Where Are They Now? - Footballers

CUTBUSH, JOHN

Updated: 19-01-21 Derek Johnson

John and I virtually grew up together, I am 2 month younger. We attended aylesford secondary and both lived in ‘teapot’, only one in the world?
From say 8 to 16 years spent a lot of our spare time at his house which was up the lane about 200 yards from my home opposite secondary school entrance. The corner shop and primary school entrance half way between.

John’s parents Dennis and Joyce used the rear downstairs room for John and friends to play. I remember the room with large beige hardboard sheet on floor. We played Monopoly with various invented modified rules creating incredible wealth or debts.
Cricket rules were assimilated from test match commentary on background radio.
At least one litter of puppies started life there.
During most weeks John was kicking ball to garage door at side of house. I seem to remember his cricket skills also in demand.
Dad Dennis played for Maidstone, centre half I think, in Isthmian League. Gold and Black colours like Wolves. Occasionally I was invited to watch home matches when after we would join players in a massive concrete communal bath then a slap up roast dinner to follow.
One tragedy: Maidstone United history- goalkeeper had to defend goal and opposition attacker died after collision.
School PE master encouraged John in early development
At 16 years John signed for Spurs and me to 5 year indentured apprenticeship with Tilling Steven’s engineering
We lost touch, over 55 years no contact. Doncaster IKEA work reference assumes he is back in UK. We need to touch base.
Would welcome contact email or phone?

JEFFERS, JOHN

Updated: 19-01-21 Frank Brennan

John Jeffers sadly passed away today, 19/01/2021. He will be sadly missed by his young family and his many friends.

BEST MBE, CLYDE

Updated: 18-01-21 R Glyn Jones

I taught Clyde at Churchill School,Prospect, Devonshire. Hope when Covid is over to visit Bermuda and again as in 2015 make my acquaintances with Clyde. He has always spoiled myself as a player when I captained the Staff v Pupils which Clyde captained in both football and cricket. In 1981 in Toronto when he gave myself and my sons Richard and Bryn (died in 2013) a wonderful time as we saw him play For the Blizzard.Then in 2015 when I visited Bermuda.

GILBERT, BILLY

Updated: 18-01-21 Cary

I went to Malory school, I was a few years below Billy, our deputy head spoke about him at the school assembly saying Billy had played for England the night before.

PACE, DEREK

Updated: 18-01-21 David Moore

Speaking as a Wednesdayite, I well remember my first steel city derby when Derek scored the only goal of the match. It was in 1959, at Bramall Lane, cold and misty, I was 11 and Wednesday wore white socks. Peter Swan was Wednesday’s centre half and after that match he always reserved ‘special treatment’ for Derek whenever they played against each other. Poor Derek. I’ve seen many more steel city derbies over the years and that first one was the one and only United victory I have witnessed. Derek wasn’t a typical centre forward to look at, he was slim and only medium height but he could jump high and head the ball superbly. He was a regular 20 goal a season man for the Blades. Remember him well.

LAYNE, DAVID

Updated: 18-01-21 Chris Drake

My hero in the early 60's and remember seeing him score consecutive hat tricks at home v Man City and Blackburn Rovers. Used to see him and his wife in the Sheaf Island on a Wednesday and he as always been a perfect gent and good company with his knowledge of how the game should be played.

ROSTRON, WILF

Updated: 18-01-21 Helen Blackburn

I went to the same school as Wilf Rostron though he's 9 years older than me. My Dad taught at the same school and got me Wilf's autograph.

MONTGOMERY, JIM

Updated: 18-01-21 Helen Blackburn

My Dad taught Jimmy Montgomery as a young teacher at St Hilda's School in Southwick. When we were kids we thought he taught him how to play football - but sadly not.

DAINES, BARRY

Updated: 18-01-21 alan avis

Met Barry in Elba in early seventies....lovely guy . Attended his wedding the following year. Hope he is keeping well. Very Best Wishes

WIGNALL, FRANK

Updated: 18-01-21 John Wilford

I remember calling at Frank's garage at Burton Joyce where Frank topped up mycar. I had the cheek to advise him on his running action to help him speed up. He smiled and thanked me. I also remember him in that FA Cup tie at the City Ground when Forest beat Everton 3vs2.That match was the most exciting game I ever watched. If Joe Baker had not been injured and put out for the season Forest would have won the FA Cup or the First division championship, perhaps even the double. What happy football days they were. This generation do not know what they missed. John Wilford