Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2020 10:44:37 GMT 1
I remember Alf playing initially at Centre Half for us . Fans were quite excited as he came from Ceetah and , I may be wrong here but I think he played England Youth football. So, expectations were high . Unfortunately he didn’t really impress first off and at times got some terrible stick . But , he came through it all and became a great favorite at the Meddah , a legend for us no doubt. I also remember him putting George Yardley in hospital after , it has to be said , an horrendous tackle . Alf eventually went to Millwall and is also fondly remembered by , in those days , the Cold Blow Lane faithful . Thanks Alf for all those wonderful memories down by the Severn . RIP
|
|
|
Post by Minormorris64 on Apr 14, 2020 10:46:48 GMT 1
1971/72 my first season never forgotten, thank you for the memories Alf, also one of my recently passed away Fathers favourite players. RIP
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Apr 14, 2020 11:40:52 GMT 1
Any of our veteran fans remember seeing Alf play against us at Maine Road when we played City in the FA Cup in January 1965? I was there with my Dad and uncle, also at the replay which we won 3-1. City were in the doldrums at the time, just prior to their revival under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, and we beat them with ease. I recall being very underwhelmed when Arthur signed Alf a couple of seasons later, he was an average centre back at best in my opinion, Arthur and Harry Gregg never dropped him though so they must have rated him. His transformation to a top striker is interesting, he was used as a stopgap striker at the end of season 1968/69 and the start of the following season before reverting to centre back where he remained for three quarters of 69/70 and the whole of 70/71. It was only 71/72 when he had a full season in the No. 9 shirt and he moved on at the end of that season. I wonder why it so long to realise what his best position was? Ryan Lowe was with us for 5 seasons, but the management never realised what his best position was. Wasted on the right side of midfield. Yet I remember him having one or two excellent games up front.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2020 12:09:53 GMT 1
I feel very sorry for the younger town fans who never saw the great Gay Meadow legends many of whom have now sadly passed away. I feel very lucky to have witnessed the likes of Alf Wood on a regular basis. Must rank as one of the most popular players ever to wear a town shirt. RIP. I’m one of those people who unfortunately never saw him play. Although obviously a player in his own right who could we compare him to who played for the town in last 30 years or so?
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Apr 14, 2020 14:21:41 GMT 1
The last 2 goals of Alf Wood's career. Scored for Stafford Rangers v Kettering in the F.A. Trophy Final of 1979.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Apr 14, 2020 14:40:45 GMT 1
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Apr 14, 2020 15:29:06 GMT 1
Some nice compliments about Alf from Millwall fans including this one:- 'RIP one of the bravest centre forwards I ever saw play. Total commitment every minute of every game.' millwall-forum.vitalfootball.co.uk/threads/alf-wood-dead.42043/A video of a great headed goal by Alf against Everton is on page 1 of that thread.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Apr 14, 2020 16:14:59 GMT 1
And 2 more of Alf's goals here!
|
|
|
Post by wakemanender on Apr 14, 2020 17:00:02 GMT 1
I feel very sorry for the younger town fans who never saw the great Gay Meadow legends many of whom have now sadly passed away. I feel very lucky to have witnessed the likes of Alf Wood on a regular basis. Must rank as one of the most popular players ever to wear a town shirt. RIP. I’m one of those people who unfortunately never saw him play. Although obviously a player in his own right who could we compare him to who played for the town in last 30 years or so? I think Grant Holt comes close. He was the big all action bludgeoning centre forward that we could do with now.
|
|
|
Post by jamo on Apr 14, 2020 17:10:24 GMT 1
The last 2 goals of Alf Wood's career. Scored for Stafford Rangers v Kettering in the F.A. Trophy Final of 1979. That’s a great bit of footage, thanks for sharing. As an aside, is the linesman walking out at Wembley Tony Bywater ?
|
|
|
Post by RBA on Apr 14, 2020 17:12:59 GMT 1
I’m one of those people who unfortunately never saw him play. Although obviously a player in his own right who could we compare him to who played for the town in last 30 years or so? I think Grant Holt comes close. He was the big all action bludgeoning centre forward that we could do with now. I think thats a good call (Grant Holt )both big strong players ; Alf was my childhood hero but he was wonderfully supported by the Dave Roberts Alan Groves and George Andrews
|
|
|
Post by AlisonS on Apr 14, 2020 18:17:30 GMT 1
I’m one of those people who unfortunately never saw him play. Although obviously a player in his own right who could we compare him to who played for the town in last 30 years or so? I think Grant Holt comes close. He was the big all action bludgeoning centre forward that we could do with now. Holty would be my pick too, as the one who comes closest, although I think it is difficult to compare players from different eras. Alf had to prove himself as a centre half and win fans round, in his first season at the Town he faced almost universal hostility. The way that he went about was why he became a legend - it wasn’t just the goal stats.
|
|
|
Post by The Shropshire Tenor on Apr 14, 2020 22:59:31 GMT 1
I think Grant Holt comes close. He was the big all action bludgeoning centre forward that we could do with now. I think thats a good call (Grant Holt )both big strong players ; Alf was my childhood hero but he was wonderfully supported by the Dave Roberts Alan Groves and George Andrews It was Holt who sprang to my mind, it’s hard to remember 50 years ago but I don’t recall Alf as being tall. Maybe just under 6’, but he was strong with big shoulders and a barrel chest. His special talent in the air was a combination of great timing, a good leap, power and almost reckless bravery.
|
|
Shrewsfan1985
The Loggerheads
Posts: 23,940
My first team is..: Shrewsbury
|
Post by Shrewsfan1985 on Apr 15, 2020 0:40:40 GMT 1
RIP.
|
|
|
Post by dewsburyshrew on Apr 15, 2020 1:01:49 GMT 1
This is very sad, two of my favourite town players gone in a week. I loved Ricky Moir but Alf was a hero. I never had any doubts about him as a centre half. His commitment was total,too much so at times!.I recall lung bursting runs from the back which often made things happen. Unheard of in those days. I also recall an unbelievably brave diving header through a crowd of players that earned us a point. It was somewhere in the North West. I don't have the total recall of some. It was shortly after that that he was converted to centre forward and the legend was born. Oh and did any player at any level do the near post corner as well as he did. He could drink a bit too
|
|
|
Post by philharvey on Apr 15, 2020 9:19:18 GMT 1
Any of our veteran fans remember seeing Alf play against us at Maine Road when we played City in the FA Cup in January 1965? I was there with my Dad and uncle, also at the replay which we won 3-1. City were in the doldrums at the time, just prior to their revival under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, and we beat them with ease. I recall being very underwhelmed when Arthur signed Alf a couple of seasons later, he was an average centre back at best in my opinion, Arthur and Harry Gregg never dropped him though so they must have rated him. His transformation to a top striker is interesting, he was used as a stopgap striker at the end of season 1968/69 and the start of the following season before reverting to centre back where he remained for three quarters of 69/70 and the whole of 70/71. It was only 71/72 when he had a full season in the No. 9 shirt and he moved on at the end of that season. I wonder why it so long to realise what his best position was? Ryan Lowe was with us for 5 seasons, but the management never realised what his best position was. Wasted on the right side of midfield. Yet I remember him having one or two excellent games up front.
|
|
|
Post by philharvey on Apr 15, 2020 9:22:16 GMT 1
Was there to,in the replay town forward line ran him ragged, but the rest is history,RIP Alf.
|
|
|
Post by wakemanender on Apr 15, 2020 12:33:14 GMT 1
I seem to remember quite a few players from that era were drinkers mostly led by Ryan Lowe. I wrote a letter once to the Shropshire Star sports page complaining that manager Jake King wasnt playing his best player. King traced me and asked me if I would play a player who would come into training drunk from the night before on a very regular basis. That player went on to coaching jobs and ended up manager of Barnet. No wonder so many ex players ended up staying in town running pubs.
|
|
|
Post by northwestman on Apr 15, 2020 12:42:31 GMT 1
I seem to remember quite a few players from that era were drinkers mostly led by Ryan Lowe. I wrote a letter once to the Shropshire Star sports page complaining that manager Jake King wasnt playing his best player. King traced me and asked me if I would play a player who would come into training drunk from the night before on a very regular basis. That player went on to coaching jobs and ended up manager of Barnet. No wonder so many ex players ended up staying in town running pubs. Imagine the problems Ian McNeil must have had then!
|
|
|
Post by Minormorris64 on Apr 15, 2020 14:26:58 GMT 1
The last 2 goals of Alf Wood's career. Scored for Stafford Rangers v Kettering in the F.A. Trophy Final of 1979. That’s a great bit of footage, thanks for sharing. As an aside, is the linesman walking out at Wembley Tony Bywater ? My thoughts exactly.
|
|
|
Post by Minormorris64 on Apr 15, 2020 14:28:37 GMT 1
The last 2 goals of Alf Wood's career. Scored for Stafford Rangers v Kettering in the F.A. Trophy Final of 1979. That’s a great bit of footage, thanks for sharing. As an aside, is the linesman walking out at Wembley Tony Bywater ? My thoughts exactly
|
|
|
Post by alfwoodlive on Apr 19, 2020 20:21:12 GMT 1
My all time favourite Town player, rather obvious from my user name! Maybe not the most skilful of players, but whenever he pulled the Town shirt on, you were guaranteed 100% effort, I hope to keep his name in our thoughts when posting. Best wishes to his family RIP
|
|
|
Post by Exkeeper on Apr 20, 2020 9:11:49 GMT 1
Rest in peace Alf. A great servant to our club and one the gave so many fantastic memories to the fans So many Town favourites have left us in recent times - Peter Dolby, Ricky Moir, Alf Wood and the man that signed him, Harry Gregg. Thanks for the memories. Apologies for accidentally omitting the name of Ken Mulhearn from that post - another of my all-time favourites from that era.
|
|
|
Post by albionshrew on Feb 3, 2024 15:52:30 GMT 1
Alfie just mentioned on Radio Shrop. The memory of seeing Alfie play (and score!) brings tears to my eyes. Do I need help?!!!
|
|
|
Post by wakemanender on Feb 3, 2024 16:33:28 GMT 1
Town legend. RIP.
|
|
|
Post by The Clash 1966 on Feb 3, 2024 17:50:23 GMT 1
If only we had a few like him playing for us these days ..
|
|
|
Post by armchairfan on Feb 3, 2024 18:18:10 GMT 1
Great memories of Alfie. The 5 against Blackburn, 4 headers and a penalty in front of a mental station End. He was so closely marked at corners, one time I remember he started at the back post, ran behind the goal and headed in at the near post. Unfortunately ref disallowed it. An uncompromising centre half, I have a grim memory of him ending George Yardley's career with a horrendous tackle. RIP Alfie Whilst I too will remember his goals and all-action approach, that particular incident was horrifying and sours the memories... RIP, Alf
|
|
|
Post by armchairfan on Feb 3, 2024 18:18:21 GMT 1
Great memories of Alfie. The 5 against Blackburn, 4 headers and a penalty in front of a mental station End. He was so closely marked at corners, one time I remember he started at the back post, ran behind the goal and headed in at the near post. Unfortunately ref disallowed it. An uncompromising centre half, I have a grim memory of him ending George Yardley's career with a horrendous tackle. RIP Alfie Whilst I too will remember his goals and all-action approach, that particular incident was horrifying and sours the memories... RIP, Alf
|
|
|
Post by armchairfan on Feb 3, 2024 18:18:32 GMT 1
Great memories of Alfie. The 5 against Blackburn, 4 headers and a penalty in front of a mental station End. He was so closely marked at corners, one time I remember he started at the back post, ran behind the goal and headed in at the near post. Unfortunately ref disallowed it. An uncompromising centre half, I have a grim memory of him ending George Yardley's career with a horrendous tackle. RIP Alfie Whilst I too will remember his goals and all-action approach, that particular incident was horrifying and sours the memories... RIP, Alf
|
|
|
Post by armchairfan on Feb 3, 2024 18:18:45 GMT 1
Great memories of Alfie. The 5 against Blackburn, 4 headers and a penalty in front of a mental station End. He was so closely marked at corners, one time I remember he started at the back post, ran behind the goal and headed in at the near post. Unfortunately ref disallowed it. An uncompromising centre half, I have a grim memory of him ending George Yardley's career with a horrendous tackle. RIP Alfie Whilst I too will remember his goals and all-action approach, that particular incident was horrifying and sours the memories... RIP, Alf
|
|