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Home , Christophe Dugarry, Geoff Horsfield, Ian Bennett (footballer), Lee Carsley, Maik Taylor, Mick Harford

NEWSLETTER feb 2018 ISSUE 18

THIS MONTH A Word From The Chairman Interview with The 250 Club Gala Dinner Blues All Stars A Word From The Chairman Tom Ross

It was amazing to receive an on 5 October. The night was contacts and we look forward to email from a family member of fantastic and there were some working with him further. one of our former players with many stories from them both some news that warmed the about their amazing careers. The Finally on a sad note, I would like heart. evening was also a platform for to say how shocked and saddened Tony to launch his autobiography we were to hear of the news that The son of Jackie Stewart ‘There To Be Shot At’ which is former legendary West Bromwich contacted me to inform us that available to buy now. We home to Albion, Coventry, Wolves, Villa and Jackie has been inducted into the confirm more of these events in England striker Cyrille Regis had Raith Rovers Hall of Fame for not the near future, so make sure you passed away at the young age of only for his career at Rovers but keep a look out for the dates on 59. for his time at City. the FPA’s Facebook and Twitter What an awesome gesture by accounts. Cyrille never played for Blues, but Raith Rovers. he was a regular guest at many One of our jobs at the FPA is of our events. A top player and Jackie joined Blues in 1948 to provide the Club with former more importantly a top man, Cyrille becoming one of the most players on a matchday. The role fought racism and won. expensive players at that time for consists of visiting the corporate a fee of £8,000. Jackie helped hospitality lounges and bars as Our thoughts are with his wife Julia Blues win promotion and he well as doing an on the pitch and his family at this sad time. RIP finished his spell at Blues with 218 interview at half-time. In recent Cyrille! appearances, scoring 57 goals. games, we’ve been very lucky Sadly, Jackie died in 1990 but to welcome back two former we’d like to give a huge thank you players who sadly can’t get to St. to Raith Rovers for his recognition. Andrew’s as much as they’d like! Former striker Kevin Francis, who Late last year, the FPA contacted is now a policeman in Canada, the Club about hosting a 250 Club made one of his rare visits, whilst Dinner to honour those players former half-back and Welsh who had played at least 250 for International Terry Hennessey also Blues. The Club’s Commercial attended a game. For full details Director Ian Dutton immediately on how to take part, visit the back agreed to help and along with the page. FPA we created an evening that was am amazing success. Visit The FPA also has an exciting page four for more details. announcement to make and I would like to welcome Ian Dutton Also in October we held a Q&A who has agreed to join the FPA with former goalkeeper Tony Committee. Ian brings a wealth of Coton and former striker Mick commercial experience to us with Harford at Peachy Keens, Yardley his boundless enthusiasm and Cyrille Regis

Contents CONTACTS A WORD FROM Former Players Association Tom Ross Chairman Birmingham City Football Club, THE CHAIRMAN Page 2 E-mail: [email protected] St. Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham, B9 4RL AN INTERVIEW WITH Kevan Broadhurst Committee member Tel: 0121 202 5291 / 0121 202 5210 E-mail: [email protected] 0844 557 1975 PAUL DEVLIN Page 3 Mob: 07976 408 623 Fax: E-Mail: [email protected] THE 250 CLUB MalcolmDean Holtham Page CommitteeCommittee MemberMember E-mail: [email protected]@bcfc.com Web: www.bcfclegends.co.uk GALA DINNER Page 4 Mob: 0791307904 695579985964 Facebook: Birmingham-City-Former-Players-Association BLUES ALL STARS Page 6 Twitter: twitter.com/BCFC_FORMER

2 Tel: 0121 202 5291 / 0121 202 5210 E-Mail: [email protected] A Word From Paul Devlin The Chairman 137 Apps 35 Goals 1996-1998, 2001-2002

Why are you a Blues fan? at the time). I didn’t hear anything for weeks so I spoke to Johnno Because of my dad. Celtic were again who said had the first club I got interested in but cooled on the idea of signing me. in 1990 my uncle started taking me I had told I wanted down the Blues and I was hooked. to return to Blues and now had One of my first Blues heroes was to go back and say I was staying Frank Worthington - I always after all and he put me back in the wanted to play like Frank - and I am team. But almost immediately I was still trying. loaned out to Blues, which quickly How did you come to join Blues? turned into a permanent deal. It was a fantastic time reaching the I was at Notts County when my Play-Off Final and scoring one of former Magpies team mate Michael the penalties that got Blues back Johnson called and said Barry to the top flight. I got emotional Fry wanted to sign me. Barry did on the pitch that day and still get a deal for me and emotional every time I see a clip saying ‘Leggy can throw it to big or hear commentary of that day. Kevin Francis’. The deal was for I think David Sullivan played a £500,000, I was valued at 100k and big part in getting me back to St. Leggy for 400K. I wonder who had Andrew’s. a sell on clause in his contract from his non-league days. How special was playing in the ? Do you remember your debut? The Premier League was amazing In fact I remember the whole week. and I am proud to have scored My debut was against the first Premier league goal at whom I had played against for St. Andrew’s, which was against County and gave Andy Melville Leeds. The two games against Villa the run around, scoring twice. I will always live in my memory. I was acting a bit big time in the started in the first game and was dressing room saying how I was on the bench for the second. looking forward to playing against Melville etc. We lost 1-0 and Who was your toughest Melville scored the winner - that opponent? taught me a valuable lesson. My It has to be and I second game was against Wolves played against him at a time when and I scored both goals in a 2-0 defenders got a free one against win. So a memorable week. In you before the referee took any the Blues squad were Samways, notice. It was tough. Ashley Cole Breen, Castle, Hunt, Ward, Bennett, was another defender who was Finnan and Johnson to name but also difficult to get the better of. a few. Who was the best player you How did you come to leave? played with? had taken over as was amazing manager and I think I scored 19 because he was such a skilful, goals in my first , but I knew talented footballer. Jonathan Hunt he didn’t fancy me as a player. I was also a great footballer who had spoken to him and told him I was two footed and scored goals. wanted pay parity with players like He was just fantastic to play with. but he didn’t agree. I have to say I did not want to leave, While at Blues you got your but off I went to team up with Neil international call up? Warnock at United. It was a very proud moment when I How did your second spell at was called into the Scotland squad Blues Happen? by Berti Vogts. I played ten times, but it could have been different Once again Johnno was on the because Mick McCarthy wanted phone saying Steve Bruce wanted me to play for the Republic of to sign me when he arrived at St. Ireland. It was a wonderful moment Andrew’s, but I had just signed and my dad was so proud when I a four-year deal (SB was on played for Scotland at Hampden Birmingham-City-Former-Players-Association gardening leave at Crystal Palace Park.

3 Events SPONSORED BY the 250 Club gala dinner 29 september 2017 The Former Players Association has put on many events in partnership with the Football Club but our 250 club event on 29 September 2017 was without doubt one of our best. The atmosphere was truly amazing and the never to be forgotten night provided those lucky fans in attendance the opportunity to honour those 36 players who are part of the 250 Club. The 36 players are:

4 Tel: 0121 202 5291 / 0121 202 5210 E-Mail: [email protected] To commemorate everyone inaugurate some of the 250 Club who has made at least 250 members into the FPA Hall of appearances, 36 players were Fame. Ray Martin, Geoff Vowden, made members of the prestigious Gordon Astall, Malcolm Beard, 250 Club by inscribing their names John Frain, , Michael on a plaque in the Legends’ Johnson and are Lounge, St. Andrew’s. Sadly, only now honoured in the Hall of Fame Trevor Francis, Malcolm Page, with photos adorning the Legends’ Garry Pendrey, Joe Gallagher, Ray Lounge walls. Martin, Geoff Vowden, John Frain, Also on the night, the ten players Ian Bennett, Michael Johnson, in attendance held a Q&A with Bryan Hughes, Martin Grainger, FPA Chairman Tom Ross sharing Malcolm Beard and Gordan Astall their favourite stories from their are still with us and they were each careers and there was an auction presented with an engraved crystal that raised a fantastic amount for trophy. Due to personal reasons the FPA. however, Trevor Francis, Malcolm Beard and Gordon Astall were In total, £3,000 was donated and unable to make the evening and the money will be used to buy they’ve all received their crystal. special equipment for disabled children and kits for junior football As well as recognising the 250 teams. Club, the FPA used the evening to Blues All Stars Results Fixture Jae Martin clinched the victory with Coventry), Dean Holtham (ex Swansea), 1 Chelmsley Town XI almost the last kick of the match after and Micky Clarke (ex ) with 3 Blues All Stars Dennis Bailey had earlier missed a further guest appearances from Carl penalty. Hooper and Craig Gill. Date: Sun 27 Aug Venue: Chelmsley Town FC As well as the aforementioned three As well as Horsfield there were goals for old boys in royal blue there were also Carsley, Storer, Kenna and a debut effort Stuart Storer rolled back the years and appearances from Robert Hopkins, Paul from Till and another goal for Gill bagged a brace as the All Stars creaked Devlin, , Jeff Kenna, Another fantastic effort from the All Stars back into action at Chelmsley Wood. Stuart Storer and Kevan Broadhurst. with nine old boys in royal blue appearing After a short summer break the boys There were also appearances from and putting in a tremendous shift with once again pulled on the royal blue shirt former professionals Dave Busst some outstanding football ensuring for a great cause and racked up a hard- (ex Coventry), Tony Capaldi (ex a fitting tribute was paid to Joseph fought 3-1 win against a Chelmsley Town Cardiff), Micky Clarke (ex Barnsley), McDonald. XI. Marcus Bignot (ex QPR) with further appearances from Craig Gill and Andy Fixture Storer, who was sold to Everton with Penney. 2 Arbury Motors XI Wayne Clarke back in the eighties 3 Blues All Stars after playing in the top flight with Blues, Tom Ross was once again at the helm opened his account for the campaign directing operations from the dugout as Date: Sun 12 November with a couple of strikes and a Nicky he wonders when he is finally going to Venue: Austin Sports & Social Club, Eaden screamer saw Blues home despite get the call from the board for the full Longbridge time job after his win ratio record!!! a late consolation for the hosts. Remembrance Day was suitably noted As ever at this venue there was a healthy Another successful day for the All Stars with a fantastic game of football that saw crowd and it was a great turnout of who saw off determined opposition on a the All Stars edge home in a five-goal former Blues with six former players on day where a huge amount of money was thriller. show. raised for a very worthy cause. On what has become an annual fixture As well as Storer and Eaden, Dele Fixture for the old boys in Royal Blue, the Last Adebola, Dave Barnett, Robert Hopkins Post was impeccably observed as 2 JM8 XI money was raised for the Armed Forces/ and an All Stars debut for eighties centre 6 Blues All Stars half Matthew Fox ensured a great day Help For Heroes with another excellent out for supporters. Date: Sun 22 Oct turnout at the Austin Sports & Social Venue: Highgate United FC Club. There were further appearances from Daryl Burgess (ex West Brom), Dean Feed the Horse and he will score was No fewer than ten former Blues players Holtham (ex Swansea), Micky Clarke (ex heard once again at Highgate as Geoff donned the shirt for a very worthwhile Barnsley and Marcus Bignot (ex QPR). Horsfield was on target for the boys in cause once more with Tom Ross pulling Blue. the strings from the dugout. Current U23 boss Richard Beale also played along with former British However, the Horse’s hamstrings aren’t Geoff Horsfield rolled back the years as Middleweight champion Wayne Elcock quite what they used to be and after a he reminded Villa fans of the day he kept a clean sheet at between the and Tom Nolan between the sticks. nine-minute cameo, including a goal, the former striker limped off into the bar! sticks as he donned the goalkeeper’s Tom Ross was once again in charge of jersey! operations from the dugout and the boys This was a particularly poignant fixture He made some tidy saves but was celebrated in eighties fashion in the bar for the All Stars as it was in memory of Joseph McDonald who tragically lost his beaten twice, however a Howard afterwards! life in an accident while at work at Land Forinton brace and a poacher’s effort Rover. from Nicky Eaden saw the old boys in Fixture blue over the line. 0 DHL XI It was well attended and played in a 2 Blues All Stars fantastic sport as the All Stars, once As well as that trio of former players again led from the dugout by Tom Ross, there were also appearances from Date: Sun 1 Oct recorded a fine 6-2 win to maintain their Robert Hopkins, Peter Till, Stuart Storer, Venue: Boldmere St Michael’s FC 100% record this term. Dennis Bailey, Jae Martin, Jeff Kenna and a seasonal debut for Guy Russell. Blues All Stars scored two last-gasp As well as Horsfield, Howard Forinton goals to maintain their 100% record after was also in the wars and he did a swap Former professionals Marcus Bignot (ex a pulsating clash with a DHL XI. with who started in goal and QPR and former Blues Ladies manager) played up front with Forinton making the and Dean Holtham (ex Swansea) It was a cracking morning of football and switch the other way. appeared along with Richard Beale a huge sum of money was raised for the (Blues U23 manager) and Ian Jones (ex John Taylor Hospice (over £3,000) with There were also appearances from apprentice) a special mention to match sponsor Rod former Blues stars Robert Hopkins, Gifford who contributed £1,000 towards Stuart Storer, Jeff Kenna, , The All Stars now wind down for that total. Dele Adebola and debutant Peter Till Christmas until their annual Xmas bash in who made his inaugural ‘proper’ first Brum….as long as they have recovered Boldmere St. Michael’s pitch was in great team appearance back in 2005. they will be wheeled out again in the nick and nine former Blues stars donned Spring for further games for fantastic the shirt and Howard Forinton celebrated Current Chester City manager and causes. his man of the match champagne by former Blues apprentice Marcus opening the scoring with a minute to go. Bignot appeared as did Dave Busst (ex Events Back to the 80’s with TC & Big Mick The latest in our series of forums featuring ex working with at Watford and Sir players saw & entertain at Manchester United, two men an enthusiastic crowd of Bluenoses at Peachy who he obviously has great respect for. He also Keens in Yardley, an event which coincided with spent time having photographs taken & signing the launch of Tony’s book “There to be shot at”. copies of his autobiography which were being snapped up by most of the fans present. Following on from our previous successful events featuring a number of former players, the evening Mick had some very interesting anecdotes to which was again expertly hosted by Tom Ross share, including one tale that included many ex proved to be great entertainment. As expected footballer’s names used as rhyming slang. Suffice most of the chat revolved around the lad’s time at to say that although very amusing it was suitable St Andrews, though more general football related for a private audience only and not exactly fit for topics were also raised by the audience. publication! It was inevitable that the 1983 derby game at Villa The evening also included a Blues memorabilia Park would be raised at some stage, and their raffle, which helped raise funds for the FPA. All in memories of events that day proved particularly all it proved to be a very enjoyable and successful entertaining and certainly well received by the evening. audience. If any of you would like to participate in future As you would expect many of their former team forums please give me a shout, 07540 743381 mates were prominent in discussions regarding or [email protected]. this era, with the names of Robert Hopkins & Mark Dennis cropping up more regularly than most! Cheers & KRO Tony was happy to share his experience of Pete Hall Matchday Activity at St. Andrew’s want to be a host? We are looking for former players to help with corporate hospitality at the fixtures listed below. Matches will be allocated on a first come, first served basis with a match free or overnight accommodation provided. It would be fantastic to see some new faces join the seasoned campaigners who regularly attend and entertain. To book the game of your choice contact Sophia on 0121 202 5229, or speak to any of the committee members. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

UPCOMING FIXTURES FEBRUARY Sat 17 MILLWALL (ko 3pm) Bobby Thompson Sat 24 BARNSLEY (ko 3pm)

MARCH Tue 06 (ko 7.45pm) Jon McCarthy Sat 17 HULL CITY (ko 3pm) Available Sat 31 IPSWICH TOWN (ko 3pm) Available

APRIL Sat 07 BURTON ALBION (ko 3pm) Available Sat 21 SHEFFIELD UNITED (ko 3pm) Available

MAY Sat 06 FULHAM (ko 12.30pm) Available

Former Players Association Birmingham City Football Club, St. Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham, B9 4RL Tel: 0121 202 5291 / 0121 202 5210 Fax: 0844 557 1975 E-Mail: [email protected] | Web: www.bcfclegends.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/bcfclegends

Thank you to our sponsors:

If you would like to support the Former Players’ Association please contact Kevan Broadhurst on 07976 408 623 Photos: Courtesy of Roy Smiljanic