An evening with Alan Hodgkinson MBE
May 9th 2013 sees Sheffield United and Bramall Lane have the great privilege of playing yet another massive part in the story of true Lane Legend Alan Hodgkinson’s life and career when it hosts the launch of his autobiography.
Written in tandem with author Les Green this is without a doubt the definitive story of a life given over to the beautiful game and what a story it is!
Born in Laughton Common, Hodgy came to the attention of Sheffield United as a youngster playing between the sticks for Worksop Town and a deal was struck that he could join the Bramall Lane outfit for the princely sum of £250 – how many times did he repay that fee down the years?
Part of the legendary defence that generations of Blades were nurtured on the stories of his name is synonymous with both Sheffield United FC and the specialist trade he plied.
The second highest league appearance maker in the club’s history tells its own story, 674 appearances altogether over 17 years also speaks volumes – in fact he missed just 17 games out of a possible 571 in the league.
A key figure in the promotion teams of 1961 and 1971 as well as the FA Cup Semi Final side that arguably should have taken the turf at Wembley v Spurs he also represented his country at U23 level as well as gracing the Football League representative side.
A successful spell on the coaching staff following hanging up his gloves was followed by a spell as part of the management team at Gillingham alongside Gerry Summers before becoming the world’s first specialist goalkeeping coach and mentoring, amongst others, David Seaman and the great Peter Schmeical as well as becoming an integral part of the Scotland Staff- he has never slowed down- the award of the MBE in January 2008 was a
reflection of what he has given to the game down the years.
Be a Part of History
To launch this fantastic book the Blades are hosting “An Evening with Alan Hodgkinson MBE”.
All attending on the night will receive a personally dedicated book from the man himself as part of their package – the doors to the Platinum Suite will open at 7 o’clock – there will be a free pint of house beer/ lager or a soft drink of your choice on arrival – your signature SUFC Home Made Pie, Peas and Gravy will be served at 7.30 prompt to table.
To mark its publication Alan will then take to the stage at 9.00pm for what should prove to be the Q&A to end all led by Club Historian John Garrett and “Between the Sticks” author Les Scott who will also invite questions from the floor.
The licensed bar will be open until late and Alan will be around for a chat as the evening ends!!
The cost for this superb evening is £45 per head including an exclusive, signed copy of “Between the Sticks” – Tables of 10 can be booked for £400 or you may simply come along for the event for £30 per head (a copy of the book is not included in this price) and tickets are booked directly through the Sheffield United Box Office or contact John Garrett on john.garrett@sufc.co.uk – please note – the exclusive personal signed copies will be available only to those attending on the night, so please book early to avoid any disappointment!
Please Note: Dress Code is Smart Casual for this event – Strictly no jeans or trainers.
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If there are enough interested, we’ll possibly have a table at this one, let us know asap!
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So erm… "smart" then.
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Foxy will you have a word with them, they need to start doing these events in line with my leave cycles. Jeez its like all they think about is themselves!
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A decent pair of Farah Slacks or Chinos would get you right in the middle of "smart casual" couple that with some loafers and then perhaps even dust off your finest Turtle neck pullover and you’ve got both smart and casual.
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I saw Hodgy in some of his first appearances, when he was still a teenager.
I feel old!
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hodgy hodgy , hodgy hodgy hodgy
do miss those halcyon days
always thought he looked a bit like Troy Tempest
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I saw Hodgy in first game for the first team,and having been a great fan of Ted Burgin I was disappointed when Hodgy first came into the side but he soon showed what a great keeper he was and the rest is history.
I have just emailed John Garrett to express my disappointment that the signed copies of his book are only available to those attending on the night.
Hodgy and Gerry Summers, then asst manager and manager at Gillingham FC came to my branch official opening in Chatham in November 1977,and I recall how friendly they both were and I had a long chat with them about the Blades and Alan’s involvement with them coming from Worksop Town.
If memory serves me right we signed Gerry Summers from West Brom.
Like Broomhill says I also feel old.
UTB
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Bert saw his last ever league game, away at Bolton, 70-71 season. We lost.
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I’m up for this one! I did see him play in my early days at the Lane!
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I was there too. A week later he played for the 1st team in a friendly at Chesterfield. We lost to a 1st minute goal by ex-Blade Tom Fenoughty
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And you’ll also look like a twat
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You’ll not look out of place then if there’s two of us
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How could I possibly not attend?Probably the greatest man that I have ever met
He’s still my hero and the event is on my birthhday too
By the way, I saw him well before he was a goalkeeper as the Butcher’s boy at Thurcroft coop.
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Foxy, Is there any chance of earmarking a couple of seats at the table that you are booking. Hodgyman Junior has offered to take me
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Further to my previous post re emailing John Garrett concerning my disappointment that signed copies were only available on the night.
Virtually straight away I got a reply indicating that he understood my point of view and said it was the publishers who were organising the event, but he would do what he could for fans a long way off the Lane and who could not make the evening.
Good that we have such loyal servants at the club.
He also indicated that he was on holiday.
UTB
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Have PM’d you back this evening, sorry been busy!
Any more fancying it? we need a few more to fill a table.
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Hi foxy. I’ll come along with the old man for this one.
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I’ve PM’d you Foxy and here is the man’s song!
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You might fill two tables at this rate!
I have a suggestion that if we do save money through Foxy’s group booking, we contribute the savings to the running of this forum!
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Hi Foxy,
Im defo interested. I may have a fellow blade interested too. Just waiting his reply.
How do I get in touch, how do I get the money to you etc.
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Send me a PM with how many you want and I’ll respond re: payment
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Thanks for the PM’s people
Could just do with a couple more to fill the table and I’ll get it all confirmed.
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Any idea if you need two or not yet?
Any more interested? could do with just a couple more to confirm a full one
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Any spare places,Foxy? If so,please count me in