As it's nostalgia time ... Working at Oakwell in 80s....memories

Worked at Oakwell for a couple of years in mid 80s - never got paid - 2 weeks work experience, plus 2 years matchdays (got in free so I guess i saved there!)
Happy memories though.
The office was 'round by the away end, and was tiny.
My jobs (matchdays)
Arrange flowers (brought to ground by John Dennis) in boardroom & Alan Clarke's office. (Alan Clarke was a brilliant fella - always said hello to everyone who worked at the club).
Prepare complimentary tickets for collection - met some folks doing that - Bob Paisley, Lawrie McMenemy, Big Ron, Kenny Dalglish Tommy Docherty, etc
Take ref thru to his room - guess who was THE biggest muppett?? Yes George Courtney really did love himself.
Take mascots thru to meet Lawrie the host - still works there as far as I know.
Sell tickets & mark them off on the seating plan (a wallchart of the upper West Stand)
Help Shirley replenish the souvenir shop with bar scarves and badges, (only the odd shirt sold in those days) - yes that "hut" in the West stand.
Receive records from the guy at Casa Disco & pass them onto Keith Borett (announcer) Usually I rearranged them with the "least offensive" at the top.!
At half time, had to ring a number in Leeds for the half time score updates.. & scribble down the scores (before teletext) & then dash with them to the announcer.

Funny how things change, but the stuff I did in those days was great but would probably take 3 or 4 different paid roles now that the club has changed so much.
It was a great way to learn though, and Michael Spinks, Jean, Ada (the Car Park woman), Barbara etc taught me alot. It's a shame that the friendly club aspect has gone - (unavoidable probably).
Remember the day Steve Lowndes signed - he just walked in the office saying he'd come to sign some papers for the Football League.
Remember the Players lounge later was a Portacabin behind the Terrace (West Stand)

 

I remember the Portakabin. It was also the sponsors' lounge.

A businessman friend sponsored a game against Leeds and had to entertain his guests in it! Wasn't too bad really.

 

One Leeds game kicked off in the Ponty

Remember it well cos I was on critches & couldn't get out quick enough!

 

RE: One Leeds game kicked off in the Ponty

We were sitting in the middle of the West Stand, just behind the Directors' Box and right by the Leeds fans in their half of the stand.

There were middle-aged women with kids standing up and shouting "Go on, break his f*ckin leg!"

I went in the Gents at half-time and there were two coppers in there. One said "Christ, I hope that lot win or there'll be hell to pay!"

The first and only time I've ever felt intimidated at the Well.

 

Middlesbro / Newcastle early/mid 80s

Remember being in Ponty when a long cry of "Mid -- les --- bro" came out of top corner of Ponty (behind to right as you look onto pitch). Next thing loads of charging about, police dogs, fans spilling onto pitch. Must have been 20- 30 of their fans in the Ponty.

and Newcastle when we won 1-0(82?).... never seen so much bother in town.... and talk about away support - must have been about 7000 of them crammed onto that old away end.

 

RE: Middlesbro / Newcastle early/mid 80s

I remember a friend's dad being landlord of the Ring o' Bells in Welly Street when Newcastle came calling. There wasn't a window, a glass or a stool in the place when they left!

 

Silvers

Someone set fire to the toilets that day I think. Was only about 13 at time but can remember being told to stay out of town. Remember hearing about a pool table flying thru the window at Ring O Bells.

 

Probably same year they "passed through" Hemsworth on the way home

Trashed the Pub on Cross Hills, I think it was called the The Blue Bell at the time.</p>

 

RE: Probably same year they "passed through" Hemsworth on the way home

and caused £50,000 worth of improvements?

 

bdum tish!

 

i could have met you then

I was mascot for the Hull City game in '87.

i wish it was as easy to get kids in as mascots these days.

 

Met George Courtney many a time when we were both working for Durham CC. He had the biggest ego of any man I have ever met! People used to groan if he was present at a meeting because it was inevitable that he would take over and double the length of the meeting.

 

Going back a bit further, 2/6d to get in, those small programmes, the old scoreboard at the Kop end and the programme/souvenir shop (old single decker bus) at the back of the Brewery Stand.</p>

Anyone remember that night Alan Ball Sr.(Halifax T. manager) had to be given a Police escort up the tunnel, after a cup game, that Halifax had won, 1-0, I think, he had been upsetting the 'Tarn' fans in the West Stand, all through the game. He was lucky to get out alive.</p>

 

RE: i could have met you then

Probably. I'd have been the gorgeous blonde who escorted you from office to meet Lawrie / Players.

 

was that a league cup match cica 1974 when they scored just before half time ?

 

A conversation with George Courtney...

"Hello Mr Courtney, would you like to come through into the office".
GC. "Yes I've had a good trip down, just parked my car, signed a few autographs, oh are those cakes for me? Have you got any programmmes that need signing by me? Mine's a tea, two sugars if you're offering. Might have another cake...is my changing room ready? Have the Linesmen arrived yet? Can someone get my bag, I'll need to keep my hands free for autographs Did I tell you about my journey down? Do you want an autograph? Do you remember the game last time I was down here? Of course you do, everyone does... ......"ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ(doh)

 

I remember Alan Ball Senior comming on to the pitch and getting involved in a punch up with a group of players - and he wasnt trying to break it up either! He would have been banned off the touch line for life if it had happened to-day!

 

RE: Middlesbro / Newcastle early/mid 80s

I was told that day in ring o'Bells it was a pissed up Barnsley fan started that,True or not i dont no. But certanley a dodgey day.

 

I don't remember the exact date, but that was possibly the one.</p>

 

That was probably the reason for the 'upset'.