Those were the days.

[owl sees all]

How times have changed!

 

There is little doubt the game has changed a great deal. Has it improved though?

 

The days when footballers were asked to play three times a week, in mud up to their ankles, are indeed gone. The days when footballers were injured, but played on for the team, are gone. Some rules have changed too. There are now red and yellow cards and substitutions. And the constant fiddling with the offside law has led to many a controversy. VAR; don't even get started on that. That has certainly altered the beautiful game. But what hasn't changed is the pitch. Still the same shape. still the same markings. Eleven players on opposing sides, and three official, is still the order of the day. But those basics aside, the game in England is far different to yesteryear; but in different ways.

 

Remember the orange ball? Rolled out, occasionally now, but at virtually every ground during a past season. They are now a collector's piece. And, if you have one autographed by some well known players - like Steve Gerrard - you are rich.

 

 

Jack Kelsey played for the Gunners. In one match, a steward wandered over to him as he kept goal. Jack was astonished to meet the guy. And even more to hear what he said. ''Jack, the games been abandoned.'' True enough. He was the only player on the pitch. Couldn't happen nowadays.

 

 

And here's the goalie in clearer view.

 

 

''What do you most recall about that day Jack?''

''When I finally got to the dressing room the lads were all drinking mugs of hot tea. I got a cheer when I walked in.'' ''Who said he went up the pub!'' One of his team-mates quipped.'

 

Poor light, snow, mud and atrocious conditions. Those were expected back then.

 

 

Back in those days; rain was definitely wetter.

 

 

A drop of the wet stuff didn't stop the games. In fact the only match I went to, that was abandoned; was at Brisbane Road when the lightening got a bit too violent; and close.

 

Tom Finney showing off his water-skiing.

 

 

Next post; ''Mud, mud, glorious mud.''

[champers]

Sunderland fans at Wigan in 88. All seater stadiums? Pfft!

 

 

[champers]

The notorious Baseball Ground at Derby.

 

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, champers said:

The notorious Baseball Ground at Derby.

 

Certainly a mud heap that.

[Nick Carter icp]

4 hours ago, owl sees all said:

 

 

 

 

 

   There are two football players in that photo 

[owl sees all]

42 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   There are two football players in that photo 

Recognise the stadium?

 

The terracing profile and dog track give it away.

[champers]

57 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Recognise the stadium?

 

The terracing profile and dog track give it away.

Chelsea.

[roo860]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Certainly a mud heap that.

Alan Hudson for Stoke, he was some player!!!!!

Greenoff was no slouch!!

Edited 3 hours ago by roo860

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Recognise the stadium?

 

The terracing profile and dog track give it away.

 

   Stamford Bridge

[Nick Carter icp]

1 hour ago, owl sees all said:

Recognise the stadium?

 

The terracing profile and dog track give it away.

 

   Who is the other plyer in the photo ?

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Who is the other player in the photo ?

The best pic I've found was in The Guardian paper.

 

 

Another at The Bridge. More recent. Chelsea v Bolton.

 

[champers]

This statue outside Deepdale.

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Who is the other plyer in the photo ?

 

   Wally Bellett playing for Chelsea