Your greatest BLADES squad?

[PandaCola]

Cowans was an European Cup winner, Rioch wasnt

Fair point. I forgot how long he'd been around. I would keep Rioch as he was a key member of an international team so strong, his manager thought they would win the 78 world cup.

My main memory of Rioch's time at the Lane was an interview about why he came on loan. He heard about the approach and said he came because if he wasn't playing on the Saturday- he would have to take his kids to see Superman.

 

[Kenilworth]

He heard about the approach and said he came because if he wasn't playing on the Saturday- he would have to take his kids to see Superman.

Whatever way you look at it that a pretty Lane excuse

 

[Silent Blade]

Not questioning your memory at all its just my opinion but Hope was not in the same class as Mcallister, Brown, Kelly possibly Tracey, Burridge was good but essentric, Kenney made great saves but didnt command his box, Hodgy was folklore.


I would put Hope in the same catorgory as Nicky Johns

The big difference between Johns and Hope is that Johns never played one good game, and Hope played several good games in 1971. Lets talk about 1971 alone, how many bad games did Hope play in? I can only think of the 5-0 defeat at West Ham. Can you think of any more to back your argument instead of "ask other Blades"?

 

[Silent Blade]

Fair point. I forgot how long he'd been around. I would keep Rioch as he was a key member of an international team so strong, his manager thought they would win the 78 world cup.

My main memory of Rioch's time at the Lane was an interview about why he came on loan. He heard about the approach and said he came because if he wasn't playing on the Saturday- he would have to take his kids to see Superman.

I remember going to the 2-0 defeat at bottom of the table Blackburn in April 1979. It was a poor match and the worst player on the field was Rioch. A few days later we hammered Notts County 5-1 and Rioch was my MOTM! A few days later we won 3-1 at Newcastle but I think Haslam decided to return Rioch back to Derby after the 4-0 and 6-2 defeats to Cardiff and Sunderland respectively

 

[judge]

This is my team

1 man
2 man
3 man
4 man
5 man
6 man
7 man
8 man
9 man
10 man
11 man

A team of man more man than men

 

[WestEd]

Hope
Badger
Hemsley
Flynn
Colquhoun
Hockey
Woodward
Salmons
Deardon
Currie
Scullion

Showing my age here .......

Switch out Hope and put in Hodgy and you are on to a winner

Going way back we'd have to make room for Joe Shaw and Jimmy Hagen.

 

[Mad Mick]

GK. McAllister

RB. Badger
CB. Jagielka
CB. Colquhoun
LB. Hemsley

RW. Woodward
CM. Hockey
CM. Currie
LW. Whitehouse

CF. Dearden
CF. Deane

Subs:

Kelly
Edwards
Stancliffe
Brown
Agana
C. Morris
Salmons

Similar to mine, although I'd have Hodgey or Kelly in goal.
Joe Shaw instead of Colquhoun but its close.
Gil Reece left wing
Mick Jones up front with Deane.

 

[Hodgyman]

It is obvious you watched the Blades from 1972. In 1971, Hope had a poor game only once in 1971 and that was in the 5-0 League Cup defeat at West Ham

And I suppose he had a blinder against Arsenal the same year :-(

The worst GK I have ever seen for United, thankfully I never saw Baxter.

 

[Silent Blade]

And I suppose he had a blinder against Arsenal the same year :-(

The worst GK I have ever seen for United, thankfully I never saw Baxter.

Another narrow-minded response. The 5-0 home defeat to Arsenal was in 1972 not in 1971. In fact Hope did play against Arsenal 3 times in 1971 and all were clean sheets for him. 1-0 at Highbury in August (Scullion scored). 0-0 at Highbury in the League Cup in October and 2-0 (Woodward and Reece) in the Legue Cup replay at BDTBL in November. Now you realise that it wasnt bright of you to say "And I suppose he had a blinder against Arsenal the same year ".

 

[Hodgyman]

Mine would be:

Hodgkinson (Naturally)
Len Badger (Classiest RB)
Graham Shaw (Classiest LB)
Joe Shaw (seemingly psychic sweeper)
Phil Jagielka (a legend still in the making)
Denis Mortimer(pure class, even at the age he was with us)
Trevor Hockey (Midfield destroyer/ ball winner)
Tony Currie (no comments required, he could "walk on water")
Alan Woodward( awesome winger, striker and midfielder)
Brian Deane ( possibly the best £15K buy ever)
Mick Jones (local boy, big, strong, brave and skillful)

Subs
Tom McAllister ( United career curtailed with serious injuries, otherwise the stuff of would-be legend)
Peter Ndlovu (Sharpest ball skills ever seen in a United Shirt)
Jimmy Hagan (an obvious legend but I only saw him in testimonials)
Alex Sabella (much too good for the players that he has round him at the time for us to benefit fully from his talent)

I have seen other legends (elsewhere) at our club, but mostly past their best by the time that they came here such as Thomson & Rush (ex Liverpool), wee Jimmy Johnston (Celtic), McGrath ( Man U & Villa), Gordon Cowans, and Martin Peters to name a few. They would certainly figure had they played for us in their peak

This list is obviously just an opinion, but a considered one at that

PS How many of the above would we need to make the current team worth watching?

 

[Hodgyman]

Another narrow-minded response. The 5-0 home defeat to Arsenal was in 1972 not in 1971. In fact Hope did play against Arsenal 3 times in 1971 and all were clean sheets for him. 1-0 at Highbury in August (Scullion scored). 0-0 at Highbury in the League Cup in October and 2-0 (Woodward and Reece) in the Legue Cup replay at BDTBL in November. Now you realise that it wasnt bright of you to say "And I suppose he had a blinder against Arsenal the same year ".

I apologise for getting the year wrong, perhaps it's just old age clouding my memory.

I don't regret saying that he was the worst goalkeeper though

 

[Silent Blade]

Mine would be:

Hodgkinson (Naturally)
Len Badger (Classiest RB)
Graham Shaw (Classiest LB)
Joe Shaw (seemingly psychic sweeper)
Phil Jagielka (a legend still in the making)
Denis Mortimer(pure class, even at the age he was with us)
Trevor Hockey (Midfield destroyer/ ball winner)
Tony Currie (no comments required, he could "walk on water")
Alan Woodward( awesome winger, striker and midfielder)
Brian Deane ( possibly the best £15K buy ever)
Mick Jones (local boy, big, strong, brave and skillful)

Subs
Tom McAllister ( United career curtailed with serious injuries, otherwise the stuff of would-be legend)
Peter Ndlovu (Sharpest ball skills ever seen in a United Shirt)
Jimmy Hagan (an obvious legend but I only saw him in testimonials)
Alex Sabella (much too good for the players that he has round him at the time for us to benefit fully from his talent)

I have seen other legends (elsewhere) at our club, but mostly past their best by the time that they came here such as Thomson & Rush (ex Liverpool), wee Jimmy Johnston (Celtic), McGrath ( Man U & Villa), Gordon Cowans, and Martin Peters to name a few. They would certainly figure had they played for us in their peak

This list is obviously just an opinion, but a considered one at that

PS How many of the above would we need to make the current team worth watching?

Very good team but on one exception, I didnt think Dennis Mortimer played well for us

 

[brownie4583]

My greatest Blades squad would be(from 1977) - Alan Kelly(GK),Chris Short(RB),Wilf Rostron(LB),Gary Ablett(CH),Phil Jagielka (CH),Alan Woodward(RM),Michael Brown(CM),Tony Currie (CM),Peter Beagrie(LM),Brian Deane(CF),Keith Edwards(CF).
Subs-
Paddy Kenny(G)
Tony Kenworthy(D)
Kyle Naughton(D)
Mark Patterson(M)
Colin Morris(M)
Carl Bradshaw(M)
Tony Agana(F)
Dean Saunders(F)

Manager - Steve Bruce or Dave Bassett

 

[Racy]

The big difference between Johns and Hope is that Johns never played one good game, and Hope played several good games in 1971. Lets talk about 1971 alone, how many bad games did Hope play in? I can only think of the 5-0 defeat at West Ham. Can you think of any more to back your argument instead of "ask other Blades"?

Hope had probably one of the best back fours ever assembled at the Lane in front of him
Len B, Eddie C, John Flynn, Ted H.
In 70/71.what a start to the season who wouldn't play well what I do remember about Hope is when a cross came over your heart was in your mouth probably can say the same for Long and Kenny

 

[Silent Blade]

Hope had probably one of the best back fours ever assembled at the Lane in front of him
Len B, Eddie C, John Flynn, Ted H.
In 70/71.what a start to the season who wouldn't play well what I do remember about Hope is when a cross came over your heart was in your mouth probably can say the same for Long and Kenny

Dave Powell was better than John Flynn who has never made at least 30 appearances in any one of his 10 seasons at BDTBL. Flynn was good in the air, good at tackling, and was a tight marker but he rarely had the confidence to play the ball out of defence and would play safe back passes to the keeper (in those days keepers were allowed to pick up back passes). We had a poor start to the 1970/71 season. Lost 3-1 at Orient, won 2-1 at home to Swindon, lost 1-0 at Norwich, drew 1-1 at Cardiff, drew 3-3 at home to Bristol City.

 

[BladeFisher]

Hope had probably one of the best back fours ever assembled at the Lane in front of him
Len B, Eddie C, John Flynn, Ted H.
In 70/71.what a start to the season who wouldn't play well what I do remember about Hope is when a cross came over your heart was in your mouth probably can say the same for Long and Kenny

In 70/71 we didn't get a fantastic start to the season. I remember the 3-3 against Bistol City when we were right down and Woody I think rescued us.

It started to turn around after that. And that great night at Fratton Park. Still my favoitrite away game. First ever. 0-0 at half time and we thumped the Pompey scumbags 5-1. Never liked Portsmouth, the place is a dump anyway and coming then from the Isle of Wight I knew a lot of Pompey fans.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

Similar to mine, although I'd have Hodgey or Kelly in goal.
Joe Shaw instead of Colquhoun but its close.
Gil Reece left wing
Mick Jones up front with Deane.

I had to pick only those I saw. Hodgy was just before my time, Joe Shaw a good bit before and Mick Jones was a Leeds player, but on that evidence alone better than Dearden. Gil Reece was one I only saw in a few games. As for the keeper, Kelly was great but if McAllister had not got injured he would have been one of the best. As it was he showed enough to get the slot for me.

 

[anglian blade]

I think Racy meant 71/72 - I am pretty sure Hodgy was still in goal in 70/71. Hope was OK but definitely not of the standard of either Hodgkinson, or McAllistair.

 

[Racy]

Dave Powell was better than John Flynn who has never made at least 30 appearances in any one of his 10 seasons at BDTBL. Flynn was good in the air, good at tackling, and was a tight marker but he rarely had the confidence to play the ball out of defence and would play safe back passes to the keeper (in those days keepers were allowed to pick up back passes). We had a poor start to the 1970/71 season. Lost 3-1 at Orient, won 2-1 at home to Swindon, lost 1-0 at Norwich, drew 1-1 at Cardiff, drew 3-3 at home to Bristol City.

Sorry I meant 71/72 when Man utd halted the run

 

[ZoneManWilf]

Mine would be:

Hodgkinson (Naturally)
Len Badger (Classiest RB)
Graham Shaw (Classiest LB)
Joe Shaw (seemingly psychic sweeper)
Phil Jagielka (a legend still in the making)
Denis Mortimer(pure class, even at the age he was with us)
Trevor Hockey (Midfield destroyer/ ball winner)
Tony Currie (no comments required, he could "walk on water")
Alan Woodward( awesome winger, striker and midfielder)
Brian Deane ( possibly the best £15K buy ever)
Mick Jones (local boy, big, strong, brave and skillful)

Subs
Tom McAllister ( United career curtailed with serious injuries, otherwise the stuff of would-be legend)
Peter Ndlovu (Sharpest ball skills ever seen in a United Shirt)
Jimmy Hagan (an obvious legend but I only saw him in testimonials)
Alex Sabella (much too good for the players that he has round him at the time for us to benefit fully from his talent)

I have seen other legends (elsewhere) at our club, but mostly past their best by the time that they came here such as Thomson & Rush (ex Liverpool), wee Jimmy Johnston (Celtic), McGrath ( Man U & Villa), Gordon Cowans, and Martin Peters to name a few. They would certainly figure had they played for us in their peak

This list is obviously just an opinion, but a considered one at that

PS How many of the above would we need to make the current team worth watching?

1

Brian Deane

 

[VespaBlade]

I'd replace Cowans with European Cup winning captain Dennis Mortimer

I remember being at the lane and the pa announced our new signing "Dennis Mortimer"

I thought he said Dennis Waterman...... Took me ages to figure it out

 

[Darren]

I think Racy meant 71/72 - I am pretty sure Hodgy was still in goal in 70/71. Hope was OK but definitely not of the standard of either Hodgkinson, or McAllistair.

Hope was signed in Jan 71 to take over from the aging Hodgkinson. He played the last 17 games of the 70-71 season and only conceded 9 goals (and only 2 in the last 10 games), so he must have had something about him.

 

[Mad Mick]

I apologise for getting the year wrong, perhaps it's just old age clouding my memory.

I don't regret saying that he was the worst goalkeeper though

Surely you saw Bob Widdowson!
He was Hodgys no 2. Didn't play very often, as Hodgy was ever present, but he was my worst ever keeper.

 

[Silent Blade]

Hope was signed in Jan 71 to take over from the aging Hodgkinson. He played the last 17 games of the 70-71 season and only conceded 9 goals (and only 2 in the last 10 games), so he must have had something about him.

Thank you Darren. It is sad that some prefer to remember what Hope was like in 1972 rather than in 1971. Harris did make the right decision in signing a big keeper in Jan 1971 but some fans forget that. You mentioned that Hope conceded 2 goals in the last 10 games. The goal at Middlesbrough was hotly disputed by Harris, the SUFC players and the newspaper reporters because a Boro player knocked Hope over as he was about to make a catch and John Hickton (ex-Wendy) equalised for Boro. The goal against Cardiff was deflected off Trevor Hockey's back and no keeper would have saved it.

 

[Darren]

Thank you Darren. It is sad that some prefer to remember what Hope was like in 1972 rather than in 1971. Harris did make the right decision in signing a big keeper in Jan 1971 but some fans forget that. You mentioned that Hope conceded 2 goals in the last 10 games. The goal at Middlesbrough was hotly disputed by Harris, the SUFC players and the newspaper reporters because a Boro player knocked Hope over as he was about to make a catch and John Hickton (ex-Wendy) equalised for Boro. The goal against Cardiff was deflected off Trevor Hockey's back and no keeper would have saved it.

Indeed. Its also worth noting that between the 2-2 draw at QPR on 13/3/71 and that Boro game on 24/4/71, Hope had 7 clean sheets in a row, which must be a record or close to it.

 

[Silent Blade]

Indeed. Its also worth noting that between the 2-2 draw at QPR on 13/3/71 and that Boro game on 24/4/71, Hope had 7 clean sheets in a row, which must be a record or close to it.

I remember his brilliant diving one handed save against Gordon Harris' shot in our 1-0 win against Sunderland also his full length diving catch from a header by a Birmingham player in our 3-0 win. He made a series of saves in the 0-0 draw against Norwich and The People paper gave him a 9 in the players ratings

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

...and in all this arguing you've all forgot John Connaughton, arriving I think in 1972!

 

[Silent Blade]

...and in all this arguing you've all forgot John Connaughton, arriving I think in 1972!

He joined us in Summer 1973. He played in goal for Man U against us at BDTBL in the 1-1 draw in April 1972 and he played well that night. He was below average when he played for us between October 1973 (after McAlister broke his leg) and January 1974 (John Hope returned to the side after a long recovery from a knee op). Jim Brown joined us on transfer deadline day. In 1973-74 season we had 4 goalkeepers

 

[Hodgyman]

A wise old man (my dad) told me that goalkeepers should be judged on the goals that he lets in, not the saves that he makes. He knew a bit about goalkeeping himself.

 

[Kentblade]

He scored my favourite Utd goal at Southend in div 4. Hamson was good and close ,Sabella was all style but no substance.

Remember that goal, brilliant.
UTB