Over many years I've been lucky enough to meet several Reds staff and players. I mean properly meet, chat with, drink with etc, not just say hello. Here's my list, I'd be interested to see others' lists. Johnny Steele Eric Winstanley Barry Murphy Gerry Taggart Lee Glover Daniel Stendel Chris Stern Brendan O'Connell John Dennis Barry Taylor Chris Harrison Mel Machin Mike Bähre Patrick Schmidt John Hendrie Paul Wilkinson Ronnie Glavin Geoff Buckle Steve Stafford Kenny Brown Steve Cooper Gwyn Thomas Andy White Doug O'Connor Stewart Barrowclough Michael Spinks Les Lea Paul Heckingbottom Dale Tongue Beth Sefton Don Rowing Joe Joyce Steve Agnew Gary Fleming Luke Potter Gordon Shepherd Malcolm Shotton Derrick Parker Mick McCarthy Posh Tyke Fired Alistair Miller John Peachey
Had a couple of tinnies with Neil Shipperley, on way back to London from Stoke, having drawn at Port Vale. Conversation was mugged by some Man U fans, also on their way home..
As a kid I did one of those summer football training camps at the reds’ training ground (it didn’t help, I’m still **** at football) and on the last day we got to meet most of the first team squad (think 89/90 maybe?). I had a little notebook and I managed to get autographs from Steve Agnew, Steve Cooper and Gerry Taggart. No idea what happened to it, probably lost in one of many house moves over the years.
Taggart, Winstanley, Murphy, entire 08/09 squad, Barnard, Dyer, Cranie, probably others... Winstanley was amazing, reffed a 5-a-side match we played at Oakwell when I was in primary school. Paid more attention to him than I did my actual dad, met him a few times after as an adult and he still commanded more respect from me than my dad!
Met loads over years at open days etc. and on pitch at final home games of season etc. But best one was De Zeeuw used to live on same estate as my parents when I was growing up and used to occasionally come for a kick about on street with me and my mates which was always good. He then sold the house to a youth player we had at the time (who's name I cannot remember) and I am sure said youth player ended up getting arrested I think for hitting his missus (random segway I know).
Me 'n Gerry Taggart did. ( Having a pi55 in the bogs at Opium No. 10 when he once did a Q & A sesh there).
That game was where we blew automatic for me. I know technically it wasn't but it felt like it. The memory get's hazy. Looking at the results we drew some stupid games towards the back end.