Worcester City.F.C. Memories of an expat.
My name is Alan Cook, I was born in Malvern in 1936 and have lived in Australia since 1966.I was always keen on football and played until injury stopped me at age 41.
Outside Rod Lever Areana: Alan, wearing his colours with pride.
I recall as a schoolboy many visits to St.Georges Lane to watch the City compete in the old Southern League,great times spent,usually behind the goal keeping a close watch on Jack Billingsley,City's goalkeeper in those late 40s early 50s seasons.Memories come flooding back of full backs Sam Godfrey and Stan Batty,centre half John Spilsbury,who,if I recall correctly,failed his National Service medical due to a perforated ear drum,wing half Eddie Wilcox,flying wingers,Bill Jackman and Johnny Summers,and who can ever forget good old "Moggy",Reg Mogford at centre forward,what a character.
Outside the MCG: Next to statue of Sir Don Bradman.
Visits from Merthyr Tydfil were always looked forward to,their supporters would always plant a leek in the centre circle before the kick off,to which City fans would respond by placing a bottle of Worcester sauce next to it.Local derbies against Kidderminster and Hereford were always good value and some enthralling games ensued.
I recall City's first floodlit game in the 50s against Watford if I remember correctly,Bowie scoring for the visitors. In those days City played in blue and white quartered shirts similar to Bristol Rovers and the balls were leather and you really knew it when you headed them!
Outside the MCG: