Ryhope CA - 1973/1974 Season

A disappointing season for the team and myself. Runners Up in the Houghton & District league was the only honour. I struggled a bit with knee trouble and a cartilage operation was required after my knee locked during my 25th game. An early end to my season.

Back row from the left :- Les Faith, Harry Clark, Bobbie Allen, Ray Hood, Brian Page(Capt) Norman T Taylor. Front row from the left :- Bobby Pickering, Ritchie Wooler, Joe Dixon, Norman Taylor, Jimmy Clark. Some players missing from this photo :- Billy Mitchell, Dave Emmerson and Keith Hemborough, Team colours were yellow with blue trim, blue shorts and socks

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Even with knee trouble I still enjoyed my partnership with Norman Taylor. In under 30 games together we scored about 50 goals between us. As a centre forward you are always anticipating mistakes from the defenders or if a partner challenges for the ball in the air you always think he'll win it. With Norman I knew he would. His timing added to his spring (in the Billy Mitchell class) was always spot on and despite conceding several inches to most centre halves he could still outjump them with ease. He also had pace and could score goals. You can see why I admired him.