Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Once We Were Heroes













Thanks to Karen for these snaps of the fabulous Llandod football team of the early Sixties.

The great thing about that all-conquering team - check out their League record in the 1961-62 season, 3 points dropped and an average 4 goals a game - was that so many of the team were Radnorians, not mercenaries from Swansea or Liverpool.

It was my delight to cycle in to Llandrindod on my Triumph Palm Beach, newly purchased for passing the 11 plus, to watch the men in blue. Sometimes for lack of funds we'd be forced to sneak onto the Broadway field, across the brook and through the hedge, to avoid paying at the gate. Then positioned beside the goal to watch ace forward Barrie Gittoes knock in a few more winners.

Sad to relate Barrie has just passed away - in my memory at least his goals were all spectacular and like the very best players he had aeons of time - a trap, a turn and a thunderous shot into the back of the net.

5 comments:

iDan_v3.8 said...

Interesting choice for goalkeeper (back row, middle). She was probably still better than the current incumbent. And not a mobile phone full of profanity in sight either. Yes, those were the days.

Anonymous said...

With all modesty I was the photographer working for Marina Gallery Llandod who was privelidged to have taken the Photographs of "Yes" a classic Bluebird eleven and committee.Fond memories of my Dad Bill Pugh pictured in his Blue and white scarf (I Know its B and W) that my mum Knitted for him.

Anonymous said...

the top picture resides in its pride of place on our wall unit(actually obscured by a spider plant).
Dont know if anyone mentioned the years each photo was taken.
the bottom team had a plethora of silverware so this might be the great season!
still cant read the text behind tho.

radnorian said...

Hi Nonny, no idea how to fix things so you can see the text, but I'll post it here:

"The great thing about that all-conquering team - check out their League record in the 1961-62 season, 3 points dropped and an average 4 goals a game - was that so many of the team were Radnorians, not mercenaries from Swansea or Liverpool.

It was my delight to cycle in to Llandrindod on my Triumph Palm Beach, newly purchased for passing the 11 plus, to watch the men in blue. Sometimes for lack of funds we'd be forced to sneak onto the Broadway field, across the brook and through the hedge, to avoid paying at the gate. Then positioned beside the goal to watch ace forward Barrie Gittoes knock in a few more winners.

Sad to relate Barrie has just passed away - in my memory at least his goals were all spectacular and like the very best players he had aeons of time - a trap, a turn and a thunderous shot into the back of the net."

Anonymous said...

thanks for that.

It has been a particularly sad year for spa supporters with so many great players departing.