In my opinion has become one of the most misused words in sport. It's all entirely subjective of course but, for the sake of discussion, I'll do two lists. I don't know what to call list two but they all have my deepest respect as huge servants of the club. I hope some on list two move onto list one in time. I've limited it to those who have played since I started watching in the 60s. I will have missed some off list two but not off list one. 1) Rimmington, Winstanley, McCarthy, Glavin, Redfearn, Murphy, Steele, Hammill, Hourihane. (Edited because I'm a clot!) 2) Woodrow, Howard, Aylott, Banks, Currie, Hendrie, Ward, De Zeeuw, Futcher, Gray, Barnard, Dyer. As I say, the second list is off the top of my head. Feel free to add but you're not going to convince me any should be in list one at this point in time.
I would absolutely have Bobby Hassell in the first list. Personally wouldn't have Hourihane in either list, but these things are entirely subjective.
I’m not disagreeing, but can you tell me why Hourihane is in list one, but Howard and Woodrow for example are in the second list? Intrigued.
Good lists if I was making the lists I'd possibly make the 1st one abit more exclusive and sorry conor but you would be in list number 2, I don't think woodrow would be far off list number 1 though imo signed new deals when he could have jumped for more money achieved promotion, survived the drop and then helped us get to the play offs and was top scorer in all 3 seasons. Bruce dyer would be close to making it into number 1 list if you took into account the great work he does around the town and not just then striker he was for us.
I know there's a lot of love for Hourihane, and rightly so. But in terms of achievement, he had two seasons in L1 with us, then half a season in the Championship, leaving with BFC 8th in the table. Of course, he was captain and involved in lots of goals, two Wembley wins etc. One in the JPT and a play-off final. But Alex Mowatt got automatic promotion in one L1 season, and later played a full Championship season that saw us finish 5th and a play-off place. Woodrow, whilst not a midfielder like the other two mentioned, has been top scorer for three years, firing us to promotion, to safety and then a play-off spot. And what about Adam Davies? Promoted from L1 twice. Once as captain. Two Wembley wins. And so on. If Hourihane is a legend, then surely Mowatt, Davies and Woodrow are? And what of Adam Hammill? It's all subjective of course. And makes for a great discussion. I wouldn't disagree with Rimmo, Winstanley, Redfearn, Glavin and McCarthy being legends. But I don't think it should be such an exclusive club. I believe Barry Murphy belongs in that bracket considering he played a million games and has remained in the town and at the club into his older years. Danny Wilson has to be in there too for obvious reasons. So what about Arthur Fairclough and any number of the 1912 era players, such as George Utley and Harry Tufnell? Ernie Hine scored 131 goals for us. What about John Dennis or his father, or Patrick Cryne? And of course, Beth Sefton.
Legend status for me, a player has to have at least 250 games under his belt... Edit, Or someone like Rimmo, who served the club for so long.
Whether he's a club legend/great is one thing. I just said he's in the same band, or above Hourihane. YT explained better than I can why.
Cos it's subjective . I thought Hourihane was absolute steely in his determination in that great run. I guess you'd have a better idea than me though. Pat Howard, I was only young and he didn't have as lasting a contribution as Eric Winstanley. I really like Cauley. He's done excellent service and I hope he makes legend status but how can you class him in the same catergory as Rimmo, Winnie, Redfearn and Glavin? You'd then have to go searching for a further superlative to describe them because, as things stand they're on a completely different level.
If conner comes on loan for season and we get promoted maybe he could be a legend but surely they av to be ere longer, higgy by far best midfielder at club ive seen,mi dad took me wen ronnie wa playin but i cant remember much, redfearn wa mi favourite ever,how a bigger club never signed him I'll never no.
S**t!!!!!!! I said I'd not miss anybody from list one and I left out Hammill!!!!!!!! My mistake. Definitely a legend!!
I prefer to let people decide for themselves what constitutes a club legend. For me, sometimes it's based on the player's contribution & value to the team whilst they're here and sometimes it's based on their longevity at the club.
Being classed as a legend should be an exclusive club, legends are usually once in a generation type players for clubs like us. Legend for me is about a lasting commitment to the club and the area. I agree about Murphy though, he's definitely a Legend, plus his Mrs was my nursery teacher
