In the Net

Bare chests and medallions - 1976

Clive Walker + 2 other players at the hairdressers - early 1980's I believe.

Well spotted - it's the Michael Jackson album "Ben" (1972) I think the record player unit was called a radiogram (radio and gramophone combined). The curtains looks like some my mum had from M&S, and the car looks like a Ford Escort. Was trying to figure out what was written on his T-shirt - too much time on my hands!

Graham Wilkins - not sure if he was as awful as some say, or partly suffered the burden of being Butch's brother, poor bloke didn't even have a decent nickname! Brian Mears mentions in his autobiography that Graham had to have a police escort from the ground after scoring a late own goal v West Ham.

I think you're right about Dario. The guy standing on the right is bugging me - I'm sure that I recognise him, possibly John Sparrow?

Ken Shelitto and Chelsea Youth Team. Can anybody name all the players? I've only managed to recognise 5 so far.

I read The Working Man's Ballet a few months ago. I didn't realise that he'd started having injury problems so early in his career, on the other hand, he often didn't seem to do a lot to help his own cause. He seemed to have resentment and jealousy towards the youngsters who "made it" after him, and the club in general. The documentary could certainly be interesting, but I wonder if it will be too focused on Hudson's point of view, rather than a balanced picture.

Very interesting. Nobody reading Eddie's quotes could have imagined that he would gone before the next season started.

Peter Bonetti 1970 Eddie Mac - probably last game of the season v Hull? Celebrating promotion in the Directors' Box at Wolves

Ha ha - was a bit odd to get them to take their shirts off for a photo with their Mum. I guess the 1970's were a bit strange!

Butch flaunting his Man Utd mug in gratuitous topless pic! Ray, Graham and Mum - 1975 Steven, Ray and Graham Wilkins 1975

I only knew because I'd watched the clip quite a few times previously, and searched for the game footage. I reckon our orange sweatshirts subconsciously made you think of Hull.

Ray Wilkins seemed to live and breathe football throughout his life. I've wondered why his younger brother Steven never made it as a pro, given that Ray said he was more skillful than himself? I would have though that, coming from such a close knit family, Steven would have had the same ethos to apply himself and make the most of his talent, which is what Graham appeared to do - although of course his resources were more limited!

Ray Wilkins seemed to live and breathe football throughout his life. I've wondered why his younger brother Steven never made it as a pro, given that Ray said he was more skillful than himself? I would have though that, coming from such a close knit family, Steven would have had the same ethos to apply himself and make the most of his talent, which is what Graham appeared to do - although of course his resources were more limited!

Thanks for posting Backbiter, I've not seen this compilation before. Managed to spot the goal against Sheff Utd too!

Brian Moore says that this was filmed before the game against Sheffield United. If so, is there any footage of the actual match - have never been able to find it.

Surprised to see Wilkins say "always look after number one", so many stories of him helping other people out. I guess that when your living is at stake you have to toughen up! No mention of agents in these discussions, I can't imagine this scenario happening these days, when Mr 10% seems to call the shots.

Graham and Ray Wilkins training in their early days - note the high squad numbers. Not sure what's going on with Graham's shorts in one the first pic!

I believe it was for the number of bookings he'd received, Ossie was the first victim of an FA clampdown. From my memory of his autobiography, he was initially banned for 6 games, but Brian Mears suggested they took it to appeal - Ossie lost and the ban was increased to 10 games.

Pre-season at Mitcham - Eddie Mac and Ray Wilkins look tiny!

Thanks for posting the link - very interesting. I will keep an eye out for the biography which is being published next year.

I remember reading some posts about players attending the club discos in the new East Stand in the 1970's. Obviously that would be unheard of these days, but I would guess it was fairly unusual even back then. Can't remember if the topic had it's own thread or the posts were mixed in among other things, I seem to recall that somebody's "unestablished" girlfriend went off with a player. Any of the old farts on here remember those discos?

Surely Ray Wilkins has to be included - he was the main poster boy in his heyday!

A young Ray Wilkins, pictured in the programme for an England Schoolboys game - 1972

Where did the trend for over-the-knee socks come from?