Crawford, Ray

Ray Crawford

Clubs played for: Portsmouth, Ipswich Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, Colchester United. (1957-1970).

Born: 1936

Birthplace: Portsmouth

Position: Striker

Biography: Mention the name 'Ray Crawford' to any Ipswich Town or Pompey fan of a 'certain age' and you will quickly realise that he is still revered and remembered as one of the greatest forwards of his day. A great goalscorer and England international, Ray was actually born on Fratton Road and so it is fitting that he should play for the club and can be classed as a true 'local hero'. In a career that spanned fourteen years, he bagged over 300 goals, but is probably best remembered nationally for the brace he scored for Colchester United against the mighty Leeds team of the time in the fifth round of the 1970/1 FA Cup. When he retired, Ray became youth coach at Brighton, briefly working under Brian Clough, and then held a similar post at Fratton Park. At the end of his football career he worked as a representative and merchandiser for Nurdin & Peacock, but is now enjoying a happy retirement in Porchester. His autobiography entitled "Curse of the Jungle Boy" was published in 2007.

Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Ray?
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Crawford, Ray I played in the Portsmouth youth team that Ray coach. Also met Ray at Nurden & Peacock in later life. An absolute gentleman and great footballer.
14-11-22 Kevin McDonnell

Crawford, Ray Used to wave to Ray every lunch time, after the Portman Road practices. A few players would go to Lyons cafe for lunch. I was Ipswich Town/ Easter Area Football Wueen during that time! Also Miss Suffolk 1965!! Jackie Sharpe in those days!!! Big crush on Ray…. and never missed a home ( and many away) match from Div.3 to Div1 Championship!!!
19-04-22 Jackie Grimes

Crawford, Ray Had the pleasure of working with Ray at Nurdin and Peacock, firstly in Claybank Road then the new site in Williams Road. Ray played for and managed the N&P works team. Not many teams in Meon Vally Div 4 start an ex England International in the starting 11. One of life's true gentlemen.
26-01-22 Sean Swatton

Crawford, Ray I was lucky enough to see him many times, I really started to go to watch Ipswich about 1967 but had seen them the year they won the old 1st Div in 1962. Crawford had a fantastic partnership with local boy Ted Phillips who had the hardest shot in football. .In 1967 Crawford had returned to Ipswich playing alongside Jerry Baker, he was great in the air & got goals with any part of his body. In 1968 Crawford was teamed up with John O'Rourke making a great forward partnership which claimed the Div2 title, I saw every home game that season.

Crawford was a super hero for young Ipswich fans and I remember the chants of Jungle Boy due to his time in the army in Burma where he was a dog handler apparently.
30-09-20 Peter Owen

Crawford, Ray Hi to Ray Crawford and family. I remember you lived opposite me at Lawnside, Blackheath when you played for Charlton Athletic. I often think of you all especially your three daughters. Your little one was the same age as my daughter. How time passes all too quickly, glad we are all still here.

21-02-20 valerie robson

Crawford, Ray We are away at Man Utd...they take a 1-0 lead..we arn`t playing that well and Crawford was truly awful...my comments and others had the fans rolling. At half time the RAF did a display with their dogs, fiery hoops and all stuff...one dog was not doing any good at all...I shouted 'Look it`s Crawford`s dog'...laughs all round....late in the 2nd half, Crawford still having a terrible game, and somehow he got the equilizer...I shouted ' there you are ,told so, he`s a great player'....we were all rolling around laughing. The score...1-1 draw.