I saw this and thought of Alan Little: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rqSoEJvMQc For those who are not familiar with Alan Little, he played for Barnsley in the late '70s. His brother was Brian Little, the Villa centre forward, but that was the end as far as similarities were concerned. There was more skill in Brian spit than Alan showed in the 2 years he spent with us. Alan played during a period when every team had a midfield enforcer, and the game was very different from what we see today. Unlike his brother, Alan was not very quick, but when he got there his opponent knew about it. He was not very big either, but the only time he was known to take a step backwards was when there was someone behind him that needed a kicking. I cannot remember the year, or even the opponent, but I remember the challenge. A lose ball fell midway between Alan and the midfield enforcer of the opposition, about 15 yards from both. Both set off in pursuit, and by the time they arrived at the ball, they were headed directly for each other at top speed. I knew that Little would not shirk the tackle, and I remember his opponent had a similar reputation. I looked away... I simply could not watch. When I looked back, Little was running away with the ball, a red face referee was blowing furiously on his whistle, whilst at the same time urgently waving to the bench for a trainer for Little's prostrate opponent, who clutched at his knee. Grown men gasped. Miners who had seen many things, were all around me with pursed lips, looking upon the scene through the gaps in their fingers as they held their hands to their eyes. It wor a proper game in them days, ah tell thi. Non o' this nambly pamby kickin ont' ball wot tha gets nar.
They used a proper ball, wore proper boots and were men, not like some of the nancy boys who go to ground at the slightest touch.
Alan was one of the heroes of my youth. The game was definitely more physical in the lower leagues back then. You could hear the crunch of bones as the tackles went in.
My favourite player when I was a young lad. I used to have one of those giant Alan Little badges on my Harrington. No love like a first love.
Much, much more to Little's game...he could read a match, spot and deliver a pass and real skill laikers such as Ali Miller prospered...But yeah...he was a feckin hard man, dished it out and took it. Happy days.
I remember Alan Little I once saw him "take out" an opponent and a linesman in the follow through. He was an animal, however, I take issue with your statement about his skill, he wasn't just an enforcer, he could play a pass and had a decent shot as well.
Re: I remember Alan Little Just before my time to remember. But my first 'hard man' i could fully appreciate for just been fearless was Gwyn Thomas! Fook me! Made of granite that blowk
Seem to remember his last game was an away win at Brammall Lane. Played a blinder. Allan Clarke's column in the Star said "I wish all of my players had s Little of Alan in them." Then he was gone.... Used to be an enthusiastic if inacurate shootist. We used to reckon he was aiming at Monk Bretton church spire (which you could see behind the kop in those days!
I Will never forget the picture in the mirror of Alan tied to a chair with the caption is this the only way to tame the tiger which is Alan little lol A right hard bar steward, never shirked a tackle any thing above grass level he kicked a reight laker
Re: I remember Alan Little I think it was against stockport county in front of the west stand if memory serves me well, all three of them ended up in the wall bottom....lol miid way between the dug outs and the corner flag ponty end
Have to agree Red Rain, he was the hardest player in my time watching the club. The incident you refer to sounds very similar to a tackle I recall him making in an away game at S****horpe in September 1978 in which Little scored the only goal of the game. We were stood on the halfway line at the Old Show Ground and we winced as Little came in for that challenge. As you say, it wouldn't be allowed now! I also remember him scoring in the Boxing Day home rout of Port Vale (6-2) when Clarkey got a hat trick. Heady days! (Just as they are now!)
