Blackpool was the home of Matthews, Mortensen, Ball, Armfield, Pickering and Green and you know that Hutchison was in good company. That period after the war until 1970 Blackpool had some great players and times when we were a lower league club. My dad said that when Matthews was playing it was the event of the year to play Blackpool anywhere.
My first season lasted only one match: a 1-0 defeat to Sheff Utd. We were relegated that season (1966/67) after being in the top flight for 30 years (less the 7 seasons of WW2). Of course, it was also the season that Coventry were promoted to the top flight for the first time.
An honourable mention to John Craven?
Loved John Craven. Another of my favourites.
I don’t know if that will happen. It would be nice if it did. I will certainly suggest it as deserves all of the accolades he gets. Certainly the best Sky Blue in my opinion.
By all means. Use the link below. Then either use the email address attached to the form or PM me on here and I will get Tommy to write out the message that you have requested.
He mentions the game against Keith Newton in the book. He says that some days he just felt invincible, he knew he was going to have a great game and that nothing or no one would stop him. That day he ran Keith ragged. A scout from Everton (Tommy Casey, later Tommy’s coach at City) was watching Newton that day as a prospective new right back. Instead he went back to Everton manager Harry Catterick raving about Hutch. Unfortunately got Tommy but fortunately for us, Everton were only in the market for a right back not a left winger. Despite the mauling given to him that day by Hutch, Newton was the one who ended up on Merseyside.
Craven captained Blackpool to their success in winning the Anglo Italian Trophy against Bologna, a win they achieved against the odds. It was the fiftieth anniversary of that win last year but I think the event is being celebrated this year, possibly delayed because of COVID?
I think games v Stanley Matthews clubs Stoke & Blackpool attracted a number of record crowds at the time, my dad went to Main Road before the war to watch City v Stoke and there was over 80000 there he must have been some player even in his 40/50s at Stoke there were massive gates wherever he went.
Tony Green, according to Hutch, was the best player he ever played with. Second only to George Best in the list of those he had played both alongside and against. (He was on the pitch with some world class players during the 70s).
I think I'm right that for 10 years (late 40s to late 50s) Blackpool had the biggest away gates in the first division because of Matthews.
Over 84,000, was a cup match in 1934.
And their second best
Bloody Hell my old fella was only about 5’ 6” how he saw anything god knows, he went to the first Wembley final in 1923 too just a 12 year old, he was born Burnley way but I think a neighbour was a Bolton fan so probably be supported Bolton being from that neck of the woods. He had the unused ticket for years but lost it in his many moves dodging army call-up. Imagine what that would be worth now.
I remember us playing Blackpool around 1969 time at home in the FA Cup we won 3-1 but struggled to do so. Did Hutchison and Green play in that game ?
I’m hoping that they will take a few copies to sell, but that hasn’t been agreed yet. If there are no copies in there, you can get a signed (and cheaper!) copy using the link below.
Don’t know about Tony Green but Hutch missed that game as he was injured.
I can't remember, although I would have been at the match. I think we were leading but you hit us with three quick goals towards the end of the match.
Hutch on the wingLove that. Great composition. "There is no N in the middle of his surname".
We're you in Waterstones at lunchtime? I was in with wife and dog and had my photo taken with Hutch. I was in a heritage (1953) Blackpool shirt.
At least someone had a good weekend.
Thanks. Your problems aren't about your football team. It must be wearing on the players even so.
