We're loved to bits

[HighfieldBlade]

Went and signed for Leeds though didn't he?

Went and signed for Leeds though didn't he ?

Is there an echo in here?

 

[Liaminho9]

He would have to try hard. There is absolutely nothing about my favourite player Tony Currie that equips him to be Chairman of a football club. He wouldn’t have a clue. He’d probably be the first to agree, as he would if anyone suggested he become a manager.

Ok Chairman may have been a bit of a push - but he could have some valuable contribution as a board member.

 

[DiggerBlade]

One simple soluion to this, get the resident artistic types on here to make two molds, one of AW and one of TC, nick some crab industries fast drying cement, pour into the molds and put em up ourselves in the car park....
Joking aside why not have a statue of Woody and TC in the carpark together ala below

View attachment 36924

Just a thought.

What a fantastic idea diode_blade.

Maybe the proposed ground development should incorporate a players park where statue's of past greats could be erected and fans could walk amongst the stars. Another idea to think about maybe?

Anyway, back to the TC phone in. Probably one of the best calls I have ever heard from a caller to the show. I hung on to every word he spoke and you could feel the emotion of someone speaking from the heart. Like many have said on here, I had the privellage of watching the Currie years from start to finish and in my mind he's in that " Legend's " category along with the likes of Alan Woodward Alan Hodgkinson and quite a few more.

Tony Currie, the best amongst the best.

 

[coolhandluke]

I don't think it's even in question about him being a legend Luke...anybody who watched through those years knows how good he was...Woody,Badge,Hodgy were legends in their own right..Just because he went to Leeds doesn't take away from 9 years of great memories.
Didn't Woody put in a transfer request at one point...if he'd had gone he'd have still been a legend to me...TC though..best player I've seen pull on the Red and White,gave us 9 magic years...Legend?..not in question.

I guess it's how we as individuals define " legend " . For me legendary status is achieved in a number of different ways and playing ability is just one factor .

I never saw Jimmy Hagan play but there's absolutely no doubt in my mind at all that to me he's a legend . Arguably Hagan was our best ever player . Throw into the equation that he played for us for 20 years AND rejected a move to that lot in South Barnsley despite the fact that they'd bid a record sum for him and the board had accepted their offer . Legends are made from such stuff .

 

[Lil red rooster]

wow just listened to it as I wasn't on line yesterday and it got me going I must admit.

what a legend simple as.

 

[BushBlade]

TC made a very good speech at QPR a couple of years ago, I think it was when we smashed them in the cup. Despite knowing so much about him I haven't heard him speak that much. It's obvious there's a strong bond between a bloke that grew up in west London and became one of us. It was hard listening to the end of that, when he was struggling to get his words out, fighting back the tears, without getting emotional.

 

[ourbob]

When HRH takes full control, could do a lot worse than appointing him as Chairman

What????

The bloke has no business sense what so ever,remember him being skint in the 90s.

 

[Shalalalafenoughty]

Also when we got relegated to the 4th didn’t he distance himself from the club? Came back at the fag end of the 80s when he was out of work.

He was playing for QPR at the time. If that amounts to “distancing” himself from the club then the answer’s yes.

This whole business about Currie going to Leeds is absolutely ridiculous, though. Why on earth is he judged by different standards to everyone else? We’d been relegated. Leeds were still regarded as potential league champions although, with hindsight, they were in decline. He was 26 and still a top player, as he went on to demonstrate. The move made perfect sense. Presumably the same applies to all the other United players who’ve gone to Elland Road over the years and none of them attract the same scrutiny.

Presumably, he could have turned down the move but why would he? I’d imagine wages at Leeds at the time were well in advance of those at Bramall Lane. It would be a consideration for any of us thinking of changing jobs so why not for him? As for comparisons with Alan Woodward’s “one club” loyalty, dnblade has pointed out that Woody asked for a transfer at one point - I think it was during the 75/76 relegation season - and, presumably, if that had been granted we wouldn’t be talking about him as a one club man. It wouldn’t have made him any less of a hero to those of us who saw AW play. But we’re talking about Tony Currie and different standards apply. I assume that Watford fans are currently marking the 50th anniversary of his transfer to us by burning him in effigy for his disloyalty.

As for coming back when he was out of work, he’s accepted the club was good to him when he was at a low ebb both in granting him a testimonial and then in giving him a job but it’s not been a sinecure - he’s had to work, he’s done a good job by all accounts and I imagine he’s been paid the going rate, no more and no less.

I’ve supported United since 1964 and he is far and away - far and away - the best player we’ve had in all that time and I don’t expect ever to see anyone as good again. Perhaps he was a touch arrogant in his younger days, leading a few who post on here with negative impressions of him based on incidents years ago, but as many posters on this thread have attested that no longer appears to be the case. I’ve met him twice and he was friendly and modest both times which appears to chime with general experience.

Why not just take his comments about his gratitude to and his love for the club and its supporters at face value?

 

[bornablade]

For all you sitting in the South Stand with your flasks and tartan blankets then maybe you should be grateful for TC going to Leeds as the money received was necessary to pay off its construction.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

He was playing for QPR at the time. If that amounts to “distancing” himself from the club then the answer’s yes.

This whole business about Currie going to Leeds is absolutely ridiculous, though. Why on earth is he judged by different standards to everyone else? We’d been relegated. Leeds were still regarded as potential league champions although, with hindsight, they were in decline. He was 26 and still a top player, as he went on to demonstrate. The move made perfect sense. Presumably the same applies to all the other United players who’ve gone to Elland Road over the years and none of them attract the same scrutiny.

Presumably, he could have turned down the move but why would he? I’d imagine wages at Leeds at the time were well in advance of those at Bramall Lane. It would be a consideration for any of us thinking of changing jobs so why not for him? As for comparisons with Alan Woodward’s “one club” loyalty, dnblade has pointed out that Woody asked for a transfer at one point - I think it was during the 75/76 relegation season - and, presumably, if that had been granted we wouldn’t be talking about him as a one club man. It wouldn’t have made him any less of a hero to those of us who saw AW play. But we’re talking about Tony Currie and different standards apply. I assume that Watford fans are currently marking the 50th anniversary of his transfer to us by burning him in effigy for his disloyalty.

As for coming back when he was out of work, he’s accepted the club was good to him when he was at a low ebb both in granting him a testimonial and then in giving him a job but it’s not been a sinecure - he’s had to work, he’s done a good job by all accounts and I imagine he’s been paid the going rate, no more and no less.

I’ve supported United since 1964 and he is far and away - far and away - the best player we’ve had in all that time and I don’t expect ever to see anyone as good again. Perhaps he was a touch arrogant in his younger days, leading a few who post on here with negative impressions of him based on incidents years ago, but as many posters on this thread have attested that no longer appears to be the case. I’ve met him twice and he was friendly and modest both times which appears to chime with general experience.

Why not just take his comments about his gratitude to and his love for the club and its supporters at face value?

I wasn’t old enough to know at the time but I heard that he basically said the club were dead to him when we went down if this isn’t true I apologise.

 

[Liaminho9]

What????

The bloke has no business sense what so ever,remember him being skint in the 90s.

If you carry on reading the thread i have agreed Chairman would be a push, but i think he would have some valuable contribution as a Board Member.

 

[bladesince64]

For all you ‘TC went to Leeds’ quoters. He was with us for 8 years scoring 54 goals (then 3yrs with Leeds, 3yrs with QPR) and he turned down Man United to stay with the Blades cos he was happy and enjoying his football. Best player ever during my time as a supporter.

 

[Pinchy]

Ok Chairman may have been a bit of a push - but he could have some valuable contribution as a board member.

He couldn’t mate. Honestly. He’s, how can I put it, a bit thick...

 

[benn5712]

Every time TC is mentioned I drift off back to the Kop where he orchestrated the 5-0 revenge mauling of the Arsenal.
If any statements here are wrong, then I'll stand to be corrected.
Tuesday night League cup, 3-0 up in 17 minutes. TC got the third, free kick Bramall lane end. Played 1-2, Woody? belts it, and I mean belts it, into top corner. He got No 5 second half. Broke through centre circle carrying the ball (no, not rugby style) then sent it out left to Geoff Salmons.
Salmons gave it back and from the edge of the box, TC rifled in low past goalies right. Limmie and family cookin' !!!
He was in one of those moods and gave the rest of our players, and good 'uns they were, a big boost. Could have played Arsenal single handed including goyalie wag.
Sat on the ball in front of Alan Ball but it's those two goals that I still see.

 

[1066blade]

I’ve loved my previous jobs and moved onto bigger prospects,including money. It’s how the world turns mate.

I supported the Blades all through the Sixties and was mesmerised by his skills, however, his sale (along with MIck Jones) to Fukin Leeds just did my head in (and made me cry, can't believe I'm reliving this).

 

[snootyfenooty]

For all you ‘TC went to Leeds’ quoters. He was with us for 8 years scoring 54 goals (then 3yrs with Leeds, 3yrs with QPR) and he turned down Man United to stay with the Blades cos he was happy and enjoying his football. Best player ever during my time as a supporter.

Those 8 years he spent with us were his best years as well. Leeds and QPR didn't quite get the same experience as us. It's also the reverse reason to this the pigs are talking their usual bollocks when they say "what about Waddle?"

 

[TJB.]

I was definitely not emotionally prepared for that. Welling up on public transport isn't a good luck.

Thank you, Tony.

 

[benn5712]

I supported the Blades all through the Sixties and was mesmerised by his skills, however, his sale (along with MIck Jones) to Fukin Leeds just did my head in (and made me cry, can't believe I'm reliving this).

And if we'd signed Maradona ? No no no please no.

 

[1066blade]

And if we'd signed Maradona ? No no no please no.

WTF?

Explain?

 

[benn5712]

WTF?

Explain?

You must know we were offered Maradona when he was 16ish for about £600k. Blades board said no.
Imagine if we were guilty of providing the dirties with (another) world beater.

 

[Jon Slinn]

There myself last night, Table 19 in the middle cost me £600.00 , Paul Walker great Compare and all the Special guests that had time to chat and have their photo taken. Good words also about players that made the brilliant 1970's team no longer here. Hodgkinson and Woody to name a couple. Even old Managers sadly Lost Ken Furphy who sold him from Watford to the Blades got a mention. Fantastic night for a true hero and cult figure at BDTBL. Only for a brief five minutes outclassed by the brilliant Keith Edwards what a comic. Good night for a well put on tribute to a Magician with a football.

 

[shorehamview]

You must know we were offered Maradona when he was 16ish for about £600k. Blades board said no.
Imagine if we were guilty of providing the dirties with (another) world beater.

Check this thread from the archives -
https://www.s24su.com/forum/index.php?threads/maradona-to-the-blades-aspertions-cast.13154/
Includes the short article I wrote on The Times’ website some years ago, suggesting the same thing, that if we’d have bought Maradona we’d have flogged him to Leeds.

 

[snootyfenooty]

You must know we were offered Maradona when he was 16ish for about £600k. Blades board said no.
Imagine if we were guilty of providing the dirties with (another) world beater.

Wasn't even that. Around the same figure but US$, about £250-300k at the time.

 

[Blackheath Blade]

A magnificent player and like many on here, the main reason that I became a Blade. On his day, Tony Currie was simply unplayable and one of the best players on the planet.

He fully deserved an evening in his honour for his association with the club both on and off the pitch.

Continued good luck and best wishes to the greatest ever Sheffield United player.

 

[Shalalalafenoughty]

Every time TC is mentioned I drift off back to the Kop where he orchestrated the 5-0 revenge mauling of the Arsenal.
If any statements here are wrong, then I'll stand to be corrected.
Tuesday night League cup, 3-0 up in 17 minutes. TC got the third, free kick Bramall lane end. Played 1-2, Woody? belts it, and I mean belts it, into top corner. He got No 5 second half. Broke through centre circle carrying the ball (no, not rugby style) then sent it out left to Geoff Salmons.
Salmons gave it back and from the edge of the box, TC rifled in low past goalies right. Limmie and family cookin' !!!
He was in one of those moods and gave the rest of our players, and good 'uns they were, a big boost. Could have played Arsenal single handed including goyalie wag.
Sat on the ball in front of Alan Ball but it's those two goals that I still see.

Well remembered, all in all. It was a league game, not cup. We were four up, not three, in seventeen minutes.

You’ll enjoy the newspaper report.

 

[oldblade]

I only ever saw TC play once and that was for Leeds in a Cup game against us at the Lane . They hammered us and TC was absolutely slaughtered by the overwhelming majority of Blades who were at the game everytime he got near the ball .

Was he a great player ? From what little I've seen and heard of him , yes he was . A legend ? Judging by the adulation he still receives , yes , he is . But dismissing the fact that he DID leave us for the utter scum bags up the road smacks of an enormous condescension of posterity . Now , the likes of Jimmy Hagan and Alan Woodward ..........

The South stand was opened for the 1975-6 season and still had to be paid for. That was our worst ever top flight season and something that was not anticipated. We were in debt up to our eye balls and likely to get much diminished attendances in the second division. There was very little TV money in those days, so your cash flow was almost entirely dependent on gate receipts and any advertising or sponsorship revenue.

Currie was a valuable asset at the time and our relegation meant he would be sold regardless of whether or not he wanted to go.

The truth is that the club wanted to sell him to ease their financial problems, regardless of Currie's own wishes.

It happened several years earlier with the sales of Mick Jones and Alan Birchenall. The difference is that this time we at least waited until we were relegated before selling instead of causing our relegation by selling.

 

[benn5712]

View attachment 36967

Well remembered, all in all. It was a league game, not cup. We were four up, not three, in seventeen minutes.

You’ll enjoy the newspaper report.

The advertisement to the right of the picture ? Very good. Have a like.

 

[Sparky]

Also when we got relegated to the 4th didn’t he distance himself from the club? Came back at the fag end of the 80s when he was out of work.

What. You mean when he was still playing for QPR? He was still playing football until 1984 and we were out of Division 4 in 82. How many Players who have moved elsewhere to ply their trade go back and fawn over a previous cub while they are still playing?

I was there on Friday to celebrate his 50years and I was lucky enough to be watching the Blades from his first day. The man was a genius on the pitch and along with Woody, Badge, and many others is a Blades legend.

 

[kingy1889]

Thanks for posting this. Missed it over the weekend.

What a guy.

 

[Booker4]

I completely understand Luke’s point on this and by no means take anything away from TC’s legacy.

It does raise an interesting point though an emotive one.

The likes of Woodward, Badger, Hodgkinson, Joe Shaw deserve much adulation for their loyalty and dedication to our club. Unbelievable in the modern game these days.

Who can forget Hagan who turned down a move to one of our fierce rivals whilst Currie unfortunately didn’t? The same with Brian Deane.

Both ‘legends’ in my lifetime but if you set the bar at Joe Shaw and Woody, most fall short.

Currie was before my time but it must be fair to say that Currie was the best of his time at United hence the 17 caps for England whereas Woody didn't get capped which seemed very harsh from those that watched United at the time but nevertheless it must be fair to say that Currie had more interest than Woody? Also Leeds were one of the biggest in the country along with Liverpool, Man City and Man U - despite their relegation. Yes United finished above Leeds before Currie left but I don't blame him for leaving to Leeds. We didn't have to accept the bid did we? No doubt building the South Stand was a factor. Currie no doubt got a decent wage increase at a time when player wages weren't that higher than the man in the street - I believe.

Deano was from Leeds and again although Leeds weren't doing much, they were still a huge club and again we didn't have to accept the bid but Deano wanted to test himself at one of the big boys and as much as I hate saying it, Leeds in those days were one of the biggest in the country. I don't ever blame Deano for leaving but yes it does mean the likes of Woody are extra special for staying all their career.