P & P A-C

Joe Dixon’s

Football Memories

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1977

Just Some of the Many Players and Personalities I Admired

A-C

(Sorry about the quality of some of the photos)

For surname initials D-H click here.

For surname initials I-O click here.

For surname initials P-Z click here.

George
Airey

He was goalkeeper when I played for Roker FC in the 1977/78 season of the Wearside League. For me, as a centre forward, it's always great to have a good goalkeeper and a good defence behind you and George fit the bill nicely. He had great agility, was a good organiser and reliable. I recall him keeping some kind of sticky ball in the corner of his goal, which he used to help keep his hands sticky for holding onto the ball when conditions were bad. I’d never seen that done before. He was obviously determined not to let his teammates down. A quality keeper and a real gentleman on and off the field.

Billy
Anderson

I first played with Billy for Ryhope CA in 1964/1965 season and then for Ryhope 'Pops' a couple of seasons later. At the 'Pops' he played up front with Norman Baird and I was pushed back into midfield and I've never forgiven him for that (only joking Billy). He was a very speedy and quality striker who should have played a hell of lot more games for the 'CA than he did. By taking the responsibility of Club Secretary, for several seasons, was a big sacrifice to make. His contribution to the success of the 'CA is huge. When he and Ernie Carlin were around there was a 'warmth and feel good' factor about the place. He was (and still is) great fun to be around. (Click here for Billy's Secial Memory)

Ivan
Arthur

Norman
Kelly

Ralph
Pigg

I helped out as player/coach with Dawdon CW in the 1979/1980 season and then for 4 seasons starting 1984/1985. These were the gentlemen I had the pleasure of working with as a manager and coach. I was coach at Eppleton CW with Tony Lynch when Dawdon CW came in for me in the early part of the 1984/1985 season. As much as I enjoyed my time with Tony and Eppleton CW there was always a strong link with Dawdon and Seaham sides. In all the time I was there I got tremendous support and I honestly cannot recall any disagreements between us on any aspect related to the club. Ralph, Normans dad, was also a father figure to both Ivan and me. He was a lovely man and when he passed away several years ago it was fitting that there was a massive turn out for his funeral. I'd like to think they got some reward for there efforts when Dawdon CW won the League Cup in 1985 beating, of all teams, Eppleton CW in the Final and the mighty Blue Star in the Semi-Final. Thanks fellas

Norman
Baird

I played with Norman for both the Ryhope 'Pops' and the Ryhope CA teams. He was to me the complete centre forward. Strong, powerful, great in the air, great at shielding the ball and bringing other people into play and a great goal scorer. When he left junior football he played for Shildon in the Northern League. The puzzler is why, at this time, wasn't he still playing at that level. I'm pleased he wasn't as I would have missed out on some great times on the field and some great laughs off the field.

Malcolm
Baxter

A very classy midfielder who played for Eppleton CW, one of our (Ryhope CA) biggest rivals, in the Houghton & District League. His instant ball control always gave him more time and space to play and he never seemed to get caught in possession. If you closed him down quickly he’d simply lay it off. If you didn’t you had problems. He was a playmaker, capable of scoring goals and never afraid to get stuck in. He played for Crook Town in the mid 1970's and his performances got him selected for the English F.A. Northern Squad. Malcolm went on to play for Seaham Red Star and was part of the team that won the prestigious Durham Challenge Cup. I do appreciate natural talent and Malcolm had that in abundance.

Alfie
Bell

Alfie was a powerful midfield player who could never be muscled off the ball. Along with great energy he had a tremendously positive attitude. He played for me at Dawdon CW for 2 seasons and if fit was always an automatic choice. Alfie didn't score a lot of goals and he may not have been the most creative player but his sheer presence in the side was a boost to every other player. His performances in midfield was the cornerstone of some of the teams best wins especially when he helped Dawdon win the Wearside League cup in 1984/1985 season. (Click here for Alfie’s Special Memory).

Billy
Benson
&
Jackie
Cow

These were the management team of the great 1975/1976 Silksworth ‘Buffs’ team. We didn’t have a big squad but because they were all quality players team selection was a very difficult task. Billy and Jackie did a great job and at the same time managed to help create a tremendous team spirit on and off the field. Injuries during the season, which at the time I thought would ruin our chances of winning anything, were handled brilliantly with the addition of a couple of real quality players. The fact that we finished up League and Cup winners says it all. Thanks fellas.

Dave
Bisset

I first played with Dave way back in the 1964/1965 season for Ryhope YC in the Seaham & District League and he was always a hard, but fair, tackling fullback who always gave 100%. He has one of the longest playing careers in football that I've ever known. He is still playing competitive games now (2009/2010 season) for Boldon Colliery Tavern in the 'Over 40's league. He has indicated that this may be his last season but I'll only believe that when it actually happens. Absolutely tremendous.

Alan
Bleasdale

Always a classy player. Alan and I played together For Ryhope CA, Seaham Red Star and Seaham Red Star over 35's. His previous clubs included Willington in the Northern League. He was a midfielder with a great engine and skill. With his instant ball control he seemed to always have that extra time to be creative and without a doubt he was in the Johnny Giles mould without the dirty tackles. Although Alan didn't score too many goals he did score a hat trick against Peterlee Town for the ‘CA in the 1972/73 season. However he certainly made a lot.

Bill
Bond

Bill was the Ryhope Youth Club leader back in the 1960's and without his drive, ambition, enthusiasm and guidance the Ryhope YC (now Sunderland RCA) football team would never have been formed. Throughout the RCA’s life I have never seen his name mentioned in the clubs history. All the credit for the formation of Ryhope YC has been given to the players. I was a player then and that is just not true. Hopefully I can put the record straight. Bill’s job was done after the first season and he stepped back and allowed the players to progress the club. A lovely gentleman who I greatly liked and admired passed away some time ago, but I know he would have been very proud of the RCA’s success and progress to the present day.

Dave
Borthwick

Part of a very sporty family he was arguably more versatile than his brother George although he probably wasn’t quite as creative. Again he had loads of energy and could not only play in midfield, but he was also a quality defender and goal keeper. I first saw him when I joined Seaham Red Star as coach midway through the 1982/1983 season, he was playing full back, and the first thing I noticed about him was the power in his tackling. A natural sportsman he was also an excellent cricketer although I was never sure which of the two sports he preferred.

George
Borthwick

A midfielder with a great engine. He was only a teenager when he played for Seaham Red Star in the 1981/82 season and helped them to win the Wearside League Championship and League Cup. I was very impressed with him when I joined the ‘Star as coach midway through the following season. He was creative in midfield and played with a great energy and committment. His first love was always football and, although he was also known for his very successful cricket career, to me he was first and foremost a great footballer.

Kevin
Brace

Kevin did great work on the committee of Ryhope CA from 1970, when it was the 'YC', to 1984. He was always there to help in any way and his contribution to the clubs success should never be overlooked. His period as Treasurer was very successful. Kevin was great at getting the money into the clubs fund but getting money out of it was another story. (only joking Kevin). Sadly Kevin passed away on 26/08/12. Click here.

Terry
Brace

Terry and I were the only members of the committee to have helped Bill Bond start up the Ryhope YC team in the Seaham & District league in 1963 as well as play in its first season. His committee work, which lasted up until 1990, included the roles of Treasurer and Chairman. When you add to this his other roles such as Trainer/Physio and even Electrician, which saved the club a lot of money over the years, you realise the enormous contribution Terry made to the clubs success. Sadly Terry passed away on 20/06/13. Click here.

Freddie
Browell

Whenever I think about Eppleton CW the one name that always comes to mind is Freddie Browell. His contribution to the club is absolutely huge. He was secretary when I first played against them in the early 1970's, when I played for them in the early part of the 1976/1977 season and also when Tony Lynch and I joined them as Manager and Coach respectively for the 1983/1984 season. To me he was the type of person who always spoke his mind, and probably rattled a few cages in the process, but he was 100% Eppleton CW. I had a lot of respect and time for Freddie and to me he was the heart of this great club

Chris
Cain

Chris's early years were at Colchester Utd but knee problems put paid to a professional career. He came to Dawdon CW in 1984/1985 season and his all round game was tremendous. He had the skill to instantly control the ball no matter what angle or pace it came to him. Most of his time he played up front but, because of injuries, he played in midfield, centre half and then sweeper. How versatile is that, I'm sure he would have been a more than capable goalkeeper. It is easy to see why Chris was made captain. It was fitting that he was captain when Dawdon won the Wearside League Cup. A very classy player.

Trevor
Campbell

Trevor and I played together for Ryhope CA, Seaham Red Star and Seaham Red Star Over 35's. The first time I came across him was in the Seaham & District league and he was playing centre half for the 'Star. Although he was slim he had a crunching tackle was great in the air and had deceptive pace. I was most pleased when he signed for us (Ryhope CA) the following season and I didn't have to face him again. His performances with the 'CA were outstanding and in 1969/1970 season he was selected for the Seaham & District league side. In the 1985/1986 season Trevor was the main reason I signed for the 'Stars over 35's side when Bryan Mayhew wanted me to play for them. A great player and friend.

Ernie
Carlin

I first met Ernie when he joined Ryhope CA in it's third season in the Seaham & District league having previously being with the juniors. We even played a few games together for Ryhope 'Pops'. He gave unbelievable service to the 'CA in every role from trainer up to chairman and I don't think he could have given more. In the 1968/1969 season he had the honour of being selected as trainer for the Seaham & District league side. His humour is second to none. I said to him one day that I thought I'd pulled a muscle and he replied 'you must be joking you must have pulled a bone'. I was slim at the time. Priceless. Along with Billy Anderson they made the dressing room a real fun place. Ernie's pre-match rub down was one of the reasons we played well. We didn't ever want to be dropped.

Ernie
Charlton

Before I played with Ernie in the 1985/1986 season for Seaham Red Star over 35’s, I can't recall ever seeing him play. It wasn't long into the season before I realised just how good a defender he was and I found it hard to believe that he'd never played at a high level. Powerfully built he was strong in the tackle, strong in the air and had plenty of pace. The following season Dawdon CW had a few injury problems and I asked Ernie if he would help me out and, even with playing on a Saturday morning, he didn't hesitate to agree and, as I knew he would, he had a great game. He was definitely a player you wanted in your side and not be playing against. It was a real pleasure to be playing in the same side.

Harry
Clark

Along with Brian Page, Harry played along side me in more games than any other players. We had some great seasons together playing for Ryhope CA, Siksworth CW, Seaham Red Star and Silksworth 'Buffs'. He was a midfielder with great ball control and a great engine. He was always looking for the ball and when he had it he used it well. He created more goal scoring chances for me than any other player. In both the 1968/1969 and 1969/1970 seasons he was selected for the Seaham & District league sides. Whenever I look back and select a team, I would love to have played in, Harry is in every one.

Jimmy
Clark

Joined Ryhope YC club in its third season as Player/Manager. At the time cliques in the team (the reason I left during the previous season) was holding the team back. Jimmy got this sorted out and in the process pursuaded me to help out towards the end of the 1966/1967 season. He played me at centre forward for the first time ever and it was a role I played for the rest of my career. In the early days, despite the double role, his performances on the field was rewarded by his selection for the Seaham & District league side in the 1968/1969 season. Such was my respect for Jimmy that I played for him until the 1978/1979 season. This included his time at Seaham Red Star and Silksworth CW when the 'CA team had folded. See tribute from the Football Echo on 2nd Nov. 1985.

George
Cook

George was a big strong domineering and very mobile centre half who in his early years played for the very impressive Roker Boys side. He played for Steels SC when they won the Wearside League Cup in the 1973/74 season. However his highlight must be for playing for the incredible Whickham side that won the FA Vase at Wembley, in the 1980/81 season, with the great Sir Matt Busby presenting the trophy. They beat Willenhall FC, a Midlands Club, 3-2 after extra time despite trailing 2-0 after just only 10 mins. On Sundays George played for the outstanding Plains Farm side that was full of real quality players and the fact that he was captain speaks volumes. He was some player.

Jackie
Cope

I first saw Jackie play for Ryhope CW in the early 1960's when they dominated the Wearside League, winning 8 trophies in 6 seasons from 1961/1962. He was the best winger in the league at that time and that wasn't just my opinion. A friend of mine, 'Pop' Welch, who was Right Back and Captain for Murton CW for several seasons also thought that. He told me that Jackie was the only player he couldn't handle. Jackie was selected to play for the Wearside League which played against the Northern League in 1965. What a player

Dave
Copeland

Dave was right up there with the best goalkeepers in local football. Some of his previous clubs included Tow Law, Silksworth CW, Murton CW and Ryhope CA. I first played with him in my last season at Ryhope CA but my best memories are when we played together for Seaham Red Star Over 35’s in the 1985/86 season. We had a fantastic season thanks to Dave not missing a game, his excellent performances and the quality of our back four. Such was the strength of our defence we always had the luxury of 4 creative players in midfield and some 110 goals were scored and very few conceded that season

Ted
Copeland

I first played with Ted in the school under 13’s side and the last time was with Dawdon CW Juniors in the 1962/1963 season. He was a very cool and classy defender who was a great organiser and a natural captain. I know it's corny, but when Bobby Moore came on the scene 2-3 years later his style and manner reminded me of Ted. Some of his achievements include:- 1. Played and coached in the Saudi Premier League. 2. Coached both the Saudi Under-16 and Under-19 National Teams. 3. First team coach with Hartlepool United. 4. FA Regional Director of Coaching for the North of England. 5. Managed the England women’s sides between 1993 and 1998 leading them to the quarter finals in the 1995 World Cup. Wow.

Ronnie
Cowie

He was a full backs nightmare. A left winger with great pace and ball control with the ability to power past defenders on either side. He played for the Durham County FA on 5 occasions. Against Northumberland at Ashington, East Riding at Boothferry Park Hull, twice against Sunderland at Roker Park and Darlington at Feethams. The first 2 of which were in the English Amateur Championship Trophy. In addition he represented the Northern League when they defeated the Wearside League 3-0 at Crook Town. All this was between 1968 and 1970 when he was with Shildon. Things just don't get any better than that. Absolutely fantastic. Definitely a class player whose name would have been first on many team sheets.

Ray
Craggs

Ray had a great left foot and was equally at home playing left back, centre or left side of midfield. He was, not only a good defender, but a great playmaker. He played for me at Dawdon CW and was the committees 'Player of the Year' for the 1985/86 season. Comfortable on the ball and a good passer I played him in a few positions when I had selection problems. He never let me down, never complained and with his great attitude, he was a joy to work with. He missed out on our Wearside League Cup win when he damaged knee ligaments shortly before the final. Ray didn’t score many goals but he might be pleased to know that I recall him scoring a great header from an Ian Stamp cross against Ryhope CW in 1986/87 season.

Dougie
Crosby

I never ever had the honour of playing alongside Dougie and I didn't know him personally. I played only the odd game against him but I watched him when I could. I first saw him play for Ryhope CW, which to me was the best side in the area at the time, and I couldn't believe how much talent he had. When he had the ball he was difficult to dispossess and you always expected something special to happen and it generally did. His ability to beat a man and bend the ball at will, he was often a defenders and goal keepers worst nightmare. He had it all plus that little bit of arrogance that only the best players have. Definitely a class act.

Players and Personalities