TigerBlue

My son, Peter Houseman, is 22 months old and I have been thinking about what I will tell him about his grandad when he grows up. I have few memories of my dad. I have been talking to relatives and collecting memorabilia, but when it comes to telling Peter what my dad was like as a footballer, it seemed appropriate to ask the people who watched him week in, week out. I am very happy with the responses I have received and grateful to all who have contributed.

I am very proud of my dad, and I am very proud of the response that we received from Chelsea (and the Everton away fans) when we were invited onto the pitch at half-time. We wanted to say thank you for the money raised by Chelsea supporters following mum and dad's death. The money made a big difference. It was an honour to walk on the hallowed turf and the privilege did not escape me. From 1963 to 1975, that pitch was my dad's home and I felt a real connection to him. It was a very special day made even more special by the crowd's response to his name. I will never forget it and will be forever grateful to the club and the supporters.

I am relieved and proud that he is remembered with such fondness by the real Chelsea faithful. Your comments are very precious to me. Thank you for explaining the Mary and Tiger chants, it is something I have wondered about for a long time. Do you remember a match when my dad was sent off for punching someone? My uncle told me that an opposition player spat on his hand and then rubbed it into my dad's bald spot. Dad turned around and punched him without thinking. Apparently my dad would let most banter wash over him, but he was very touchy about losing his hair. Does this ring any bells for you?

Please thank your dad for his kind words, it is good to know there were supporters who valued his contribution to the team. I am extremely proud of my dad and the association to Chelsea that that brings. I met Ron Harris after the Everton match in April 2006 and he said: "When your dad played in front of me, it made me look good." That was a very, very proud moment for me.

Does anyone have any memorable moments of my dad? Chelsea was his life and he died when I was six. If anyone can relate any anecdotes or general Chelsea opinion about him I would be very grateful. I know you chanted "Tiger, Tiger, Houseman" when he played well, and I also know that you chanted "Mary, Mary, Houseman when he pulled out of tackles. I would like to know the opinions of people who watched him play.