Who was there
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Tinhatter
Roofer
was there with the Marquis lads, travelled there and back on the footy special, arrived home in a bit of a state ,the Eurovision was on-lulu ?- quick change then back to town for a few more.
ElmetFox
Roofer
I was there.
WBA were the cup holders and had some good players, Astle, Hope, Clark. Like most pitches at that time, it was a mudbath. We were in the Leppings Lane end but I do not remember it as being particularly crowded. We were overrun in the First half, but they could not score and as the game went on the tide turned. I have a vivid memory of the ref, Ray Tinkler, shouting "Ten yards Clarke" when our forward didn't retreat. No idea why, but I didn't think the refs knew the players names. Before the end of the game the huge scoreboard behind the open kop (you could see the trains on the hill in the distance) announced that Highland Wedding had won the Grand National.
The winning goal was out of nothing. Malcolm Manley, I think he might have been a sub (for Lenny ?) swung over a free kick from the left touchline, Lochead flicked it on, and Clarke rolled it in. Cue bedlam, as it was very near the end.
At that time the cups were our main concern, and we had had good runs in both in the sixties. The League that season was a disaster, though. We broke the transfer record to sign Clarke, we had a great start to the season thumping League Champions Man City 3-0 at Filbert St, but after that it went downhill, a bit like the Great Escape season. Matt Gillies was sacked after we lost 7 - 0 at Everton. And in 1969 there was no happy ending, losing the Cup final and getting relegated. This was my first experience of relegation, we had been in the First Division for ten years, actually the longest period in all my time watching them.
But Hillsborough was one of the great moments of my time as a supporter. It has been a lucky ground for us. Mrs E (five feet 0 inches) was searched by the South Yorkshire plod before our 7 - 1 League Cup thrashing, but we had a good record against the Owls and of course there was the League Cup win in 1997.
Thanks Gerry. Happy days.
WBA were the cup holders and had some good players, Astle, Hope, Clark. Like most pitches at that time, it was a mudbath. We were in the Leppings Lane end but I do not remember it as being particularly crowded. We were overrun in the First half, but they could not score and as the game went on the tide turned. I have a vivid memory of the ref, Ray Tinkler, shouting "Ten yards Clarke" when our forward didn't retreat. No idea why, but I didn't think the refs knew the players names. Before the end of the game the huge scoreboard behind the open kop (you could see the trains on the hill in the distance) announced that Highland Wedding had won the Grand National.
The winning goal was out of nothing. Malcolm Manley, I think he might have been a sub (for Lenny ?) swung over a free kick from the left touchline, Lochead flicked it on, and Clarke rolled it in. Cue bedlam, as it was very near the end.
At that time the cups were our main concern, and we had had good runs in both in the sixties. The League that season was a disaster, though. We broke the transfer record to sign Clarke, we had a great start to the season thumping League Champions Man City 3-0 at Filbert St, but after that it went downhill, a bit like the Great Escape season. Matt Gillies was sacked after we lost 7 - 0 at Everton. And in 1969 there was no happy ending, losing the Cup final and getting relegated. This was my first experience of relegation, we had been in the First Division for ten years, actually the longest period in all my time watching them.
But Hillsborough was one of the great moments of my time as a supporter. It has been a lucky ground for us. Mrs E (five feet 0 inches) was searched by the South Yorkshire plod before our 7 - 1 League Cup thrashing, but we had a good record against the Owls and of course there was the League Cup win in 1997.
Thanks Gerry. Happy days.
borebage53
Knife & Fork pending
211 of us on the platform at Hinckley Station early morning. There was a photo taken in 2 halves. I think Jimmy ‘Aitch’ had them last!
FirenzeFox
Roofer
Stood in the Leppings Lane end that day. Celebrated with egg and chips in the Pond St bus station cafe. What chance a Wembley ticket ??
Lucky for me my card was a winner in the ballot. Little did I know.........
Lucky for me my card was a winner in the ballot. Little did I know.........
kendalfox
Roofer
Remember that home game George when Ali Brown made his debut scored twice was it the last home game of the Season remember us struggling to stay in the League just after the Final
Sohofox
Roofer
There was another home game, Mick.
Everton. Couldn't go. We lived in Lower Hastings Street (now Tigers Way) on the route from the station to the ground.
The Everton lads bricked our windows.
My former Mrs was very upset. Had to stay and console her and sort things out.
Hampshirefox
Roofer
I was 11 and listened to the second half radio commentary sat in the back of my Dad's car. I remember being so nervous and barely moving until Clarke struck the late winner. What a feeling that was. You think you might grow out of it but you never do!
Bruin
Roofer
Us too. 'Zact same spot. Just like exiting the Kop. Feet didn't touch the ground on exit; unbelievably surrounded by 100s of 40+ yo blokes singing their heads off (We Shall Not Be Moved). A new experience for me.
You did. You're 6'5" at least. - But are you taller then 5'9" when you jump?
BLUE ARMY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bnet
Roofer
l stood in that bit, right at the front of the raised bit. I nearly chucked another kid at the side of me over the barrier when we scored. I even remember what clothes l had on. What a day.
The 3-0 game was brilliant, we went in their end then ran across the pitch to where most of the city fans were. They decided to join us on the pitch and go back to their end but the OB stopped that. Nishes goal is the best I've ever seen. Loads of trouble afterwards as well. This made the papers about the fans on the pitch.
Sammy George
Roofer
I was there but stood in the Kop. I have no idea why we had tickets in the West Brom end
LGFOX
Roofer
I remember we were sitting at the end of the new cantilever stand, very near to our lot in the Leppings lane. My grandad proudly told me how this new design was the future with no posts to restrict views.
( Selhurst Park 2022. Aaaaah) I remember how different it was in that the seats went right down to the front unlike everywhere else that had terracing in front of the stand.
Hillsborough was indeed a very futuristic ground but with a major flaw that everyone in authority chose to ignore with as we know deadly consequences.
Leppings Lane in 69 was obviously full to capacity. Was it particularly crowded in the middle and was it dangerous to get into through the tunnel. I suspect though that it wasn’t penned like in 89 or was it?
( Selhurst Park 2022. Aaaaah) I remember how different it was in that the seats went right down to the front unlike everywhere else that had terracing in front of the stand.
Hillsborough was indeed a very futuristic ground but with a major flaw that everyone in authority chose to ignore with as we know deadly consequences.
Leppings Lane in 69 was obviously full to capacity. Was it particularly crowded in the middle and was it dangerous to get into through the tunnel. I suspect though that it wasn’t penned like in 89 or was it?
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SK24U
Roofer
Not quite 5 but got a programme as well!
It wasn't penned in those days. Don't recall it being overcrowded but I was in the corner. Number of tickets sold would presumably have been based on capacity.
Nickj
Roofer
That’s was the same for me as well, always remember all these old (40 years olds) !! singing we should not be moved.
I was fourteen!
FirenzeFox
Roofer
From where you were seated I was standing on the Leppings Lane terrace two thirds back from the near goalpost. It was very crowded in the middle section though no problems getting in as I arrived early and chose what I thought was a good place to stand. It became a bit uncomfortable by kick off. However, going through the tunnel after the game was frightening. I have never experienced such a crush before, nor since. Being over six feet tall helped a little. I never went near that tunnel again on subsequent visits.
AFCDorset
Roofer
I was in the Leppings Lane terrace, near to the corner flag on the left looking towards the pitch.
Just before kick off a big, old fashioned copper came down to our corner, asked if we were going to cause any trouble.
No, we all shouted, great he said, I shall stay here then. Helped to organise getting a few kids to the front, chatted and joined in the 'fun', a genuinely positive presence.
Hard to imagine these days. One of the best memories of the day.
Just before kick off a big, old fashioned copper came down to our corner, asked if we were going to cause any trouble.
No, we all shouted, great he said, I shall stay here then. Helped to organise getting a few kids to the front, chatted and joined in the 'fun', a genuinely positive presence.
Hard to imagine these days. One of the best memories of the day.