Garland, Chris

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Chris Garland

Chris Garland

Clubs played for: Bristol City, Chelsea, Leicester City, Bristol City. (1966-1982)

Born: 1949

Birthplace: Bristol

Position: Forward

Biography: Admits that he signed a blank contract when he joined the Blues in a £100,000 deal from Bristol City and didn't realise that the rise in wages still didn't cover the cost of living in London. Was signed as cover for Peter Osgood, Tommy Baldwin and Ian Hutchinson, but he still saw his fair share of action averaging a goal in almost every four games. The highlights were scoring in both legs of the 1972 League Cup semi final against Spurs to earn a Wembley date with Stoke. After being sold to Leicester for £95,000, he helped keep his new club in the First Division at the expense of his former employers. Has had many jobs outside the game. Ventures in the fruit-and-veg business and then in the wine trade proved unsuccessful, while a career in insurance ended in redundancy. A gambling problem led to a marriage break-up and bankruptcy. At one stage he was reported to be homeless and sleeping rough but is now living in Newport, Wales.




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Garland, Chris Just went to see my dad in a nursing home and chatted to Chris’s wife who said he’s there. I asked could I pop and see him. My wife and myself went to see him. He responded to us having a chat with. It was great to meet him even though I’m a Newport county fan
22-05-23 Mark Jenkins

Garland, Chris Hi Chris, I am the son in-law of David Wookey who I know you were friends with from your Bristol City days. Sadly, David passed away a couple of weeks ago and wanted to let you know of this sad news. His funeral is taking place on the 14th March and, if possible the family would love you to be there. I can be contacted by email. All the best Chris
06-03-22 Robert Taylor

Garland, Chris Hi Chris. Your mum, my mum Doris Boyland and Ena Wedlock were very close and my Nan lived in the next block of flats Whitemead House. Mum and Dad used to have a few parties at Ashton Vale and as a kid I used to see all these Bristol City players come in my house - wow! Along with your lovely brother Martin. In 1979 after a car crash I was in Winford hospital and Martin was in a room on his own, he noticed me and asked if he could move out in the ward and be next to me? It made our stay more comfortable and we got on really well but I've never seen him since! I would love to know how you are both now? Wally and Doris my parents have now passed away. I wonder if you know if Gary Wedlock is still with us? Regards my childhood hero and friend.

19-02-22 Keith Boyland

Garland, Chris Dear Chris. First I hope you are well. I am a lifelong Chelsea fan and remember very well the day you signed for us as we beat W B A 1-0 at home. You are fondly remembered at the Bridge and I was one of those in the Shed singing, "Garland in, Keegan out. You must have been close to an England call up given the way you started the 72/73 campaign. Mears idiotic rebuilding of the stadium at the worst possible time: High inflation, strikes, shortages ruined the club but we started that season very well. TBH I wish we had kept Weller and not purchased Kember. I too am unwell but keep on keeping on; always a trier. Good luck.
24-03-21 Chris Gibb

Garland, Chris Get in contact my Brother.It would be great to hear from you. Played with your Martin at Exeter United 1973.Friends of Jantzen Derrick, Paul Cheesley etc. Dad died of Parkinsons in 2009. Yes he was very famous in South Bristol. Also remember you went to School with my cousin Lionel Keating!
21-12-20 Gary Cook

Chris Garland Hi Chris, you won't remember me, but I was in a junior school team that was thrashed by South Street in the Coronation Cup. I think you scored 8 times that day. We all knew that you would go on to great things one day. That was sixty years ago now and it still hurts! Sorry to learn of your troubles Chris, I hope things have come good for you.
23-08-20 Keith Bennett

Garland, Chris As a 9year old I came to watch you play against QPR for Chelsea and you came into the Portacabin at The Bridge to watch a race on TV. You signed my programme so ty for that,1974 3-3 good game.Best wishes to you.
12-07-20 David Warner

GARLAND, Chris Hi Chris. I have happy memories of seeing you and City playing in the sixties. So sorry to hear about your illness and thank you for those good times... now long ago.
Frank Osborne

Garland, Chris At 15 I remember Chris helping put new drainage in the Ashton Gate pitch, I was an amateur at City and Chris was on the ground staff. I was transfered to Swindon Town and in my first game against the City Chris played. In 1993 we met again this time at Clevedon Town Chris was helping with the coaching with another friend of mine Steve Millard. Chris took time out to help my youngsters in the Clevedon Town Res. Chris was suffering with Parkinson's Disease then. Chris Selway


GARLAND, Chris I have many memories of Chris, from watching him play whilst standing on the East End during his first period at the Club, especially with John Atyeo and again on his amazing return to save us, when his goals at the end of the 1976 season kept us in the top flight. Especially the goal against Liverpool that famous Tuesday night. I had the pleasure of helping during his testimonial match by doing the Disco in the Supporters Club, I of course offered my small fee towards his fund but he got to hear of it and paid it back! I have admired him for so long and have been saddened by his struggle with Parkinson's. I wish those currently at Bristol City would do more to recognise his talents, I feel that he has been somewhat overlooked by the Club, as for too long have many other of the clubs former players. Keep your chin up Chris you are a true son of Bristol and we love you for it. Chris
Chris Bradfield

Garland, Chris Hi Chris I have often wondered what became of your brother Martin I went to school with him at Ashton vale primary and Ashton court Regards Alan


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