I once played in a charity Blades v Owls 5-a-side game organized by the now closed Robin Hood pub at Stannington. Both sides were to feature an ex-player. I forget the Owl (if there was one) but somehow the Blades had wangled Glyn Hodges. I have never seen anyone hit a ball quite like he did. I played in goal and had a lot of sympathy for my Wednesday counterpart, as the pace and power that Hodges displayed in his approximately 9 goal haul was unbelievable; from drawing his foot back to the ball being in the back of the net was just a blur.
This was after he retired, and was coaching at Blackburn I think. I always recall him in his playing days being one of those players who looks a bit out of shape (compared to those around him), a little thick in the middle perhaps. Shows the difference between sportsmen and normal humans - in changing rooms I saw he still had a six pack to die for and looked as fit as a fiddle!
I’ve heard Hodges claim that he ended up buying most of those sweepstake tickets because when anyone asked him to buy one he felt he couldn’t refuse.
The game at Sunderland in March 91 is also famous for United wearing a one-off white kit because at Sunderland the Police claimed our luminous yellow away kit would clash with the stewards.
Danny Hall tells the story in Legends of the Lane. Kit man John Greaves had to go to Umbro’s factory and pick up some white shirts to which he had to iron on the Umbro logo, Blades badge and Laver sponsor.
No replicas were produced so the match worn shirts are the only ones in existence and are real rarities.
Yes more of a Y neck than V neck as the collar didn’t meet in the middle but one side of the black/red/white collar overlapped the other. I’ve a picture but don’t know how to post here.
I once played in a charity Blades v Owls 5-a-side game organized by the now closed Robin Hood pub at Stannington. Both sides were to feature an ex-player. I forget the Owl (if there was one) but somehow the Blades had wangled Glyn Hodges. I have never seen anyone hit a ball quite like he did. I played in goal and had a lot of sympathy for my Wednesday counterpart, as the pace and power that Hodges displayed in his approximately 9 goal haul was unbelievable; from drawing his foot back to the ball being in the back of the net was just a blur.
This was after he retired, and was coaching at Blackburn I think. I always recall him in his playing days being one of those players who looks a bit out of shape (compared to those around him), a little thick in the middle perhaps. Shows the difference between sportsmen and normal humans - in changing rooms I saw he still had a six pack to die for and looked as fit as a fiddle!
Thanks, Matthew
It’s always fascinating to read about players “before my time” in supporting Sheffield United and Glynn sounds a really *cough* interesting character.
The videos are great, too – that turn on the ball like something Iliman Ndiaye or Chris Basham might have done if Hodges hadn’t trademarked it first!
Sounds like a very good servant to Sheffield United and you know that talent is valued when it’s admired by other managers and commentators.
Sue.
I’ve heard Hodges claim that he ended up buying most of those sweepstake tickets because when anyone asked him to buy one he felt he couldn’t refuse.
The game at Sunderland in March 91 is also famous for United wearing a one-off white kit because at Sunderland the Police claimed our luminous yellow away kit would clash with the stewards.
Danny Hall tells the story in Legends of the Lane. Kit man John Greaves had to go to Umbro’s factory and pick up some white shirts to which he had to iron on the Umbro logo, Blades badge and Laver sponsor.
No replicas were produced so the match worn shirts are the only ones in existence and are real rarities.
As if by magic, this shirt was mentioned in the latest Sheff United Way podcast, which I listened to this afternoon.
The universe is telling me something!
I have a vague memory of this - did it have a really basic v-neck?
Yes more of a Y neck than V neck as the collar didn’t meet in the middle but one side of the black/red/white collar overlapped the other. I’ve a picture but don’t know how to post here.