff Horsfield. He’s going to be our main striker so his goals will help us win it. Who do you think will be Player of the tournament? Myself. Everyone else has already retired but I’m still playing (for Chesham United) so I’ve got an advantage over everyone else and will be able to run around more than anyone else. It’s the world cup final tomorrow...Who was your prediction to win the World Cup? My prediction to win it was Spain but not anymore. I think Argentina will win it now with Mexico as a dark horse prediction.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
An interview with Blues legend and Club Legends Cup Ambassador
Darren Purse “It’s going to be brilliant, especially putting on a Birmingham shirt again. The majority of the players getting involved on the night I played with in the cup final and got promoted to the Premier League. ”
Club Legends Cup 15
An Interview with Blues Legend
Michael Johnson What does it mean to you to be able to put the Blues shirt back on for this occasion? As always it's an honour and pleasure to pull on a blues shirt and represent this great club What are your best memories of being at Blues? The Worthington League Cup final and the 2002 play offs against Norwich Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside or against? Back playing with all my former team-mates and against all the teams who many of which I consider as friends now What was your favourite game as a player? 2002 play-off game against Norwich What was your favourite footballing memory as a player? My first game in the Premier League, my debut against Arsenal and my first ever international cap for Jamaica It’s a great opportunity for the fans to
play with their legends but who was your legend growing up? My favourite players were John Barnes, Kenny Dalglish & Viv Anderson What was the best manager you played under? Steve Bruce What are you doing now? I'm an Ambassador for Birmingham City FC Who do you think will win the Legends tournament? Birmingham City Who do you think will be top goalscorer? Geoff Horsfield Who do you think will be Player of the tournament? Paul Devlin It’s the World Cup Final the day after the tournament, who was your prediction to win the World Cup? France or Holland
“Back playing with all my former team-mates and against all the teams who many of which I consider as friends now”
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INTERVIEW
Club Legends Cup 17
Goalkeeper
F
BIRMINGHAM CITY
ormed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943. They compete in the Football League Championship, the second tier of league football in England. As Small Heath, they played in the Football Alliance before becoming founder members and first ever champions of the Football League Second Division. The most successful period in their history was in the 1950s and early 1960s. They achieved their highest finishing position of sixth in the First Division in the 1955–56 season and reached the 1956 FA Cup Final, progressed to the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1960 and 1961, and won their first major trophy, the League Cup, in 1963, beating Aston Villa 3–1 on aggregate. They won the latter competition for the second time in 2011. They have played in the top tier of English football for the majority of their history. Their longest period spent outside the top division, between 1986 and 2002, included two brief spells in the third tier of the English League, during which time they twice won the Football League Trophy. St Andrew's has been their home ground since 1906. They have a long-standing and fierce rivalry with Aston Villa, their nearest neighbours, with whom they play the Second City derby. The club's nickname is Blues, due to the colour of their kit, and their fans are known as Bluenoses. 18 Club Legends Cup
Barry Fry signed Bennett for Birmingham City for £325,000 in December 1993. He became the first-choice goalkeeper at Birmingham, and in the 1994– 95 season, he was ever-present as the club won the Division Two (third tier) title. for the next five years, making 287 league appearances
Ian Bennett
1993–2005 Defender Purse joined Birmingham City for £600,000 plus Kevin Francis (valued at £100,000) in February 1998, Purse established himself in the "Blues" first team in the 1999– 2000 season. He played at the Millennium Stadium in the 2001 Football League Cup Final, and scored a 90th minute penalty to take the game into extra-time.
Darren Purse
1998–2004 Defender Primarily at centre-half, although he also played left-back when called upon. He made more than 550 appearances in the Football League and Premier League, including more than 250 games for Birmingham City and more than 100 each for Notts County, the club where he began his professional career, and for Derby.
Michael Johnson
1995–2003 Defender Born in Porsgrunn, Norway, he won 22 caps for Northern Ireland at full international level and is Plymouth Argyle's most capped player with 21. He played in the Football League for Plymouth Argyle, Cardiff City, Leeds United, Morecambe and Oxford United. Capaldi can play in defence as a left back and in midfield as a left winger.
1999–2003
Tony Capaldi
THE SQUAD Midfield
Midfield
O'Connor started his career at Bromsgrove Rovers in the early 1990s before moving to Crystal Palace. He then joined Peterborough United, followed by Birmingham City, whom O'Connor represented in the 2001 Football League Cup Final against Liverpool, which Birmingham lost in a
He picked up the fans' Player of the Season award for 1999– 2000, but as Birmingham continued to improve in the First Division, and eventually earned promotion into the Premiership, Grainger's playing time became limited. He played for Birmingham in the 2001 Football League Cup Final loss to Liverpool.
Martin O'Connor
1996–2002
1996–2005
Forward
Forward
Devlin's Birmingham City career got off to a great start and the player showed he was still more than capable of playing in the First Division by scoring a further seven times for the club before the end of the 1995/96 season. The following season Devlin scored 16 times, and he contributed a further five goals.
Horsfield's first Premier League goal came in the September 2002 local derby defeat of Aston Villa. He also scored in the return fixture at Villa Park, an eventful game in which he ended up keeping goal when Nico Vaesen was injured after Birmingham had used all their substitutes
Paul Devlin
1996–1998 | 2002–2003
2000–2003
Goalkeeper
Midfield
Taylor signed for Birmingham City in August 2003, initially on a year-long loan deal with the possibility of a permanent contract, Manager Steve Bruce made the contract permanent in March 2004 for a £1.5 million fee.Taylor continued his impressive form and was rewarded by being nominated as the goalkeeper for the Premiership team of the 2003–04
Mi che li n- starre d Che f, Cure Le ukae mi a Truste e an d li fe -l on g Bi rmin gham City fan. He i s the proprie tor and He ad Chef at Purn el l’ s re st au rant i n B irmin gham whi ch was awarded a Mi chel i n st ar i n J anu ary 2009.
2004–2011
Maik Taylor
Martin Grainger
Geoff Horsfield
Glynn Purnell Celebrity Chef to Cure Leukaemia
Club Legends Cup 19
GUEST MANAGER
What is going to be like to manage the Blues in the Club Legends Cup? I’m really looking forward to it - a little bit daunting at the same time though, as I'm probably one of the youngest, if not the youngest at the tournament!! And all these guys on my squad are responsible for helping and shaping me into the player I am today! When I broke through at Blues all of them were there at the time and I've always been grateful for what they did. So it remains to be seen if they will take instructions and actually listen to me!! What was your favourite footballing memory as a player? Blues v Norwich at Cardiff (2002) in the play-off final. It hasn't and will be very difficult to beat for obvious reasons. It was my first season, making my debut, scoring my first goal and to top it off with promotion in the most dramatic way was very, very special. Who was the best manager you played under? Apart from my current one at Northampton (Chris Wilder) haha! I've learnt so much from all my managers but Bryan Robson would probably shade it as he was an idol of mine growing up and was a pleasure to play for him. Who do you think will win the Legends tournament? Us of course!! Although every squad looks capable we've got the history and team spirit which is still in full effect today! Who do you think will be top goal-scorer? I'd probably say looking at the squads it's between Darius Vassell and maybe Richard Sneekes. Who do you think will be Player of the tournament? Wow!! Tough one to call as so many possible contenders hopefully one of our squad maybe Paul Devlin as Devs is still a very fit guy. Matt Murray obviously will be in with a shout, Richard Sneekes, Dele Adebola or Pedro Matias could all be candidates!
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Club Legends Cup
Darren
Carter “Us of course!! Although every squad looks capable we've got the history and team spirit which is still in full effect today!”
David Busst An Interview with Coventry City Legend and Club Legends Cup Ambassador This is such a unique tournament. Why do you want to get involved? I’ve been involved in a few similar events over the years with the Midlands football clubs and enjoy taking part and helping out. How will it feel to line up once again against your former Coventry team-mates? You don’t get too many friends in football, more acquaintances, but there are a few lads out there who I’ve kept in touch with over the years. It’s a way of getting together and doing our bit, having a good game of football against old rivals. I sometimes play with the Birmingham City charity team so I know some of the Blues players. Over the years we all come across each other from time-totime – people like Dion Dublin, Ian Taylor and Dele Adebola. Who are you most looking forward to playing against? There’s some decent players out there around the late 30’s, 40’s age group - I’ll be 47 when the event takes place - but players like Dion had a big impact on Coventry when he came in 1994. He’s a big friend of mine and it will be interesting in marking him – I’ve never done that before. What a great family day out it will be at the LG Arena, raising money for Cure Leukaemia and the great work they are doing across the region. Can you say few words about football’s recent link with leukaemia? Most football clubs have links now with Cure Leukaemia. I think if someone in the football world (like Stan Petrov) gets diagnosed with the disease it brings it home a bit. Geoff Thomas had Leukaemia as well. Whatever charity
22 Club Legends Cup
you’re raising money for you need that awareness and the higher the profile person who has the cancer the more aware people become. I like to take the positive out of it – if you create the awareness so people want to support it and they can target someone they’re familiar with then I think it’s great to try and get the cure for the various cancers. As a general rule I think these days you know of or heard of someone asking you to do something on a small scale or a big event like this at the LG. Who do you think will win the tournament? When we had the Ambassador interview, Ian Taylor was playing it a bit cagey and was saying he couldn’t name any of his players but looking at their team-sheet I think Villa will be favourites. Who do you think will be the top goal-scorer? Dele Adebola suits this format as he’s good at holding players close to him so he’ll be up there but someone from the Villa like Dion won’t be far away. Paul Devlin is still sharp and has still got it and is still fit and quick. He gets stuck in so he’ll be up there. Who do you think will be Player of the tournament? That will be me – no, definitely not me. I think some of the players who have only just finished like Jody Craddock. Someone who is still playing or has just stopped will be the top man. It’s the World Cup final the day after the Legends Cup...Who was your prediction to win the World Cup? Well all the form’s gone out of the window – there’s been a few shocks. I think Germany will be there or there abouts. If I had to pick one I think I’d go for Germany.
COVENTRY CITY
“I think when someone in the football world, like Stan Petrov gets diagnosed with the disease it brings it home.�
Club Legends Cup 23
Who do you think will be Player of the tournament?
“Darren Moore, did I mention what a great job he is doing with the coaching badges? He now manages for the PFA.” What does it mean to you to be able to put the Coventry shirt back on for this occasion? I have some great memories of my time at Coventry so it will be good to wear the shirt again. What are your best memories of being at Coventry City? My best memories at Coventry relate to some of the great characters I worked with there, from Andy Harvey the kit man/assistant manager through to players like Claus Jorgensen, Marcus Hall, Elliott Ward to name a few, people I still call friends if asked about. Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside or against? I'm most looking forward to playing against Michael Johnson, just so I can twist him up, haha! What was your favourite game as a player? The League Cup Final for Birmingham versus Liverpool - I supported them (Liverpool) as a kid growing up and the build up to the game was amazing. Favourite game? My favourite game of recent memory was in a World Cup qualifier Portugal v Sweden, Ibrahimovic v Ronaldo, both got hat-tricks and pace of game was electric. What was your favourite footballing memory as a player? My favourite footballing memory as a player would have to be my debut first team goal for Crewe v Bradford, long time ago but still remember it like it was yesterday.
24 Club Legends Cup
What was the best manager you played under? All the managers I've ever played for have impressed in one way or another, in such a difficult profession to manage within the full time game - managers demand a lot of respect but Dario Gradi after giving me my break in football gets my vote. What are you doing now? I own a few properties which I manage, I've been rattling through my coaching badges and I am currently on my UEFA B - I start coaching within an academy from September so looking forward to that. Who do you think will win the tournament? Some good teams involved but it will probably boil down to which team has the least alcohol the night before! Who do you think will be top goal-scorer? My money's on Darren Purse. Who do you think will be Player of the tournament? Darren Moore, did I mention what a great job he is doing with the coaching badges? He now manages for the PFA. It’s the World Cup Final the day after the tournament, who was your prediction to win the World Cup? Germany look excellent, Netherlands are getting into their stride; Argentina have the most impressive front line even without Aguero and not really firing yet but Brazil who a lot of pundits have written off all tournament look like they want it the most and that passion I think will carry them over the line. Germany will probably beat them in semis making me look like I haven't a clue what I'm on about.
INTERVIEW
Dele
Adebola Club Legends Cup 25
Goalkeeper
N
Coventry City
i c k n a m e d th e S k y B l ues owi ng t o th e c o l o ur of thei r str i p, C ov entr y C i t y w er e for me d i n 1 883 a s S i ng er s F. C., a nd t hey j oi ned the F o o tb a l l Le a gue in 19 1 9. Th e i r onl y m a j o r tr o p h y w a s w on i n 1987 w hen t he y b ea t T o tt en h a m H ot spu r 3– 2 to wi n t h e FA Cu p i n a mat ch l i st ed b y the F A a s o n e o f th e tw el v e cl a s s i c F A Cu p F in als . T h ey al so re ach ed t wo L ea g ue Cu p s em i - f i na l s , in 19 81 a n d 199 0. T h e c l ub w as a n i n a u g ura l memb e r o f th e Pr em ie r Le ag u e i n 1 992 a nd h ad s p e nt an i m pr es si v e 3 4 cons ecuti ve s eas o n s i n th e E n g lis h top fl i g ht b efor e b e ing r el e ga te d in 200 1 . F ol l ow i ng e lev en s e a so ns in th e s e cond- ti er Football L ea g u e C h amp io n sh i p w it hout a ny si g ni f i c an t su c c e ss , C ov ent ry w er e r el eg at e d to F oo t b a ll Le agu e O ne i n 20 12, t he f i r s t ti m e i n 48 ye a rs t ha t t he cl u b p lay ed i n t h e E n gli s h l ea g ue sy s tem's t hir d ti e r . C o ve n tr y ha s onl y qu a li f i ed f or E u ro p ea n c o m p eti ti on on ce , du ri ng th e 197 0 –7 1 se a so n, whe n th ey compete d in t he E u r o p e a n I nte r-C it ie s F a i rs Cu p ( no w th e U E F A Eu rop a L ea g ue ), r ea chin g th e s ec o nd rou nd. Des pi te bea ti n g B ay er n M u ni c h 2– 1 i n t h ei r home l e g, th e y l o s t h ea vi l y in the a w a y le g to g o o u t o f th e c o m pe titi on . T hey w er e u nabl e t o c o m pe te i n the 1987 –88 U EF A Cu p W i n ne r 's C u p d ue t o the ba n on En g li sh c l u b s a t th at ti me.
26 Club Legends Cup
The Former Australian goalkeeper Tynan Scope is the National Premier Club manager for Bastion Sports Solutions who provide corporate facilities at the Ricoh, Hull City,Doncaster Rovers, Bristol City,Swansea City and Rotherham United under the Premier Club title. Tynan Scope
Defender He was transferred to Coventry City in 1994 for £630,000. His one goal for Coventry came against Manchester United. However, he had problems with his form and disciplinary record, before returning to Scotland with Dundee United for a fee of £750,000.
Steven Pressley
1994–1995 Defender As a player he was a defender from 1986 until 2000, notably for Coventry City in the Premier League, and in the Football League with Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers, Wigan Athletic, Bury, Burnley, Hull City and Halifax Town. He finished his career with Nonleague Altrincham.
Steve Morgan
1993–1996 Defender As a player he was a defender from 1991 until 1996. Having started his career with non-league Moor Green, he moved to then-FA Premier League side Coventry City in August 1992. Having made over 50 appearances for the Sky Blues, he suffered a broken leg during a match with Manchester United in 1996 which ended his career.
1992–1996
David Busst
THE SQUAD Midfield
Midfield
In July 1983, he returned to the First Division in a move to Coventry City. Five strong seasons followed, capped by an FA Cup winner's medal in 1987 when he scored in a man of the match performance for the Sky Blues as they achieved a shock 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Quinn was signed up by Coventry City in August 1996 as a trainee from Manortown United. He went on to appear seventy-four times for the club. In the 2004 January transfer window, he was loaned out to Rushden & Diamonds, who at the time were playing in League One. After appearing four times for Rushden.
Dave Bennett
1983–1989
1996–2004
Midfield
Midfield
Carsley began his career at Derby County where he played more than 150 games in all competitions. He was sold to Blackburn Rovers in March 1999 for £4.5 million, and was their top scorer in 1999– 2000, his only full season with the club. In December 2000 he moved on to Coventry City for a fee of around £3.0 million.
First he established himself as a competent player in the Danish Football League with Holstebro BK, AGF Aarhus and AC Horsens, though did not make the Superliga. In 1999 he then joined the Football League in England. He made over 50 appearances for Bradford City and Coventry City.
Lee Carsley
2000–2002
2003–2006
Forward
Forward
Gary McAllister took him to Coventry City, where he initially failed to find any form, finishing the season out on loan to Burnley, ironically a club that had been keen to buy him before his injury At Burnley he scored once in three appearances, his goal coming against Watford.
He notably played in the Premier League for Coventry City. He also played in the Football League for Swansea City, Notts County, Stoke City, Wycombe Wanderers, Hereford United, Walsall, Exeter City, Cardiff City, York City and Darlington.
2003–2008
Dele Adebola
Barry Quinn
Claus Jørgensen
John Williams
1992–1995
Club Legends Cup 27
GUEST MANAGER
How does it feel to be back in charge of Coventry? It’s great to be back at the football club – not only will I be in charge on that day but I do some coaching for community scheme run by Dave Busst. Coventry are the most dearest to my heart since when I was born. Brought up in Kenilworth, I used to follow Coventry. Who do you think will be the best player on the day? For Coventry I would think Lee Carsley. He kept himself fit throughout his career and his game was based on getting round the pitch. I think he’ll stand out on the day. Who was the best manager you’ve ever had? I’ve got to say Bill McGarry when I was at Wolves. He gave me my opportunity. I was only slight when I was younger and I remember his words when the Wolves chief scout said to him, “This is Barry Powell. He’s small but he’s a good player,” and Bill said, “I don’t give a damn how big he is as long as he’s good enough.” That wouldn’t happen in today’s football. I thought that were fantastic words for me to hear. Favourite moment in football? Forgetting about my playing days but one of my proudest moments was when I managed Hednesford Town and leading them out at Villa Park in the final of the FA Trophy. It was usually at Wembley but it had closed down and we played at Villa Park. I can only imagine what it was like to lead a team out at Wembley in an FA Cup final or League Cup final because that day was fantastic. What are you doing these days? Apart from doing some coaching for the community scheme at Coventry I do a lot of work for First Sport and do work for the FA, delivering Level 1 and Level 2 coaching courses and I also go round several areas monitoring coaching centres making sure they’re run by the right people and using the right equipment at the right times.
28
Club Legends Cup
Barry Powell “It’s great to be back at the football club – not only will I be in charge on that day but I do some coaching for community scheme run by Dave Busst.”
About Us FootieBugs is the leading children’s football company in the UK developed by former Aston Villa and England player, Lee Hendrie in conjunction with Mark Goode, CEO of the Bugs Group, and a number of UEFA coaches and educational specialists. The Bugs Group started back in YogaBugs, offering yoga-inspired with 2006 children from walking age to 12 for es class the success of YogaBugs, wing Follo . years which has franchisees across the UK as well as in Singapore, China and Australia, FootieBugs was developed in 2013. Lee Hendrie wanted to make a difFootieBugs, having played prowith ce feren all at the very highest level, he footb onal fessi felt it was time to give back to the game that gave him so much. He wanted to create a football coaching programme that was all inclusive regardless of ability and one that would help children develop on and off the
families in to the importance of healthy living and exercise from a young age and offers a range of healthy recipes and exercises that can be practiced at home. FootieBugs are proud to be supporting Cure Leukaemia at the Club Legends Cup by hosting the Little Legends Cup – a tournapitch. ment for children where six teams from the FootieBugs offers unique football Midlands compete for the winning Cup. classes for children from 3-9 years; classes The children chosen for the teams run across the Midlands and the UK at weekwere selected based on their good behaviour, ends and within schools as part of their PE attitude and enthusiasm and they should all curriculum, as well extra curricula clubs. feel very proud for their achievement. FootieBugs prides itself on helping to educate
ASTON VILLA Managers: Allen Chris Millard and Louise
Joe Tranter Amari Millar Remell Hudson Kameron Graham Kristiyan Petrov Renee Willis Belle Griffin Hughes gh Aiyanna Mulrain-Gobinsin Captain
Maicie Goulding Tianni Forrest-Granil
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Managers: Adam Ricketts and Gemm a Spiers
Oliver Hatton Ryan Shields Kyle Stenson Remarni Morgan Dermot Mee Captain Millie Harnett Sinead Slade Chante Davis Jasmine Walker Megan Winsper
Coventry CITY
Managers: Nigel Higgs an Bainbridge
d Martin
Jasper Tetlow Pierce Clisham Nathan McQueen captain
Charlie Brooker Harry Spain Olivia Sharman Hannah Davis Niamh O'Callaghan Ana Oliveira
For more information on FootieBugs, to find a class, coaching or franchise opportunities, 30
Club Legends Cup
We would like to say a special thanks to Chris Smith, Chairman of Birmingham Primary Schools Football Association, who has been a huge help in organising the teams and the managers for the tournament.
WB A
Managers: Phil Hynan and Mandy Elli cott
Taylor Homer Michael O'Neil Stiliyan Petrov Marc Witty Leyton Parfitt Amber Webb Ellie Whitehouse Abbie Hyland Captain Katie Wilson Daisy Moseley
WALSALL
Manager: Dan Johns
Josh Rogers Cameron Maxwell Corey Edwards Captain Joseph Perry Tommy Jackson Maddie Hammond Connie Mason Emily Sambrook Hannah Fishwick Chloe Hood
Wolves
Managers: Paresh Patel an d Jon Webb
Jimmy Hague Reid Nicholls Aman Gill Vikai Dass Lewis Fraser Lauren Delahaye Captain Tofunmi Oloke Abbi Socha Pavlinka Woron Lucie Hill
please visit our website: www.footiebugs.com T: 0121 777 7792 E: info@footiebugs.com Club Legends Cup 31
LEGENDS FOR THE DAY Fan Questions 1) When and where was the first match you attended? 2) Favourite footballing memory 3) Favourite club legend 4) Favourite kit
Dale Jarvis
Dean Dodd
Neil Murdoch
5) Best position 1. 1st April 1990 – Villa v Man City 2. 94 Coca Cola Cup Final vs Man Utd 3. Gordan Cowans 4. 1989-90 Hummel Home Kit 5. Goalkeeper
Aaron Hodgson
1. Villa Park as a young kid 2. Aston Villa 5-1 Birmingham City 3. Dion Dublin- What a headbutt! 4. 1982 cup final kit, it’s got to be! 5. Centre back or Striker
Kieran Stanley
1. Blues v Arsenal 27th March 2010 2. The Carling Cup Final 3. Trevor Francis 4. Last Premier kit of 2010/11 5. Midfield/Defence
22 Club Legends Cup
Paul Mills
1. Blues v Palace St Andrews 96/97 2. Darren Carter goal 3. Darren Carter 4. Any blues kit is good for me 5. Midfield or defence
Andy Burton
1. Highfield road 1984, beat Leicester 2. Winning the ‘87’ FA cup final 3. Gary McAllister 4. 87 cup final strip 5. Left mid or back up goalie
1. 1982 at Villa Park 2. Villa winning European Cup 3. Lee Hendrie 4. 1982 winners kit 5. Midfield
Richard Flanagan
1. Blues v Mansfield 1986 2. Blues getting promoted to premier 3. Peter Enckleman 4. 1989 Blues Adidas home shirt 5. Centre midfield
Jason Johnstone
1. 0-0 draw vs Wimbledon in 1998 2. Beckham free kick vs Greece 3. Mo Konjic, no nonsense defender! 4. 2000/01 Coventry kit 5. Left Wing
1. 30th Dec 89 Villa 2-1 Arsenal 2. Last year at Hampden park 3. Ian Taylor 4. Villa home kit from 1990 5. Right Midfield
Scott Corbett
1. 1985 at Molineux 2. Wolves getting promoted in Cardiff 3. Steve Bull 4. Real Madrid 5. Centre forward
Nigel Andrews
1. Coventry 87 youth cup final 2. Coventry FA Cup Final 3. Micky Gynn 4. All CCFC kits! 5. Centre Midfield
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LEGENDS FOR THE DAY
Craig Lang
1. 18th Feb 1978 Arsenal v Walsall 2. 2-2 v Liverpool at Anfield 3. I’m taking the 5th on this one 4. 125th anniversary shirt 2013/14 5. Left back..normally in the changing room
Lee Jervis
Dan Vayro
1. Walsall at home 1995 2. Walsall winning promotion 3. Jorge Leitao 4. Walsall nike strip, very smart 5. Centre back or stand in goalie!
Michael Rhodes
1. It was against Leeds at the Hawthorns. 2. West Brom playoff victory at Wembley. 3. Bob Taylor 4. All baggies kits 5. Goalie, two left feet to be honest!!!
Dorian Tranter
1. Wolves v Liverpool 1981 2. As above, first ever game v Liverpool 3. Steve Bull 4. Wolves 1972 home 5. Defender
Matt Robinson
1. 1-1 draw with Leeds in 1995 2. Walsall winning promotion 3. Jorge Leitao 4. 2006/07 promotion year, home kit! 5. Midfield
Callum Pye
1. West Brom v Liverpool 1978 2. Super Bob scoring v Palace 3. Cyrille Regis 4. 1978 Blue & White/Green & Yellow 5. Left back - it’s been a while!
Jake Everley
1. Wolves v Wimbledon 2002 2. First game for Bilbrook juniors 3. Matt Murray 4. Wolves strip 2008/09 5. Goalie
Kris Hill
Paul Terry
Kristien Neve
1. 27th September 2008 2. When Wolves stayed up the Prem 3. Steve Bull 4. Wolves 2013 away kit 5. Unknown!!
Nathan Jones
1. Wolves v Newcastle Dec 1970 2. Steve Bull goal vs Scotland 3. Steve Bull 4. Wolves 1974 5. Centre forward
Club Legends Cup 43
Coventry City
Ladies Coventry City Ladies FC was founded in 1991 although various Coventry Ladies sides were playing as long ago as 1910. The present club started in the West Midlands Regional League and finished Champions in successive years in 1995-96 and 1996-97 achieving promotion to the FA Northern Premier. They stayed in the league for 5 years before being relegated to the newly formed Midland Combination League in 2001-02. Neil Wilson took the club back to the FA Northern Premier in 2003-04. Despite the club reaching the Final of the Birmingham County Women’s Cup the club only stayed in the league for 1 season before being relegated again. Stuart Wilson was then appointed as Manager of the first team and Director of Coventry City Centre of Excellence at the start of the 200405. The Centre of Excellence 38 Club Legends Cup
enjoyed considerable success with a succession of players invited to join Aged England Training Camps, many of whom went on to provide the back bone of the Senior side that went on to gain FA National Premier status. We also secured a strong partnership with the local university to provide scholarships for sports related studies and Senior players encouraged and supported in their efforts to gain FA Coaching Qualifications. In 2005-06 Stuart was joined by Neil Wilson and they guided the Club to two successive Runners-Up places before being recruited by Birmingham City Ladies in the FA National Premier. Paul Cudby was appointed in 2008-09 as part of the clubs ‘Think Premiership’ campaign, again finishing Runners-Up before finally achieving promotion as Champions back to the FA Northern Premier in 2009-10.
V
The Sky Blues achieved back to back promotions at the first attempt to reach the FA Women’s Premier League National Division for the first time in the Clubs history in the 2010-11 Season. The 2011-12 Season was another successful year for the club, finishing a highly respectable 6th place in the National Division and maintain the clubs position in the National Division. The Club also managed to reach the Semi Finals of the League Cup, eventually losing out to Leeds United. The Club also lifted the Birmingham County FA Cup for the first time in the clubs history beating Aston Villa in the Final 1-0 at the County FA Headquarters. The 2012-13 Season saw the club finish in its highest ever position of 5th place in the FA Women’s Premier League National Division. The club retained the Birmingham County FA Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory over Sporting Club Albion.
V
Wolves
Ladies Wolverhampton Wanderers Women’s FC has risen from modest beginnings to become one of the Midlands’ best known clubs. Initially known as Heathfield Rovers they were formed in 1975, then became Wolverhampton & Wednesbury Tube before taking on the name of Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1993. In 1999 Wolves Women were incorporated under the Companies Act with several influential local business people joining the board, including BBC presenter Jenny Wilkes (Chairperson) and England Women’s Cricket Captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint. The club developed a strong youth development programme, with several players going on to represent England, including Rachel Unitt, Jody Handley and Emily Westwood.
Aston Villa’s European Cupwinning Captain Dennis Mortimer was appointed Manager in 2000 and successfully managed the team in the Premier League for three seasons. The 2006/07 season was a difficult one for Wolves Women, seeing them relegated to the Midland Combination on the last day of the season. This was the first time the club had been outside the top flight of women’s football since being invited to join the newly formed FA Women’s National League when it was formed in 1991. In a landmark move for the club, the 2008/09 season saw the women’s section join the youth teams in being taken on board by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, forming part of Wolves Community Trust. Wolves Girls’ and Women’s Football
now forms an important part of this famous club, and boasts 6 teams, ranging from Under 11s upwards. The 2011/12 season saw Manager James Astle’s 3 year plan come to fruition, as his team won the League and Cup double, and with it promotion back to the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division. The 2013/14 season saw former Reserve Team Manager Trevor Mullings take over as First Team Manager, alongside new Head Coach Marco Pratt. Wolves consolidated their position back in the Premier League and are now looking forward to taking their place at the pinnacle of the Women’s Winter pyramid in the newly formed FA Women’s Premier League for the 2014/15 season. Club Legends Cup 39
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WALSALL
Pedro Matias and Zigor Aranalde in the line-up THERE will be some real Spanish flair on show this evening as Walsall include Spanish duo, Pedro Matias and Zigor Aranalde, in their line-up. The pair formed an exciting partnership for The Saddlers and became popular figures during their time at Banks’s Stadium. They have jetted in especially to take part in tonight’s tournament, with onetime Real Madrid youngster, Matias, keen to thank the Walsall supporters for the backing that they gave him during his five years with the club.
“I’m 40 years of age now but nothing gives me greater pleasure than playing football and I will enjoy every minute of the tournament. “Hopefully I can provide some entertainment for the crowd and help Walsall put one over those local teams, as we did during my first season in 1999/2000.” In fact, Matias’ first two games for The Saddlers following his arrival from Tranmere Rovers saw Walsall beat Birmingham City and then West Bromwich Albion by one goal to nil.
“Hopefully I can provide some entertainment for the crowd and help Walsall put one over those local teams, as we did during my first season in 1999/2000.” “I’m really excited by the prospect of turning out for Walsall again this evening,” said the 40 year-old who appeared over 160 times for the club following his arrival in October 1999. “I never had the chance to say a proper thank you and goodbye to the fans who were excellent with me throughout my time at the club. “Coming back to England and playing in this tournament gives me the perfect opportunity to do that and see some old friends at the same time. “It’s going to be good to catch up with people like Jorge Leitao; we got on really well and it will be nice to see him again after all this time. “I have been in training for this event for some time so that I don’t let myself or the club down.
He was part of the team which defeated Reading at the Millennium Stadium in the Play-Off Final of 2001 and helped the club secure their status in the second-tier of English football for a record-breaking three successive seasons. It will be a decade this autumn since Matias departed Banks’s Stadium, having spells with Bristol Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers before returning to his homeland where he has served a number of clubs, most latterly RCD Carabanchel, for whom he also has a youth coaching role. “I would like to think that one day I will be able to come back to a League game at Banks’s Stadium,” he added. “It was such a special place for me where I have so many happy memories of what was a special time in my career.” Club Legends Cup 41
Jorge
An Interview with Walsall Legend
Leitao 42 Club Legends Cup
INTERVIEW
“I enjoyed my time at Walsall so much, and to get the opportunity to come back to England to play in this tournament is fantastic for me.”
WALSALL FC supporters are in for a treat this evening as Jorge Leitao, Pedro Matias and Zigor Aranalde all return to these shores to turn out for the club at tonight’s event. Matias and Aranalde have both jetted in from Spain, whilst for popular Portuguese front-man, Leitao, it will be a first return to the Midlands since his emotional farewell at the turn of 2006. Having joined The Saddlers in a £150,000 deal from SC Farense in the summer of 2000, Leitao went on to chalk up a total of 262 appearances for the club, helping them secure promotion via the play-offs at the end of his first season, in which he was top scorer and crowned Player of the Season, and then playing his part as the Banks’s Stadium outfit maintained their status in the second-tier of English football for a record-breaking three consecutive seasons. During that time Leitao’s determination, nonstop effort and eye for a goal marked him out as a popular figure amongst The Saddlers’ faithful. “I can’t wait to represent the club again tonight,” beamed the 40 year-old. “I enjoyed my time at Walsall so much, and to get the opportunity to come back to England to play in this tournament is fantastic for me. “It’s going to be really special and I can’t wait, to be honest. The fans were always amazing towards me and gave me so much support; I am looking forward to thanking them.
“I must warn them, though, that I’m 40 years old now so my performance on the pitch may not be as they remember! “I stopped playing regularly a couple of years ago, but was invited by the President of my club, FC Arouca, to stay on as assistant manager. “The club has had some success in recent years and I am enjoying my first steps into the coaching side of the game. I’m taking my first level degree in Portugal and have to have four levels to become a manager over there. “I still love the game and want to stay involved in it for as long as I can as a coach or manager.” Despite leaving Banks’s Stadium eight and-ahalf years ago, Leitao still keeps up-to-date with all the latest news from the club. “I have the App downloaded on my mobile phone which gives me all the latest news and results,” he continued. “I am also friends with a lot of Walsall supporters on Facebook and Twitter, so I know exactly what’s going on at the club!” After leaving The Saddlers, with 71 goals to his name, Leitao returned to his homeland with BeiraMar before rejoining his former club, CD Farense. In 2009 he linked up with FC Arouca and has helped them achieve success both as a player and assistant manager as they have climbed into the Portuguese top-flight for the first time in their history.
Club Legends Cup 43
Midfield
W
Tony was a promising youngster signed by Alan Buckley. He was given a 2 year pro contract by tommy Coakley and a further two years but a serious back injury and three major operations bought a premature end to his career at the age of 20. A regular player with the Walsall a Legends side travelling up from Luton to play
WALSALL
a l s al l w e re f orme d a s W a l sa l l T o w n S wi fts i n 1 888 whe n W a ls a l l T ow n F. C. a nd W a l sa l l S w i f ts F . C. a malg a ma te d.[2] Wals a l l T o w n h a d b ee n f ou nded i n 18 77 an d W al sa l l S w if ts i n 1 879. Bo th cl u b s ha d pl a y ed a t the Ch uc k er y , a n d th e n ew cl ub r ema i ned at t he sa m e gr o un d. Wal s a l l Tow n Swi f ts ' f i r s t m at ch w as a dr a w a g a i nst A s to n V i l l a . T w o p l a y er s f rom thi s ea r l y e r a re c ei v ed i nt ern a tio n a l ca ps ; th ey rem ain th e o n l y W a ls a l l pl a y er s to be s o h on ou r e d . I n 18 82, Alf J on es won t he f ir st tw o o f h i s thr ee ca ps (a gai n st Scotla nd a nd W a l e s ) whi l e wi th Wa l s a l l Swi f ts , a n d i n 1 88 9 A l be rt Al dr i dg e rec e i v ed t h e s e c o nd o f h is tw o ca ps w hi l e p lay in g f o r W a ls a ll T ow n S wi f ts. T he c lu b w e r e f i r s t a d mi tted to th e F ootba ll Le ag ue i n 1 8 92 , a s fou nder membe rs of t he n ew S e c on d D iv i s ion . T hey mov ed to th e W es t Br o m wi ch Roa d gr ound i n 18 93. Af ter f i ni shin g 14th out of 16 t eam s i n 1 8 94 – 95 t he clu b fa il ed to be re -el ec t ed t o th e F ootba l l Le a gu e. W al s a l l m o ve d in to th ei r B escot St adi u m i n 1 9 9 0, h a v in g pr ev i ousl y p lay ed a t n ea r b y Fe l l ows Pa r k . T he g r ou n d i s no w k now n a s B a nk s' s S ta d i u m f o r s p o ns o rs hi p pur pose s . T he te am p l a y i n a r e d a nd whi t e k i t a n d t heir c l ub c r e s t f ea tu re s a s wi ft . T he c lu b' s n i c k n am e, Th e Sa ddl er s, re fl ect s Wals a l l 's st at us a s a t ra di ti ona l ce ntre f or s a d d l e m an u f a ctu re . 44 Club Legends Cup
Tony Millard
985 –1990 Defender Roper worked his way up through the Bescot Stadium ranks to sign professional forms in May 1995. He collected the 2002–03 Player of the Year award to add to the Young Player of the Year prize that he earned a couple of years earlier. He was an important member of the back-line who did well to get his Saddlers.
Ian Roper
1995–2008 Goalkeeper A former Schoolboy at Walsall FC he had a scholarship from Leicester City in 2011. He played for Wolves in 2011-2012 and then had a spell in Spain playing for FC Cadiz in 20122013. Has played non-league in the 2013-14 season and has regularly played for Walsall legends in charity matches.
Raajan Gill
2010 Midfield Marsh, who grew up in Sedgley was a pupil at Queen Victoria Primary School and then Dormston School, began his footballing career as a trainee with Walsall in 1986, joining the club on leaving school, and went on to make over 450 appearances in thirteen seasons.
1988–2001
Chris Marsh
THE SQUAD Midfield
Midfield
Played as a midfielder in the Football League for Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday and Shrewsbury Town, and in non-league football for clubs including Hereford United, Nuneaton Borough, Halesowen Town, Redditch United, Bromsgrove Rovers and Rugby Town.
A midfielder, joined Bristol Rovers from Dudley Town in 1987. He would become a central figure in the team which won promotion to the Second Division in 1990 and remained there for three seasons.He had loan spells at Walsall from November 1992 to May 1993 and from August 1993 to November 1993.
Mark Taylor
1984–1989
1992–1993
Midfield
Midfield
Born in Madrid, Matías was an Real Madrid youth graduate,After a couple of months with CD Logroñés, also in division two, Matías left his country, going on to play in the following decade for six teams in The Football League in England: Macclesfield Town, Tranmere Rovers, Walsall – by far his biggest spell with any club in the country.
Aranalde joined Football League outfit Walsall on a two-year contract, just before the start of the 2000–01 season. He spent just under five full seasons at the Bescot Stadium, winning promotion via the play-off final in his first year and being a regular member of the side until he was surprisingly released Paul Merson.
Pedro Matías
1999–2004
2000–2005
Forward
Forward
Palgrave played for Alvechurch (Southern League), before joining Walsall. He scored one goal in eight league games during his time at Fellows Park. He joined John Rudge's Third Division Port Vale on trial in October 1987.
In July 2000 he moved to England with Walsall, who paid £150,000 for his services after three impressive trial games. Leitão scored a career-best 18 goals in 44 matches in his first season with Walsall, with the Saddlers promoting to the second level after disposing of Reading in the play-offs final.
1984–1987
Brian Palgrave
Andy Reece
Zigor Aranalde
Jorge Leitão
2000–2005
Club Legends Cup 45
GUEST MANAGER How does it feel to be back in charge of Walsall? I’m the manager of Walsall for the tournament and it will be completely the opposite to how I used to be – no preparation whatsoever. I’m pleased that some of the players who I worked with will be available and some of them will be travelling from abroad so I’ll look forward to seeing them. It’s a charity event so it will be completely different but with all professionals we’ll all equip ourselves as well as we can and do as well as we can. All the boys will be going out there to win. It seems like a long time ago I was last managing at Walsall but it was everything in my life to be working to pick up points every week but this will be completely different but all the players I know and some I don’t know will be fantastic all the same. Who do you think will be the best player on the day? It will have a lot to do with how fit the lads are. I’d be very surprised if the Spanish contingent were in anything other than reasonable shape. It will be really great to see those boys and to link up with them again – the likes of Leitao and Pedro. If some teams have younger players regardless at what level of football they played at, they will probably come out somewhere at the top. Who was the best player you ever managed? It will be very unfair to pinpoint any one player but there are several who stand out. We were a team – it was never about individuals when I was managing. When I was at Oxford we had a whole list of players like Dean Saunders, Ray Houghton, Billy Hamilton, John Aldridge. There were two centre-forwards I had who gave me the biggest response and they were Dean Saunders and Martin Foyle. They probably produced some of the best football for me and I couldn’t believe how well they gelled together. Apart from them, there’s far too many players who I’ve managed to list but I should mention people like Darren Wrack gave me everything, just like all the guys at Walsall did. When he was with he was so fit and he was almost unplayable at times. I knew I was going to get some real good quality out of him. I also enjoyed getting Andy Rammell back to what he wanted to be at Walsall. I spent time with him coaching and he did well for us. Favourite moment in football? As a player, I enjoyed winning cups and getting promotions – like all players – but I have to say when I came back from America I went to Oxford and we went from Division 3 to Division 1 and won a cup final. It was absolutely fantastic. The same happened at Villa and we won two cup finals. That day scoring the (winning) goal as a player (in 1975) was probably the standout moment. The three years I spent at Walsall were also outstanding times. I look back on that time, even though it was hard work and long hours, with pride and honour. It was unbelievable. I’m so pleased I helped produce such a magnificent period for Walsall’s history. The play-off final was probably the most exciting game for me. What are you doing these days? Holidays, looking after grandchildren, eating and drinking, golfing and really enjoying myself. I enjoy having time to myself and do what I like. I spend 6 weeks in the sun in Florida most years where I’ve palled up with some guys who are golfers and we have a magnificent time.
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Club Legends Cup
Ray Graydon “I’m the manager of Walsall for the tournament and it will be completely the opposite to how I used to be – no preparation whatsoever.”
PROUD TO SUPPORT SUPPORT CURE LEUKAEMIA LEUK AEMIA als, o g 0 0 0 , 0 1 r e v de o a m e v a h d o r r ass r g d n a Mark Ha s e s u a cal c lo f o s n e z o d t for n e m supported p i u q e d e uppli s d n a , s b lu c ms. s a e t root p i h s r e i m e l to Pr a c lo m o r f e n ever yo
“You’ve got some good strikers there but you’d have to look at Geoff Horsfield, Paul Devlin so there’s two players in their day who scored bags of goals.”
What was your favourite moment in football? Number one – when I first signed professional – it was what I wanted to do – it was a dream. The other dream I had was to play in the Premier League. Then the third was the goal I scored against Crystal Palace which secured promotion into the Premier League because that ultimately opened the door for me to really experience the dream I had (to play in the Premier League). That moment was really special to me. Who was the best manager you played under? I never ever pick one but what I would say is that every single one of them has contributed to me being where I am today in terms of the success on the pitch and the mentality I have today and certainly if I am going to get on in the game to become a coach or a manager there are a lot of experiences I’ve drawn off from all of them that I’ll use. Who’s the best player you’ve played against? Certainly the best player I’ve played against is Thierry Henry - excellent player. He was just sublime really and one that kept me on my toes every time I played against him. Who was the funniest player you played with? The funniest player I’ve played with and he’s absolutely hilarious, is a fella I played with at Sheffield United called Robert Kozluk and even today, he’s just absolutely hilarious. Everyone in the game who knows Kozzy knows how hilarious he is What was your favourite kit? The kit I played in 2003 / 2004 where we had a round neck, white and navy stripe and had a bit of red in it – quite a figure hugging shirt and I really loved it and we
48 Club Legends Cup
gained promotion in it so it was a special time. I’ve still got one at home. Who was your legend growing up? A lot of people don’t know him but it was a fella who played at AC Milan called Franco Baresi – a really excellent tactician of the back four. I remember as a youngster he was probably coming to the end of his career and I used to watch Italian football on a Sunday and really studied and watched him. There were also no-nonsense centre-halves like Tony Adams and Colin Hendry who I looked upto in the Premier League. I kind of mirrored my game on those sort of players. If you hadn’t been a footballer, what would you be doing? There were two jobs I’d be doing – one would be being a PE teacher and the other would have been an electrician. As an outsider, I would have been a policeman – I had a genuine interest in getting involved in the traffic side. Top goal-scorer? You’ve got some good strikers there but you’d have to look at Geoff Horsfield, Paul Devlin so there’s two players in their day who scored bags of goals. Player of the tournament? There’ll be a few talented boys there and you probably won’t be able to pick one player - there’ll be a few for each team but I hope I’ll go close. If a few of the boys roll back the years the fans will see some special talent on the pitch. Who will be in the worse shape on July 12? Most unfit on the day – we’ve got to go with Tayls.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
An interview with WBA legend and Club Legends Cup Ambassador
Darren Moore Club Legends Cup 49
“I’ll keep an eye on the Villa as I hear they’ve got a strong squad. On any given day anybody could win it so I’ll keep my option open and sit on the fence.” What a great opportunity it is to be able to put on the WBA shirt back on. Spending 10 years at the football club it means a lot to put the shirt. Going into a tournament like this gives you a little bit of pride and passion and sometimes you get time to reminisce a little bit about years gone by. What are your best memories of being at WBA? From a personal point of view scoring goals and being revered by the fans and from a team point of view getting promotion to the Premiership in 1992. Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside/against? To be fair I haven’t got a clue who I’m with (or against) Darren Moore hasn’t told me who’s in the team. As long as we have a laugh and a giggle and catch up with people I don’t mind. Favourite game as a player? One game which touches a nerve with the Albion fans was the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Swansea at our place. We were 2 – 1 down in the first leg so obviously we had to win the game and we just went out that night and coasted over Swansea. The football wasn’t the best but it was just the atmosphere – we packed the ground and the fans were unreal. You had to be there on the night – it was unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve been in an atmosphere like it. Favourite footballing memory?
after himself – he was a little battleship. He could leap and head the ball. You try to emulate certain things from certain people and growing up as an armchair Liverpool fan watching Keegan play in that team, it was a bit of an experience. Best Manager you player under? For enthusiasm and get-up-and-go I’d say Osvaldo Ardiles. He was absolutely awesome. He’d played the game and he knew what everything was about and loved to be in the dressing room with the lads. To be fair, Gary Megson, for what he did for the club was fantastic – he’d kick you in the backside when you needed it and he got success. What are you doing now? I’m self-employed and do sub-contract work putting in mezzanine floors, stairs and hand rails. It’s hard graft and you get to use your hands, arms and legs but you get out and about and have a crack with the lads and meet fans from all team. Predictions – Winner of the tournament? I’ll keep an eye on the Villa as I hear they’ve got a strong squad. On any given day anybody could win it so I’ll keep my option open and sit on the fence. Top Goalscorer? There are some good goal-scorers there so there could be a goal-fest. I still play for the over-40s league so I might bang a few in myself.
When you play the game you don’t tend to have one particular outstanding memory. One of them was getting promoted to the Premiership and others like winning against Wolves. There’s lots of outstanding moments. The worst was getting relegated.
If Richard Sneekes is playing he’ll be cracking. On the day anyone could be the best player but I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t a Villa player.
It’s a great opportunity for the fans to play with their legends but who was your legend growing up?
It’s the world cup final the day after the tournament...Who was your prediction to win the World Cup?
Kevin Keegan. I admired the way he played. He had so much enthusiasm and was so energetic and got round the football pitch. You thought he’d get bullied but he looked
I always go for the underdog – I fancied Chile but the team I’d pick would be anyone from Holland Germany, Brazil or Belgium.
50 Club Legends Cup
Player of the tournament?
INTERVIEW
Bob
An Interview with WBA Legend
Taylor Club Legends Cup 51
Goalkeeper
A
He notably spent time playing in the Premier League and played for Leicester City, Derby County and West Bromwich Albion. He also played in the Football League for Lincoln City, Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Notts County and Darlington.
WBA
lbion were one of the founding members of The Football League in 1888 and have spent the majority of their existence in the top tier of English football. They have been champions of England once, in 1919– 20, but have had more success in the FA Cup, with five wins. The first came in 1888, the year the league was founded, and the most recent in 1968, their last major trophy. They also won the Football League Cup at the first attempt in 1966. The club's longest consecutive period in the top division was between 1949 and 1973, and from 1986 to 2002 they spent their longest ever spell out of the top division. The 2014–15 season is their ninth season in the top flight since 2002. The team has played in blue and white stripes for most of the club's history. Albion have a number of long-standing rivalries with other West Midland clubs; their traditional rivals have always been Aston Villa, though rivalry also exists with Wolverhampton Wanderers, with whom they contest the Black Country derby. The West Bromwich Albion Supporters Club has branches throughout the United Kingdom, as well as in Ireland, Australia, Malta and Thailand. Albion's "club anthem" is The Lord's my Shepherd, a setting of Psalm 23. Supporters of the team celebrate goals by bouncing up and down and chanting "Boing Boing". This dates back to the 1992–93 season, when the team was promoted from the new Second Division. In recent years fans of the team have celebrated the end of each season by adopting a fancy dress theme for the final away match, including dressing as vikings in 2004 in honour of Player of the Season Thomas Gaardsøe. 52 Club Legends Cup
Russell Hoult
2001–2007 Defender Gilchrist made 23 Premier League starts for Leicester before moving on to West Bromwich Albion for £500,000 in March 2001. He was a regular during 2001–02, forming part of a solid defence which notched up a club record 27 clean sheets and helping Albion win promotion to the Premier.
Phil Gilchrist
2001–2004 Midfield He helped ensure the club's survival in the First Division, and in turn earned himself a permanent contract in June 2000. He was a regular in the squad during the 2000–01 season, A right wing-back, and combined well with Ruel Fox down the righthand side to help Albion reach the play-offs.
Des Lyttle
2000–2003 Defender Moore proved to be a rock at the heart of the Baggies defence as they earned promotion to the Premiership in 2001–02, and was named in the PFA Division One team of the year. After Albion were relegated from the top flight, he helped them bounce back at the first attempt, figuring in the promotion winning side of 2003–04.
2001–2006
Darren Moore
THE SQUAD Midfield
Midfield
Alan Buckley signed the Dutchman for West Bromwich Albion in March 1996 for £400,000. Despite Buckley claiming it would be a while before he made any difference, Sneekes almost immediately became a cult hero at The Hawthorns. Sneekes was an overnight sensation,
Having made over one hundred appearances in Forest's squad, he moved on to West Bromwich Albion for £200,000 due to his contract expiring at the end of the season. After becoming a fans favourite at The Hawthorns, Johnson joined Leicester City in June 2006.
Richard Sneekes
1996–2001
2001–2006
Midfield
Forward
Although born and raised in England, Paul Hall was eligible to play for Jamaica because of family connections. He made his international debut for the "Reggae Boyz" in 1997, and helped Jamaica qualify for the 1998 World Cup. He subsequently started all three games in the World Cup. In total, he played 41 games and scored 15 goals for Jamaica.
It was Albion manager Bobby Gould who brought him to The Hawthorns for a £300,000 fee in January 1992. Taylor was seen as a replacement for Don Goodman, who had been sold to Sunderland earlier in the season. Initially nicknamed "Trigger", Taylor soon became known as "Super Bob"
2000
Paul Hall
Andy Johnson
Bob Taylor
1994–2003
Club Legends Cup 53
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Matt Murray An Interview with Wolves Legend and Club Legends Cup Ambassador This is such a unique tournament. Why do you want to get involved? I enjoy playing football and it’s such a great cause and when the guys asked me to put a team together I liked the idea of it. Some people close to my heart like Jody Craddock (who I played with) who has a young son with Leukaemia, Stiliyan Petrov – my kids went to school with his kids and we used to do the school run together. Then there’s Geoff Thomas who was at Wolves – I don’t really know him well but there’s a Wolves connection there. He’s a really inspirational guy and a Wolves legend. How will it feel to line up once again with your former Wolves team-mates? I often get together with my former team-mates at testimonials and charity games and there will be a bit of banter, it will be a bit more relaxed than when we played but once you put that shirt on you out there to win and get competitive. With the fans getting involved will be nice. Some of the lads in the team I see a lot of some I see less of. It will be good to play with Ade Akinbiyi – that will be really nice and hopefully we’ll be able to win some games. With Steve Bull as manager, he’ll be dishing out some rollickings and the banter will be flying. Who are you most looking forward to playing against? Villa. With Ian Taylor, Darren Byfield, Lee Hendrie and Stan Petrov. Yeah, playing against Villa will be nice just because of the lads in the Villa team will be good fun. What a great family day out it will be at the LG Arena, raising money for Cure Leukaemia and the great work they are doing across the region. Can you say few words about football’s recent link with leukaemia?
56 Club Legends Cup
The club does a lot for charity.There are links between Geoff Thomas and Jody Craddock’s son being diagnosed with Leukaemia. I got involved with Jody’s testimonial to raise money for Cure Leukaemia. Just when you see what people go through and the problems it causes it just makes you realise it could be anyone going through it. I think seeing kids go through it is the worst thing. However, what I do know is the Birmingham Children’s Hospital is second-to-none. Also, the ignorance about the disease – I didn’t know much about it but when someone close to you gets it they explain more about it to you. Who do you think will win the tournament? It’s hard to say. There are some real great names playing. It will depend on the condition of all the boys. They won’t be in the shape they were as a player but it will be competitive. I wouldn’t bet against us (Wolves). We’re not a bad team. We’ll be going there quietly confident. Who do you think will be the top goal-scorer? The way Ian Taylor has been talking, he’ll be scoring a few. Tayls is talking the talk. A wild guess would be Lee Hendrie. Who do you think will be Player of the tournament? Someone from my team – Rob Edwards. It’s the World Cup final the day after the Legends Cup...Who was your prediction to win the World Cup? Argentina
WOLVES
“The way Ian Taylor has been talking, he’ll be scoring a few. Tayls is talking the talk. A wild guess would be Lee Hendrie.”
Club Legends Cup 57
“I was at Wolves for ten years and recently had a testimonial so I put the shirt on about a month ago and it’s always an honour. I was proud to be a Wolves player and to be there for so long.”
What a great opportunity it is to be able to put on the Wolves shirt back on.
their legends but who was your legend growing up?
I was at Wolves for ten years and recently had a testimonial so I put the shirt on about a month ago and it’s always an honour. I was proud to be a Wolves player and to be there for so long.
I used to admire Tony Adams as a player on the pitch – for his work ethic. Strangely enough, I also admired Vinny Jones. As a player, he wasn’t technically gifted but worked really hard on that pitch and he had that determination and passion.
What are your best memories of being at Wolves The best memory was when we were promoted (2003) and having the privilege of playing in the Premiership. Also, good memories of derby games playing West Brom – I’ve lost a couple and won a couple. It’s always a massive achievement to win derby games and a time you’ll never forget. Who are you most looking forward to playing alongside/against? With Matt Murray in goal – he’s such a fantastic character and a great player. It’s such a shame his career was cut short. Favourite game as a player? I’ve got two one for Sunderland against Newcastle where we beat them at St James’ Park and one for Wolves when we beat West Brom at home. They were massive games so I can’t divide the two really. Favourite footballing memory? Apart from the derby wins it must be lifting the trophy when we got promoted from the Championship and being captain at the time it was a dream come true. It meant a lot to the players and the fans and it was a big achievement for the club. It’s a great opportunity for the fans to play with
58 Club Legends Cup
Best Manager you player under? Mick McCarthy without a doubt. He got the best out of me and we had five or six years together. He was straight and honest and told you how it was. What are you doing now? I’m an artist now – I ran it alongside my football career towards the end. I’ve a studio at home and that’s where I paint (on canvas). We also do exhibitions and have a website – www.art-affect.com Predictions – Winner of the tournament? Wolves of course. I’m not going to say Albion or Villa… Top goalscorer? Hopefully, Ade Akinbyi. Player of the tournament? Matt Murray. It’s the world cup final the day after the tournament...Who was your prediction to win the World Cup? I’d like to see Brazil do it but I’ll stick my head out and say Holland.
INTERVIEW
Jody
An interview with Wolves legend
Craddock Club Legends Cup 59
Goalkeeper
T
Born in Solihull, Murray progressed through Wolves academy system to sign professional forms in 1998. The five-year contract he was given, aged 17, is the longest in the club's history for an academy graduate. On 26 Sept 2010, in a match between Wolves and Aston Villa, he gave a speech to the crowd, announcing his retirement
Wolves
he club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at Molineux. They currently compete in the Football League Championship, the second highest tier of English football, having been promoted from League One in 2014 after a solitary season at that level. Historically, Wolves have been highly influential, most notably as being founder members of the Football League, as well as having played an instrumental role in the establishment of the European Cup, later to become the UEFA Champions League. Having won the FA Cup twice before the outbreak of the First World War, they developed into one of England's leading clubs under the management of ex-player Stan Cullis after the Second World War, going on to win the league three times and the FA Cup twice more between 1949 and 1960. It was during this time that the European Cup competition was established, after the English press declared Wolves "Champions of the World" following their victories against numerous top European and World sides in some of British football's first live televised games. Wolves have yet to match the successes of the Stan Cullis era, although, under Bill McGarry, they contested the first-ever UEFA Cup final in 1972 and won the 1974 League Cup, a trophy they lifted again six years later under John Barnwell. However, financial mismanagement in the 1980s led to the club's very existence being under threat as well as three consecutive relegations, before a revival and back-to-back promotions under manager Graham Turner and record goalscorer Steve Bull saw them finish the decade in the Second Division, winning the Football League Trophy along the way. 60 Club Legends Cup
Matt Murray
1998–2010 Defender Edwards started his career as an apprentice at Aston Villa, before making the short journey across the Midlands and joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2004 in a three-year deal for £150,000. He made his debut for Wales before he left Aston Villa, on 29 March 2003, in a 4–0 Euro qualifying victory over Azerbaijan.
Rob Edwards
2004–2008 Defender Naylor joined Wolverhampton Wanderers upon leaving school in 1996. Playing left-back, he went onto establish himself as a first team regular in the following years and was part of the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2002–03 via the playoffs. Naylor also represented the England Under-21s.
Lee Naylor
1997–2006 Midfield In July 2004 he moved to England to sign for Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of £1.7 million from Norwegian club Brann. After having become a regular player for the club, his second season was curtailed by a back injury that also forced him to miss the 2006 African Cup of Nations.
2004–2008
Seyi Olofinjana
THE SQUAD Defender
Midfield
Craddock broke into league football at Cambridge United in the mid-1990s before spending six years at Sunderland, with whom he won promotion to the top flight. When they were relegated in 2003 he switched to newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers where he eventually became club captain and made 237 app.
Smith joined First Division Wolves as a youth trainee and progressed through the ranks to make his first team debut on 13 August 1994 in a 1–0 win over Reading. He immediately established himself as a regular and made 25 appearances in his debut professional season as Wolves lost in the play-offs.
Jody Craddock
2003–2013
1994–1997
Forward
Forward
Proudlock began his career as a trainee with Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 1998, in 2003 he became a regular starter for Wolves throughout that season, which he ended as their top goalscorer with 11 goals. In total, he scored 17 goals for Wolves in 84 appearances
Wolverhampton Wanderers paid a club record £3.5million for him in September 1999 in an attempt to replace Robbie Keane. He played only one season at Molineux, finishing as the club's top goalscorer with 16 goals but Wolves just missed out on a playoff place.
1998–2003
Adam Proudlock
Jamie Smith
Ade Akinbiyi
1999–2000
Club Legends Cup 61
GUEST MANAGER
Guest Manager
Steve Bull How does it feel to be back in charge of the Wolves? It feels absolutely brilliant – I wish I could do it for real but second best is just as good. I just hope they take notice of me. Who do you think will be the best player on the day? He was absolutely superb back in the day when I played – he was a great left-back – Jamie Smith. He’s very good in five-a-side games. Who was the best player you ever managed? I can’t say the best player I’ve ever managed but I can say the best player I’ve ever played with was Tony Dinning. He steadied the ship, kept the ball down and when there was a panic he’d calm it down. If I was a manager he’d be the one. What was your favourite moment in football? Putting the Wolves shirt on alongside putting an England shirt on. It was a privilege to do both of those and to score for both as well. Out of the two, I would say it’s got to be playing for England. I’m gold and black through and through but when you play for your country it’s an absolute unbelievable feeling when you think millions and millions of people in the country are watching you. What are you doing these days? I’m Vice-President of Wolves so I go there on matchdays and do a bit of commentating. I’ve got my own restaurant – an Italian restaurant in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton which I look after. My wife’s got an events organisation, mainly golfing events and I lend a hand in that.
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Club Legends Cup
“It feels absolutely brilliant – I wish I could do it for real but second best is just as good. I just hope they take notice of me.”
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A PA RT N E R YO U C A N R E A L LY T R U S T
PATIENT STORY
Brooke Evans, “My life was turned upside down by this disease” Hello, my name is Brooke, I’m 18 years old, I live in Redditch with my family and have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. I wanted to share my story to help people understand more about the disease and raise funds to treat other patients like me. It started back in August 2013. I was like any other teenager, loving life, studying hard and looking forward to my 18th birthday. That was all to take a very sudden backseat. I started having stomach cramps on a regular basis. They were so severe that I ended up going to A & E at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and they kept giving me painkillers. Every time I ate spicy food I would have a reaction too and the doctors put this down to an allergy at first. I then started getting a persistent cough after I went to Reading festival and after many visits to A&E I eventually had a blood test. A haematology doctor then sat me down and told me I needed to go to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further tests. I was scared. My family and I were in denial at first, we just couldn’t believe this was happening. When I saw the people at the hospital with no hair I had to walk out straight away. I loved my hair, it was everything to me and I didn’t want to face that I might lose it. I had a test on my bone marrow and then Dr. Paul Ferguson told me I had leukaemia. I knew vaguely what leukaemia was but didn’t realize how complicated our blood makeup is. Suddenly this was very real. My family was understandably devastated. We
were due to move house and the contracts were all signed and sealed. The estate agent rang my dad as he was sitting on my hospital bed and obviously he had to explain the sale couldn’t go ahead. My friends were all really shocked and upset too and were really supportive. I thought about all the things I would be missing out on, holidays, parties even my exams!
I started treatment straight away and I spent my 18th birthday having chemotherapy. My family took me for a meal to celebrate but I was too ill to enjoy it. Unlike most people, it was not a birthday I will remember fondly. My life was turned upside down by this disease. I couldn’t sit my year 13 exams or drive my car anymore; my focus was all on trying to get better. The doctors and nurses who have treated me have been so supportive and I couldn’t have coped without them. Dr. Ferguson told us about a drug trial that I could be put on, made possible by the money raised by Cure Leukaemia. My par-
ents were obviously nervous about it but my dad asked Dr. Ferguson what he would do if it was his daughter and he said he would definitely agree to the trial. The nurses have been such a support for not only me, but also my family. They become your best friends and reassure you that everything will be ok. I couldn’t have got through this far without them. I have finished my latest period of chemotherapy treatment and am now under maintenance. This is great as my hair will grow back and I know that will give me a massive boost. I want to look forward now. A year from now I’d love to take my year 13 exams and start thinking about university. Even before I was diagnosed with leukaemia I always wanted to be a nurse and this experience has only made me more determined to help other people! I couldn’t have got to where I am now without the nurses and doctors who have helped me. Without Cure Leukaemia I know the treatment I have had would not have been available so I am so grateful to the charity. My passion now is to help others. There are more people in the same position as me and we need to make sure they have access to these treatments. Thank you for attending the Club Legends Cup and in doing so, supporting Cure Leukaemia. Please continue to help Cure Leukaemia in any way you can whether that is through a regular donation, running in the BUPA Great Birmingham Run or by holding your own event. Every penny raised goes directly to helping people like me.
Thank you for reading my story. Brooke 64
Club Legends Cup
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Thank You... Darren Purse Matt Murray Lee Hendrie David Busst Darren Moore Steve Davies Ian Taylor Michael Johnson Paul Devlin Jody Craddock The Steve Bull Foundation Macron Store Birmingham Tony Di Ponio Sheraz Khan All the children, ladies, auction winners, managers, players and referees taking part Tom Ross Andy Price and all at Free Radio Mark Goode & the Team at FootieBugs Stuart Cain Alex Ginever Tony Hayes and the team at the LG Arena CAT UK Alto Digital Stirling Elonex Mat Kendrick and the Birmingham Mail Vic Callow Keith Cook Adam Munday and all at Hotel Indigo Pete Brennan and The Villa Times Simon Goodyear Warwickshire County Cricket Club
Chris Smith and the Birmingham District FA Emily Smith and the Birmingham County FA Karen Carney Lisa Smith at Prepared PR Clevercherry Nick Mashiter and the Express & Star Andy Turner and the Coventry Telegraph Paul Ferguson and all at the Centre for Clinical Haematology Carole Mullins and all at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Phil Upton Donna Alos Sam Bagnall Adam Joyce Andy Poole Paul Berry Andy Walker John Simpson Oliver Bhurrut Russell Jones Rob Bishop Nick Connoll Aston Villa FC Birmingham City FC West Bromwich Albion FC Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Coventry City FC Walsall FC Getty Images Angel Springs The Longbridge Lions Mark Harrod David London & All of Cure Leukaemia’s terrific volunteers
This event would not have been possible without the help of these wonderful people and companies and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks.
On Our Side. Official Club Legends Cup and Cure Leukaemia supporters.
If you or your business are interested in becoming a charity partner of Cure Leukaemia please contact Jackie Kelly our Head of Corporate Partnerships at jackie@cureleukaemia.co.uk or by calling 0121 236 9202 and she would be delighted to discuss it further with you.