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Who's Who in and Around Leicester

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This is Page Five

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Who's Who Sections:

Section 9A: [Football's Local Lads] Section 9B: [Football and the City]

Section 9C: [The Tigers]  Section 9D: [Sports Community]�

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[Return to Index Page]

Section Nine (A)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Football's Local Lads ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

�In these days when even medium-sized clubs search a shrinking world for talent, it's still a special delight to�

see a player make the grade a his local club. Although a relatively small county, Leicestershire�has a rich�

source of players who have reached the very pinnacle of the sport. Many started�(and some ended)�

their careers at Leicester City��� From the book We Love You Leicester -�A Popular�History

of Leicester City by Chris Lymn. You can review this book, and even�purchase it�online,�

by clicking this link ---> [Link]. The following�City players are�just some of�the�

home-grown talent that have either graced the grounds at Filbert Street, 

or have been born and raised in Leicester and played elsewhere:

�

Click on the name for additional information

~ Hughie Adcock ~

Leicester City were fortunate indeed to enjoy twelve seasons from Coalville-born Hughie Adcock between the years 1923 to 1935. Signing from Loughborough Corinthians as a nineteen-year-old in 1923, the pacy right-winger became an integral part of the best ever Leicester City side of the 1920s. His ability was rewarded with England and Football League representation; however, a single Division Two Championship medal in 1925 seemed a meagre reward at club level for this local man who lived and breathed football at what ever level he was involved. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Jeff Blockley ~

Leicester-born Jeff Blockley spent five years at Coventry during which his fine centre-half displays earned him England under-23s caps and a move to Arsenal where senior international call-ups were added. Jimmy Bloomfield paid 100,000 pounds to bring Jeff back to his roots in Leicester to successfully shore up a defence which starred at relegation from the First Division in 1975. Only some 80 appearances over three seasons (1975-78) reflect the toll taken by injury before his move to Notts County. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Graham Cross ~

City-born Graham Cross amassed a staggering 596 full appearances over sixteen seasons (1960-1976) of loyal and accomplished service. A fine athlete, �tank� was a mainstay during the club�s best post-war period under Matt Gillies, fully justifying the faith invested in him when picked to face Atletico in Madrid as and 18-year old. Initially he was a mid-fielder with Frank McLintock in the team which finished fourth in the First Division and played Manchester United in the FA Cup Final in the 1962-63 season. Graham eventually settled into a centre-half role. Eleven under-23 caps came his way, but incomprehensibly , no senior call-up. Graham also had sufficient cricketing ability to play for the County as an all-rounder for fifteen years during which he played 83 matches. In May, 1974 18,000 fans paid tribute to the footballer. When the final whistle of his testimonial match against Derby County sounded, hundreds invaded the pitch and hoisted the long-serving player shoulder high. It was an emotional scene that went on for some time. Cross had joined City at 15. He told the Mercury: "Looking back, it just seems like yesterday when I was a boy cleaning out the dressing rooms. The years seemed to have slipped by." From (in part) We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Dion Dublin ~

The England and Aston Villa striker, who is one of Leicester's most famous sporting sons, grew up in the shadows of the Filbert Street floodlights on Burnmoor Street and later on Upperton Road. As a child, he attended the former Westcotes School. Dion started out with Norwich, but was released without ever making a first team appearance although he played six times for the Reserves. He then joined Kings Lynn before moving onto Cambridge United, on a free transfer, where his goals (52 in 156 games) helped his side threaten to claim a place in the top flight. He first hit the headlines when he scored two goals in a 4-0 upset of Sheffield Wednesday in 1991. He scored 16 goals that season and fifteen the next, drawing the attention of Premiership giants Manchester United. After the '91-'92 season, during which he helped Cambridge United earn promotion from the Third Division, he moved to Man United for �1 million. Old Trafford career was halted early in its first season when he broke his leg in September against Crystal Palace. He recovered from the injury but failed to hold down a regular first-team place during two seasons at Man United, scoring just twice in only 12 league games. After the 1993-94 season, Dublin was sold to Coventry City for �2 million. There he seemed to find his place and finally became a true star. Named club captain, he scored 63 league goals and was called on to represent his country for the first time in February of 1998. Coventry considered selling Dublin to Blackburn in October 1998 but after talking with officials from that club he turned down the move as well as a similar inquiry from Leeds United. Finally, after much negotiation, Coventry agreed to sell him to Villa for �5.75m on November 5th 1998. Dublin then signed a contract that will keep him at Villa Park through the 2003-04 season, essentially the rest of his career.

~ Emile Heskey ~

Emile Ivanhoe Heskey was born in 1978 and joined the youth training scheme at Leicester in his teenage years. In 1995 he made his league debut for the Filbert Street outfit and it wasn't too long before establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in English football.�The following year he made 30 appearances for the Foxes, scoring seven goals along the way. His goals helped City earn promotion to the Premiership via the end of season division one play-offs.�His international career was just starting to blossom as well as he starred alongside Michael Owen in the England under-18 team which finished third in the European Championships in France.�In 1997 he won his first major honour in English football when he helped Leicester to victory over Middlesbrough in the Worthington Cup final.�On February 22 2000 Kevin Keegan gave him his first start for England in a friendly with Argentina at Wembley. To cap a great week for Heskey, five days after his Wembley debut came a second appearance beneath the twin towers when he helped Leicester to a 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers in the final of the Worthington Cup.�After the match the speculation concerning his future increased and, although Leicester made it clear they wanted to keep him, his heart was set on a move to Liverpool. On March 9 the deal was completed and Heskey finally signed for the club he had supported as a youngster.

~ Edward King ~

It would be difficult to find a more dedicated club servant than Edwin King. Leicester-born Edwin�s 18 seasons spanned both Fosse and City from 1906 to 1924. Edwin amassed 236 League and FA Cup matches and another 121 during the First World War. His versatility was unmatched as he played at centre and wing-half (both sides) and centre-forward. After playing until age 40, Edwin became coach to the Leicester City side which narrowly missed the First Division title in 1929. He combined all of this with being wicket-keeper with the Leicestershire second X1 and played twice for the First Team in 1925. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Jack Lee ~

Sileby-born Jack Lee signed professional forms for Leicester City in 1940 before serving in the RAF. He played for the City from 1941 to 1950. On his return from the services he became City�s big scorer 97 goals before his move to Derby in 1950. Jack was a member of the 1949 Cup Final team that lost 3-1 to Wolves at Wembley. He shares with Tony James the distinction of scoring a goal which saved the clubs status (preventing demotion from the Second Division) with his equalizer at Cardiff in May of 1949. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Gary Lineker ~

Awarded the "Honorary Freedom of the City" in November 1992. Gary Lineker OBE, International football star, BBC sports commentator, BBC quiz show host. He played for the "City" between 1979 and 1985 and made his debut for his boyhood heroes on Jan. 1st 1979. He enjoyed a similar sporting reputation to the Canadian ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky ("Mr. Nice Guy") and was a credit to the sport of football - he was never booked. For more on Gary's career, go to the following link --> [link] Or, by clicking on the name above you can go to "Leicestershire Past & Present" for an article on Gary by Elizabeth Batt. Although eventually and justifiably regarded as one of the world's foremost strikers, Gary made a rather stumbling start to his first-team career with City, who initially struggled to harness the youngster's remarkable pace to a coherent tactical role. Indeed, Gary was quite often played wide in his early days, until his alert goal-poaching habit began truly to blossom during the 1981-82 season. There were still distinct gaps in his footballing repertoire when City fought their way back to Division One in 1983, but Gary gradually refined his ball-holding and control skills while leading the Filbert Street scoring list for four seasons running on quick-witted predatory instinct, and became an inevitable England choice up front despite City's lowly status in the top flight.

~ Mark Ovendale ~

Born in Leicester, Mark made his league debut with Northampton but it was last season (with Bournemouth) that he made his big breakthrough in league football and he responded in fine style, remaining ever present. He had spent time with Welsh Champions Barry Town and gained European experience with the club before his move to Dean Court, Bournemouth last summer. He kept 25 clean sheets in 58 appearances last season and impressed all with his handling and spectacular shot-stopping. He was the hero of the Cherries Second Round Cup win over Charlton when after keeping two clean sheet over the two matches, he made three brilliant saves in the penalty shoot out. Since joining Bournemouth, he has missed just two matches. Previous Clubs: Wisbech Town, Northampton Town, Barry Town.

~ Howard Riley ~

Wigston-born winger Howard Riley appeared in three cup finals for his local club and played for the City from 1955 to 1965. His goal against Stoke in the 1964 League Cup Final secured the club�s first major trophy. Howard won two Under-23 caps in a twelve-year stint at his first league club. Like many young players in those days, he shared his time at Filbert Street with his stint in National Service. He was a central figure in the club�s most successful post-war side. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Peter Shilton ~

Born in Leicester in 1949. Peter was City's youngest-ever First Division player at 16 when he started for Leicester in a game against Everton. A schoolboy prodigy, his dedication to working on the practice and psychology of his destined profession was evident while he was helping Leicester Boys to their 1965 Trophy win.� Within a year top clubs were ready to snatch Peter (now an automatic choice for England youth) from the Filbert Street shadow of Gordon Banks. During this period, Leicester's goalkeeper was Gordom Banks so a difficult choice faced manager Matt Gillies over which of his top-rank keepers to part with. He elected to go with the younger player - Peter. This link will take you to a� website called "Leicestershire Past & Present," and an article by Elizabeth Batt.

~ Richard Smith ~

Richard 'Smudger' Smith was born in Lutterworth in October of 1970. Richard now plays for Grimsby Town (The Mariners) and originally joined the club for �100,000 from Leicester City a few seasons ago (in 1996) after impressing greatly in a loan spell, but last season proved a virtual washout for him. An achilles injury with complications meant he was not able to train until the final weeks of the season. He will, no doubt be desperate to get playing competitive football once more after journeying along the long and lonely road to recovery. Smudge is an all action competitor in the centre of defence. Following the pre-season injury to Peter Handyside, Richard formed a dependable partnership with Mark Lever at the centre of Grimsby�s defence during the opening weeks of 1999-2000. However, after running into disciplinary problems in November he then suffered a serious back injury that put him out of action for the rest of the season. He has had more than his fair share of bad luck in terms of injuries. He is said to be strong in the air and solid in defense. Richard was on the books with Leicester City between 1988 and 1996.

~ Simon Paul Webster ~

Simon Webster was born in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire in January of 1964.� A football player with Tottenham, Exeter, Huddersfield, Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic, he was bought by West Ham United from Charlton with the intention of making him the next captain. The imposing central defender was unlucky enough to break a leg in a training ground tackle. From then on his career was blighted. A very long fight back to fitness saw him come back only to struggle again. He finally gave it up and returned to Charlton to coach the Youth team. Simon had looked a very good player indeed and Hammers fans can only imagine what a fine player and captain we could have had... The following is taken from the website FA-Premier.com: "Webster was forced to end his career at Upton Park having signed for the Hammers three years ago following a freak accident in training with team-mate Julian Dicks. But after the game the former Tottenham apprentice thanked the 5,000 plus crowd for their support and was also quick to show that he is getting on with life after the cruel blow. He insisted: 'I have come to terms with it and I'm now studying physiotherapy. 'I've done one year and I still have two years to go but I am looking out for West Ham's results and Charlton's every week. The only thing that disappoints me in my career is that I never got the opportunity to show West Ham fans what I can do and to test myself in the Premiership.' Webster played for the last eight minutes and is indeed still playing football for non League St Alban's. He explained: 'To play and train full time was impossible because I wasn't recovering. Now I just play twice a week and that is it. It was nice to be out there last night'."

~ Ian Westwater ~

Born in Loughborough in November, 1963, Ian had gained Scottish Schoolboy and Youth caps by the age of 19. Later, as an experienced goalkeeper, he joined Dunfermline Athletic Football Club (the Pars) from Hearts in 1985. He left to go to Falkirk in 1990, but returned to East End, via Dundee in 1994. Honours won (with DAFC) : Second Division Championship 1985/86; First Division Championship 1988/89; First Division Championship 1995/96; with Others (Falkirk) First Division Championship 1993/94. He is now a goalkeeping coach for Hibernian. Click on the name above for an interview with Ian Westwater. Quote: "Not many people know that I trained with Hibernian when I was a schoolboy. On Monday nights, some 23 years ago, I trained with John Lambie�s boys here. I had trials at that time with Arsenal, Hibs, Manchester United and Birmingham City � it�s strange how my career has now turned full circle. I�ve got to say I feel as excited about being at Hibs now as I did when I was a youngster."

~ Steve Whitworth ~

Ellistown-born Steve Whitworth missed only three games throughout the Bloomfield era and a one stage appeared for a then club record of 198 consecutive games during his years at Leicester City (1969-79). In those uncomplicated days when the right back was a defender who came forward a bit, they didn�t come any better than Steve Whitworth. This red-haired product of the Club�s junior ranks was not only a fixture in his position, his pace and quality made senior England recognition to add to his �full set� at every other level. Steve�s dedication, loyalty and discipline makes him a fine example for any young player. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

~ Alan Woollett ~

Wigston�s Alan �the bullet� Woollett seemed destined to become a perennial squad player, never quite managing to disturb the impressive Cross/Sjoberg defensive partnership which was the backbone of the Bloomfield era�s fine 1970s side. The Wigston man�s patience paid off eventually when he forged a fine centre-back partnership with another local - Jeff Blockley. Alan played for the City during the years 1963 to 1978. From We Love You Leicester - by Chris Lymn.

Section Nine (B)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Football And The City ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some of the other names associated with the Leicester City Football Club:

Click on the name for additional information

~ Colin Appleton ~

From the start of 1959/60, though, Colin missed only eight League games over five seasons, having his coolly forceful defensive half-back play (spiced with occasional forays into the inside-left slot) recognised with a place on the 1961 FA XI tour of New Zealand and the Far East, and a selection for the Football League in 1962. He made two trips with City to Wembley FA Cup Finals, skippering the side on the second occasion in 1963, and was also, as captain, the first Leicester player to get his hands on a national knockout trophy when the club won the League Cup in 1964. The same year he took a well-deserved testimonial game, with City facing an All Start XI. A first-leg Final scorer in City's unsuccessful attempt to retain the League Cup in 1965, Colin moved on a year later (to briefly extend his partnership with Ian King at the Valley), and soon turned his experience to coaching and management. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Gordon Banks ~

Leicester and England goalkeeper at the time of the World Cup victory in 1966.� Played for the "City" between 1959 and 1967. He was England's second most capped goalkeeper after Peter Shilton (another Leicester goalkeeper). Born in Sheffield in 1937, he first played for Chesterfield and later was transferred to Stoke from Leicester to make way for Peter Shilton another world-famous goalkeeper who can be associated with Leicester. First noticed in Chesterfield's unexpected progress to the FA Youth Cup Final in 1956, the goalkeeping genius inevitably dubbed 'Banks of England' was, only a decade later, a national hero for his significant role in his country's World Cup win. Still a raw youngster when Matt Gillies signed him for �7,000 after only 23 League games for the Spireites, Gordon developed quickly at Filbert Street, basing his game on an uncanny sense of positioning and an acute appreciation of the value of solidity over the gratuitously spectacular, yet engendering supreme confidence amongst his defenders that he could call on superb reflexes and agility when required.�

~ Allan Birchenall ~

A member of Bloomfield's exciting and entertaining team of the 1973-74 season. City's energetic part-time PR man (since 1983) was London-born but Nottingham-raised, and started his playing career as an extrovert blond striker, gaining four England Under-23 caps while figuring as a skilful foil for Mick Jones at Bramall Lane. He became Dave Sexton's initial major purchase at Stamford Bridge, in the first of three six-figure transfers, and Jimmy Bloomfield eventually added him to the rapidly burgeoning community of transplanted Cockneys at Leicester, where Alan gradually assumed a deeper-lying schemer's role as attack-orientated City's fortunes ebbed and flowed entertainingly in the early 70s. Alan now runs The Griffin pub in Swithland. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Arthur Chandler ~

Arthur Chandler (1923-35). His 273 strikes for City have never been bettered. In 1929 he equaled another club record when he scored six in a 10:0 home win over Portsmouth. Rivalled only by Arthur Rowley for the title of City's greatest-ever marksman - 'Channy' notched the highest aggregate; the other Arthur had the better scoring ratio - this Cockney centre-forward was an inspired purchase by Peter Hodge, especially as he had a mere 18 senior goals to his credit before arriving at Filbert Street, had been regarded by QPR primarily as a support player, and on grounds of age alone might have been regarded as past his peak. Hard and courageous, but resilient too - Arthur made a then-record 118 consecutive appearances from the date of his City debut - he bulged nets in both top Divisions with strikes delivered from every angle and distance, though oddly enough for such a sure-shot, never contributed a single penalty goal to his career total. Courtesy (in part) of the LCFC website.�

~ Steve Claridge ~

In his short spell at Leicester (1996-98) Steve became a folk hero. With his socks down by his ankles and his shirttail flapping in the breeze, 'Super Steve' was a man who seemed to specialise in last minute goals. It was his strikes that won the 1996 play-off final against Crystal Palace (with just four seconds remaining) and the 1997 League Cup replay at Hillsborough when his extra-time goal sent Leicester City into the UEFA Cup for the first time since 1961.�From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Matt Gillies ~

Matt Gillies remains the most successful manager in the club's history. Matt moved from playing for the City, starting in 1952, to his appointment as manager in 1958. His very first game as manager was a 6-3 trouncing of Villa, and this proved to be an accurate precursor of ten years of success during which the team achieved four top-eight places in the (then) First Division and four Cup Final matches. One of these yielded the City's first major trophy, the Football League Cup in 1964. Although adept at buying in the "bargain basement," in 1968 Matt swooped for Allan Clarke for what was then a British record fee of 150,000 pounds. His transfer out some 12 months later at a profit proved that daring in the transfer market need not be a risky business. Matt and his coach, Bert Johnson, Also realised the importance of professionalising the club's image to match its playing aspirations and left a club with an undeniable First Division feel. By Chris Lymn, from his book We Love You Leicester - A Popular History of Leicester City.

~ Lenny Glover ~

A member of Bloomfield's exciting and entertaining team of the 1973-74 season. A series of niggling injuries spoiled both the beginning and end of Lenny's City career, but in the interim seasons his left-wing skills and pace bemused many an opposing full-back, and it was a genuine tribute to both his ability and personality that he became a firm favourite of the usually highly-critical Popular Side supporters, whose anticipatory roar whenever Lenny received the ball must have unnerved many an adversary. He had first faced City as a Charlton teenager in the League Cup during 1962/3, and the �80,000 fee Matt Gillies paid for him five years later represented at the time an English record for a winger. Lenny's goals saw City through the first two rounds of their 1969 Cup run to Wembley (though his fitness to start the Final came down to a gamble), and two years later he regularly ripped Second Division defences apart as City sped to promotion. Back in the top flight he laid on many of Frank Worthington's goals, and when City's entertaining 'nearly' team reached the Cup semi-finals in 1974, Lenny claimed the equalising (though eventually consolational) goal in the replay against Liverpool. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Julian Joachim ~

The brilliant 'Crown Jules' of City's recent campaigns, Julian has erected remarkable foundations to his career before reaching the age of 21, and as a genuinely exciting striker has won himself a rare degree of hero-worship from the Filbert Street crowd. Signed professionally only two months into the second year of his trainee contract, having scored ten times in the first five youth games, plus the reserves' only goal to that date, he had an early senior bow, too, following injuries to David Lowe and Phil Gee. His first goal came three days later, in a League Cup tie in the city of his birth, and by the end of the 1992/3 term Julian's was a name noted nationally. For heading the list of his several spectacular strikes was the individualist goal against Barnsley in City's FA Cup exit which took the BBC's Goal of the Month award, and was runner-up in the Goal of the Season rating; while further evidence of his scintillating pace, forceful strength, and controlled, direct dribbling skills had amassed almost weekly... Continued, please click on the link (name) above and visit "Famous Players" at the LCFC website.

~ Ken Keyworth ~

Yorkshireman Ken Keyworth carried all the cliched characteristics of his home county during his seven season spell at Filbert Street. A dour and honest grafter Keyworth developed from a left-half into a top scoring centre forward who capped with a spectacular diving header in City's 1963 FA Cup defeat. Keyworth wore the number 10 shirt in the 1961 FA Cup final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, the number 9 shirt in 1963 and was still City's central striker in both legs of the 1964 League Cup triumph. Ken Keyworth was signed from Rotherham United in May 1958 for the bargain price of �9,000 and made 177 appearances during which he scored 63 goals before his free-transfer to Coventry City in December 1964. From "Famous Players" at the LCFC website (click on link).

~ Gary McAllister ~

Attacking midfielder Gary very soon displayed a refreshing and remarkably mature regard for the value of accurate passing to feet, and rapidly gained confidence to express a pleasingly ambitious range of skills on the ball as he adapted to regular First Division football at Leicester City. Indeed, by his second City season he was justifiably attracting the attention of Scottish international boss Andy Roxburgh - but with mixed results when it came to being honoured. Gary scored the equaliser on his debut for Scotland 'B' against France in April 1987, but also picked up the injury which kept his much-needed talent out of City's vital last three games prior to their eventual relegation. Given by Bryan Hamilton the rather backhanded tribute of being expected to function effectively in a variety of midfield and forward roles, Gary found his form suffering for a while, but he perked up under David Pleat's guidance, and his elegant playmaking abilities were soon drawing envious glances from several clubs of higher status... Continued, please click on the link (name) above and visit "Famous Players" at the LCFC website.

~ Dixie McNeil ~

Born in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire in 1947, Dixie started his career as a full-time pro with Leicester City in November 1964 but was handed a free transfer at the end of the 1965-66 season. He was snapped up by Fourth Division Exeter City in the close season and made his Football League debut in the opening match of the new season - a scoreless draw against Wrexham at the Racecourse! Strangely enough, after a season at St James� Park when he topped the club�s scoring chart with 11 goals he was released! There followed a period in non-league football with Corby Town where his goalscoring prowess continued in the Southern League. Dixie returned to the Football League when Northampton Town manager Dave Bowen paid �5,000 for him in May 1969. He spent three years with the Cobblers before signing for Lincoln City in 1972 where he played alongside ex England manager Graham Taylor. and maintained his impressive goalscoring average. In January 1974 he signed for Football League newcomers Hereford United for �15,000 where he recorded the club�s first ever Football League hat trick in a 5-0 win over Chesterfield. At the end of his first full season at Edgar Street his new employers had to pay a further �5,000 to Lincoln as part of the transfer agreement if Dixie scored over 20 goals. In fact, he scored 31 and with Peter Eastoe was joint top scorer of the entire Football League. He won a Third Division Championship medal with the club in 1976... Continued, just click on the name above. Taken from the Rhaglen Lwyddogal Official Programme: Dixies Back by Alun Charles.

~ David Nish ~

A member of Bloomfield's exciting and entertaining team of the 1973-74 season. A teenage prodigy who won numerous England youth honours and was once chosen as first-team substitute by City while still at school, David exhibited amazing versatility over his first few seasons in City's senior squad, appearing as a creative midfielder and a defence wing-half before settling as an attacking left-back. By this time his natural ease and cool authority had made him ideal material for the team captaincy, and when City got to Wembley in 1969, David became the youngest-ever Cup Final skipper at 21. Rarely missing a game, and amassing ten England Under-23 caps and several Football League honours in recognition of his elegant effectiveness, he led City back to the top flight in 1971 and looked set for a lengthy Leicester career when reigning champions Derby came in with a British record fee of �225,000 to take him to the Baseball Ground. Five full England caps and a League championship medal (1975) deservedly came David's way, but he subsequently suffered a series of knee injury problems and left for the less demanding sphere of NASL football when he felt he was slipping from his own high standards of performance. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Arthur Rowley ~

Arthur Rowley (1950-58) scored 265 goals for City, including 16 hat tricks. He went on to set a league career record with a total of 434 goals. The most prolific scorer the Football League has known, and second only to Arthur Chandler in City's aggregate scoring stakes, Arthur clearly gave early promise of feats to come despite Wolves' failure to sign him on professional forms. He made his senior debut, alongside his brother Jack and only five days after his 15th birthday, in a wartime Manchester United fixture at Anfield, and also turned out as a guest player for Middlesbrough, Brighton and Lincoln before military service in Germany and Palestine. His introduction to League combat, however, was a slow process at the Hawthorns (4 goals in 24 apps; including one 60-minute stint as stand-in goalkeeper against Leicester in February 1948), and it wasn't until he reached Craven Cottage, and gunned Fulham into the First Division, that his reputation began to rise. There was still much disquiet among City fans, though, when Arthur arrived as an instant, cheaper replacement for the well-liked Jack Lee; but the imminent event of the first of his sixteen Leicester hat-tricks and a first seasonal total of 28 goals rather smoothed his integration, and his smashing of Arthur Chandler's seasonal scoring record with 38 the following term duly conferred on him heroic status. Courtesy (in part) of the LCFC website. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Jon Sammels ~

A member of Bloomfield's exciting and entertaining team of the 1973-74 season. Though having gained immense top-level experience at Highbury, and having shared in some of Arsenal's greatest glory days, Jon had also suffered a rare measure of disappointment before arriving at Leicester for �100,000 as Jimmy Bloomfield's first purchase. To set against his winning of one Football League honour and nine England Under-23 caps, his Wembley League Cup trips had both ended in defeat, while his winning goal in Arsenal's 1970 Fairs Cup Final triumph had seemed to herald a brighter future forJon than the fate of being sidelined for much of the following Double season. The elegant midfielder soon shrugged off any ill-effects on his morale, though, as he set about helping re-establish City as a First Division force, and in fact, in his first senior game, prompting them to capture the FA Charity Shield. Adept at slowing the pace of a game, Jon didn't always endear himself to an impatient crowd, but he was blessed with a sharp eye for a telling long pass and could also unleash a fair long-distance shot, as well as showing a willingness to play guinea-pig at the centre of some of Bloomfield's more extrovert tactical experiments. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Steve Walsh ~

During his 15 years at the Club Steve Walsh, a defender-cum-striker, became a cult hero on the Filbert Street terraces. Life at Leicester was never uneventful for Steve. In spite of his sendings off and operations (both count in double figures) 'Walshie' carried on regardless. For many years he was the club's inspirational captain who led his team by example. Who will ever forget his double strike in the 1994 play-off against Derby County that sent Leicester City into the Premiership? From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Keith Weller ~

Another member of Bloomfield's exciting and entertaining team of the 1973-74 season and my all-time favourite Leicester City player. A marvelously talented, sometimes temperamental individualist who lent �100,000 worth of forceful right-flank panache to Jimmy Bloomfield's elegant teams of the early 70s, Keith could usually be relied upon to deliver a tellingly spectacular contribution to the most mundane of games. City fans were treated to regular displays of both his midfield and striking skills, while national television audiences also gasped at some of his exploits; a mazy 'Goal of the Season' at Luton in the Cup (and a long-range own goal on the same ground a year later!), a thunderbolt volley against Newcastle, and Keith's final City goal - when he dazzled Norwich defenders with his white tights - among them. Keith won four England caps (scoring once with a rare header) and once represented the Football League while with City - and he had previously toured New Zealand and the Far East with an FA party during his Millwall days - yet his sole honour at club level remained his medal from Chelsea's European Cup Winners' Cup victory of 1971. His occasional frustrations at Leicester peaked in the notorious incident when he refused to take the field for the second half of a League game against Ipswich in December 1974, and his last couple of Filbert Street seasons were marred by knee injuries that sadly cut short his top-class career, but memories of his cool brilliance predominate. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Frank Worthington ~

Yet another member (the last in my list) of Bloomfield's exciting and entertaining team of the 1973-74 season. At a time when the concepts of 'personality' and 'charisma' first underwent their continuing devaluation in the hands of a 'build 'em up; shoot 'em down' media, and when sports commentators in particular seemed desperate to assign 'character' status to random workhorses, Frank remained an original: mainly because his outsize image was always harnessed to an outsize talent. Off-field flamboyance ever had its footballing concomitant as Frank's consistent practice of the attacking arts graced the League sphere for over two decades, and one has to reach for a paradoxical construct to try to sum up his striker's impact for City and his numerous other clubs; something like 'casually lethal' might do the trick. The elegant thrust, alternately subtle and spectacular, was an integral part of his repertoire - along with the incisive flick, the arrogant ball control and the deceptively lazy stride - from the time he helped Huddersfield into the First Division in 1970, City made an early move for 'Wortho' as the Terriers began to slide, but an England Under-23 tour intervened, pushing up the likely fee and alerting Liverpool to Frank's quality. A failed medical test quashed Anfield interest, though, and Jimmy Bloomfield jumped at the second chance, watching with glee as his six-figure investment accrued compound interest over five seasons of entertaining 'total football' (or thereabouts) from City. Frank was a popular choice for the national side, winning eight England caps (2 goals) while at his most prolific with City. However, his best single season as a scorer came at Burnden, after Frank McLintock had allowed him to slip away, when he headed the 1979 First Division list with 24. From "Great Players From the Past" (LCFC site).

~ Great Football Players From The Past ~

This list of great famous players and club legends can be found on the Leicester City website, and offers some interesting reading, providing, that is, you are a "City" fan. As well as the more obvious entries of Banks, Lineker and Shilton - already mentioned above - there are an additional 15 players from past teams. Included are several members (Birchenall, Glover, Sammels, Weller and Worthington - also now mentioned above) of the Bloomfield team that in the 1973/74 season made Leicester one of the most entertaining teams in the top division of the football league and such a delight to watch. That team also made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup in that same season.

Section Nine (C)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Tigers ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Famous Tigers From The World of Rugby 

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Click on the name for additional information

~ John Allen ~

Scrum half John Allen made 457 appearances for Tigers but is also remembered as a man who ran the Welford Road club for 13 years. Allen, who believed in amateur principles in the game, stepped down from the position of honorary secretary in 1995 - because he did not want to administer a professional sport. He believed that once you started paying paying people, then relationships with them changed. Allen captained the Tigers in the 1970-71 season. His last game was a win against Bath in 1975, but he stayed involved with the club, first as treasurer and then taking over from Jerry Day as honorary secretary in 1982. As a player, he also represented the County "when that meant something". He once said:"Playing is the most important thing. All you are doing later is putting something back for all the enjoyment you got out." Allen enjoyed his playing days immensely. He was first chosen to play for the Tigers when he was an 18-year-old at Lutterworth Grammar School. He narrowly missed England honours throughout an impressive career that yielded 292 points. Allen was perhaps the best uncapped scrum half in the country... From Allen - A man of Principle By Simon Orrell, Leicester Tigers Website.

~ Neil Back ~

Neil Back joined Tigers in 1990 and in September 2000 achieved the Tigers� league try-scoring record of 50. In 1998 he was named RFU Player of the Year, and in 1999 at the first Professional Players Association dinner he was named Players� Player of the Year. He made his full England debut against Scotland in 1994. He also plays regularly for the Barbarians and has been involved in two World Cups (�95, �99), the �97 British Lions tour to South Africa, three Five/Six Nations (�98, �99, �00), and World Cup Sevens Rugby in Hong Kong. This entry from Max Wade-Matthews' CD: "A Virtual Tour Around Leicester."

~ Les Cusworth ~

Les Cusworth, a miner's son, was one of the most talented fly-halves ever to turn out for the Tigers. Many believed the Yorkshireman should have won more than 12 England caps. Cusworth earned a worldwide reputation as a sevens player. He coached England's winning team in the inaugural World Cup Sevens in Scotland in 1993. The player established a world record of 25 drop goals in a season while playing for Wakefield. He also kicked four drop goals for the Tigers in a Pilkington Cup game at Liverpool St Helens in 1989. Cusworth played in five Cup finals with the Tigers and was named Leicester Mercury Sports Personality of the Year in 1988. He told a star-studded gathering: "After our defeat by Wales last weekend, you could have thought we had lost the Second World War - but at the end of the day, we all play sports for the fun of it." He appeared 365 times for the Tigers, scoring 947 points. Team-mate Dusty Hare said of him: "Apart from Stuart Barnes, he is the only fly-half in England who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and dictate it."... From Cusworth - one of the all-time great fly-halves By Simon Orrell, Leicester Tigers Website.

~ Paul Dodge ~

On 20 April 1991, Paul Dodge played his last game for the Tigers. In his 18 years at the club the England centre scored 90 tries, 38 penalties and 33 conversions for the Tigers, amassing 549 points in 436 games. He also played 32 times for England, seven times as skipper. During his magnificent career in was involved in three Cup wins and was captain when the Tigers won the inaugural Courage League Championship. Dodge was one of the finest and most dependable centres ever to play for Leicester, and with Clive Woodward formed what was recognised as being the world's best centre partnership. This entry from Max Wade-Matthews' CD: "A Virtual Tour Around Leicester."

~ 'Dusty' Hare ~

Ask any fan to make a list of all-time great Tigers stars and farmer William Dusty Hare MBE will be top or near the top every time. Dusty played for Leicester between 1976 and 1989, making an astonishing 393 appearances. In 1985 he courted more controversy with the release of his book, Dusty, in which he criticised England selectors for their 'interfering,' saying that England's rugby players had had as much trouble with officialdom as they had with opponents. In 1988 he was voted Leicester Mercury Sports Personality of the Year. One of England's most capped full backs, Dusty Hare still works for the club as a scout. This entry from Max Wade-Matthews' CD: "A Virtual Tour Around Leicester."

~ Alexander Obolensky ~

Alexander Obolensky is pictured here scoring a spectacular try for England against the All Blacks in 1936. The Tigers player came from a Russian family which took its name from the town of Obolensk - and he was a real prince. "Obo" came to England when he was a child after the Russian revolution. He made his debut for Leicester in 1934 and played his final match in 1939. In between he won fame with his fabulous performance against the New Zealanders. It was one of four England caps. Sadly "Obo" died during the war when he was serving as a fighter pilot...� From A prince among players By Simon Orrell, Leicester Tigers Website.

~ Dean Richards ~

Dean Richards MBE joined Tigers from Roanne in 1982, making his debut against Neath. With his socks rolled down and shirttails flapping he soon achieved cult status amongst the Tigers fans who looked upon him as a legend that could do no wrong. His England debut came in March 1986 against Ireland at Twickenham where he became the first player in 57 years to score two tries on an England debut. He is one of only two men to score 100 tries for the club, the other being David Matthews. He is the world�s most-capped No. 8, having notched up 43 England caps in an international career spanning nine years. He is currently the club's Director of Rugby. This entry from Max Wade-Matthews' CD: "A Virtual Walk Through Leicester."

~ Chalkie White ~

Chalkie White spent 24 years at Welford Road as both player and coach. White joined the Tigers as a scrum-half from Camborne. Within six years, in 1965, he was asked to help out with the coaching. The move did not meet with the general approval of the committee because in those days it was almost unknown for a club to have a coach - it was considered a little unsporting, the senior players being expected to work things out for themselves. Under White, Leicester became one of the most attractive sides in the country. And the coach was said to have had the biggest influence on the club's famous five internationals - Dusty Hare, Clive Woodward, Paul Dodge, Les Cusworth and Peter Wheeler. During the last six years of Chalkie White's reign (his mother called him Herbert), the Tigers reached five Cup finals, winning three. White put his heart and soul into the club. But he decided to leave the Tigers midway through the 1983 season to take up a new appointment - the Rugby Union's technical administrator of the South-West. White once said of his talents: "There's not a lot of original thought I've been capable of. I crib and steal and plagerise." But I tell the players that if they cheat on me on the training field, they'll cheat their team-mates in the game and in all other aspects of life."... From Chalkie White - the legend By Simon Orrell, Leicester Tigers Website.

Section Nine (D)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sports Community ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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Other Well Known Names From Sport: 

Cycling, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Snooker, Bowling, Mountaineering,

Equestrian, Boxing, Sports Promotion.

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Click on the name for additional information

~ Tony Allcock ~

Quite simply, at this moment in time, Tony can best be described as the best bowler in the world. Born in Leicestershire he now lives in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. When asked how old he was when he started bowling, he replies that he was "virtually born on the bowling green!" He plays for Cheltenham BC outdoors and Bentham Indoor BC during the winter. World ranking: Number One.

~ Andrew Betts ~

Leicester-born Andrew has spent his last three years at California's Long Beach State, a period during which he has transformed his game from average to high class. Making his debut for Leicester Riders at the age of 16, Now 21, the 7'1" giant is reckoned by most experts to be a second round selection in the NBA Draft. Such a high ranking should ensure that he has at least a legitimate shot of making a NBA roster in October. Alternatively, the riches of southern Europe may beckon. In fact, Andrew is presently playing for a team in Italy, but still has high hopes of playing in the NBA - particularly for Charlotte, North Carolina.

~ Mark Cox ~

Mark Cox's finest hour as a player came as a member of the Great Britain team which reached the final of the 1978 Davis Cup against the USA. In the semi-final, the long-time BBC TV summariser partnered David Lloyd to victory in the deciding doubles rubber. Mark reached the quarter finals of the US Open in 1966, and won 10 singles tournaments between 1970 and 1977. Born in Leicester in 1943, he was runner-up at Queen's in 1977.�

~ Tim Grubb ~

Born in Leicestershire in 1952, Tim Grubb, "Grubby," has resided in the U.S. since his marriage to former USET show jumper Michelle McEvoy. Grubb retained his British citizenship and represented Great Britain several times in international competition. In 1993, the Grubbs divorced and Tim became an American citizen, qualifying as the alternate for the Atlanta Olympic Games. At the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, Grubb rode on the Silver Medal winning British team. He was also on the Silver Medal team in the 1980 Rotterdam Alternate Olympics.

~ Albert Walter Harris ~

'Bert' Harris was born in Birmingham in April 1874. As a child his family moved to a new home in Portsmouth Road, Leicester. Educated at the Holy Trinity School, he had always been interested in cycling and commenced his racing career at the age of 14. Two years later he came second in the Infirmary Sports which were held on the Aylestone Road Sports Ground, Grace Road (now the home of the Leicestershire Cricket Club). In 1891 he got his first big win when he one the Five Mile Race at Bristol in the time of 18 minutes and 25 seconds. Two years later he took the records for the Mile and Three Quarter Mile. In 1894 he turned professional and joined the London Polytechnic Cycle Club. Known as a "clever and plucky rider," his fame had now spread world-wide and he rode all over the country and, in 1896, Australia. His last race in Leicester was in the Autumn of 1894, when he came third in the Five Mile Race. In April 1895, during a race in Cardiff, he fell of his cycle and was unconscious for 48 hours. By September, however, he was well enough to break the English professional record at at Hearn Hill, completing the Half Mile in 57.3 seconds and the Mile in 118.3 seconds. Most of 1896 was spent in Australia where he rode all over the continent. One race, which he one, carried a prize of 400 pounds - a lot of money in those days. His last race was a Ten Mile event at Birmingham when, in a field of fifteen, at about the four mile mark, his front wheel caught the rear one of one of the other cycles. He came off and struck his head on the hard surface. He died two days later. His memorial in Welford Road Cemetery was erected by his fellow cyclists: " in token of the sincere respect and esteem in which he was held by wheelmen the world over." This entry taken from "Grave Matters" by Leicester author Max Wade-Matthews.

~ Thomas Hatton ~

Thomas Hatton was a very versatile man who contributed much to Leicester's sporting life in the 1920s and '30s. He was a leading figure in the Leicester Greyhound Racing Association, a generous donor to the County Cricket Club, and a boxing promoter who helped establish the city as a premier pre-war fight venue. He promoted the 1932 European Heavy-Weight Championship fight. However, there was another side to Mr. Hatton: In 1936, he was considered a foremost authority on Dickens' first editions, and was, in that year, in Los Angeles for the Pickwick Centenary Celebrations. While there, he met many stars, gave a lecture to a star-studded audience and made two radio broadcasts on the same day. Mr. Hatton wore a bowler hat, and during his four-month trip to L.A., this rare site found him the centre of attention. There is a picture of Mr. Hatton flanked on either side by the famous Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Mr. Hatton's own book collection was extensive and in about 1920 he donated 2000 volumes of literature to the Leicester University College. In the 1960s, there was� established the Hatton Chair of English Local History at the University of Leicester as an acknowledgement of his donation. From a Leicester Mercury article (Nov 3rd, 2000).

~ Nat Langham ~

NAT Langham entered sporting history as an exponent of the sport of pugilism, or bare knuckle boxing, by becoming the only man to beat the great pugilist Tom Sayers. Nat Langham was baptised on 20th February 1820. He was the son of poor framework knitters, who lived in Cross Keys Yard, Hinkley.. The lot of the stocking makers was not an enviable one, the phrase "poor as a stockinger" was cruelly accurate. In such places as Cross Keys Yard the miserable poor attempted to eke out a living in congested, slum-like conditions. Nat was not proud of these roots and in later years would claim he was the son of a farm labourer. What can be certain is that from his earliest days Langham was malnourished. He always had a weak constitution and lungs, which makes his choice of profession somewhat surprising. Legend takes hold here and casts Langham as one of the young scavengers for food in the town, not unlike one of Fagin's boys in the story "Oliver Twist".� It is said that in the basement area of a merchant's house in the town he would entertain the other servants of the house by eating off the same plate as the dog. He was said to have also eaten raw onions by the dozen to entertain public house customers followed by a mug of stale ale he was given to wash them down. What does emerge is that his parents abandoned him to his own devices, and when he was about eight years old a street vendor caught him stealing a hot potato from his cart so he thrust it into the child's mouth. Langham's tongue was so burnt and swollen that he suffered permanent damage and spoke with a pronounced speech impediment for the rest of his life. It is not clear when Nat entered his first "prize" fight for money. Some have felt that it was against a William Ellis of Sapcote village but there is some evidence to suggest that he fought against Hinckley's champion Dick Brown, for a purse of �5, near the Harrow Inn on the Watling Street, close to where an industrial estate is now situated. Langham was encouraged to go to Leicester, both in search of employment as a deliverer of goods by horse and cart, but also to attend the sparring rooms of the Leicester pugilist Dick Cain, at the latter's premises, the Castle Tavern, at 43 Gallowtree Gate in the city. Langham did not attract attention until, in a street brawl, he gave a sound hiding to a local well-known rough. For the rest of the story, "Life of a 19th Century Boxer," click on the name above, then click on 'Articles,' and then click on 'History.'

~ Jenny Pitman ~

Raised on a modest Leicestershire farm, Jenny Pitman went on to become the most successful female racing horse trainer of all time. Her trophies include two Grand Nationals, the King George VI Chase, three Welsh Grand Nationals, The Hennessy Gold Cup, two Cheltenham Gold Cups, two Welsh Champion Hurdles, the Whitbread Trophy, two Anthony Mildmay/Peter Cazalet Chases, the Gainsborough Chase and the Scottish Grand National. She retired in 1999, and was known as the "Queen of Aintree." This link (the name above) will take you to "Leicestershire Past & Present," and a great article by webmaster Elizabeth Batt.

~ Willie Thorn ~

Born in Leicester in 1954, he is snooker's "Mr. Maximum Man" and a renowned television pundit. Thorne has won a number of tournaments during his distinguished 25 year professional career. He remains one of the game's most silky breakbuilders and greatest entertainers. He won the 1985 Mercantile Credit Classic and achieved the mystical 147 break at the 1987 UK Snooker championship. Willie is a consultant for Euphony Communications and has been a professional snooker player since 1975. The link (his name above) will take you to his Fan Club's website.

~ Gary Wolstenholme ~

The famous golfer and Market Harborough resident, 37 year old Gary Wolstenholme, beat Tiger Woods to set Great Britain and Ireland up for Walker Cup victory at Royal Porthcawl in 1995. Last November he added the Eisenhower Trophy world team title in Chile to his long list of accomplishments. His Golf Club is Kilworth Springs, North Kilworth, near Lutterworth.� Some of his other victories include: Walker Cup 1997. Eisenhower Trophy 1996. St Andrews Trophy 1992, 1994 & 1996. EGA v Pan Asia Pacific 1998. England International 1998-1998.Amateur Champion 1991. Chinese Amateur Champion 1993. British Mid-Amateur Champion 1995 & 1996. UAE Amateur Champion 1995. Finnish Amateur Champion 1996. Welsh Stroke Play Champion 1997.1st Berkshire Trohpy 1996 & 1997. 1st English County Champion of Champions 1994 & 1996. 1st Duncan Putter 1994 & 1996. T1 Lake McQuarrie 1998.

~ Simon Yates ~

Mountaineer and Lecturer. Born in Leicestershire in 1963, Simon studied Biochemistry at Sheffield University before becoming a nomadic climber. He first came to prominence as a mountaineer in 1985, after the first ascent of the West Face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes and the ensuing epic descent with Joe Simpson (described in Simpson's book Touching the Void). Since then Simon has traveled extensively in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Kazakhstan, South America and Australia, and has climbed new routes in the Himalayas and the Andes.

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Section 9A: [Football's Local Lads] Section 9B: [Football and the City]

Section 9C: [The Tigers]  Section 9D: [Sports Community]�

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