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.

Edited June 1, 201015 yr by TigerBlue

Are you saying Peter Houseman was your Father?

You're Peter Houseman's son/daughter? Wow!

I don't know that much about him, but I do know he scored in the 1970 FA Cup Final, so my thoughts about him are generally positive.

I asked my dad about him, this is what he said;

Peter Houseman was one of those players that his team mates thought the world of, but a lot of the fans didn't appreciate. He was a very good winger who usually delivered excellent crosses, which is why the players thought he was great. He also scored a few important goals. He didn't go into tackles too often, but how many wingers do or did? In those days every team had their hard men and chelsea had loads, so it was no big deal that 1 or 2 players didn't get so involved in that side of the game.

His son should be really proud of him because he played with some of the best players ever to play for CFC and if you were to ask them they would say he never let down and made an awful lot of goals for the team.

So well done and welcome to the site.

Such a great goal.

He was the Lampard of Chelsea in his day.

I remember Peter Houseman very well, I must have seen him play well over a hundred games for Chelsea. He made his debut for the Blues during the 1963/64 season, but didn't establish himself in the first team until about four years later, and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club.

Peter Houseman was a pacy winger and one of the best crossers of the ball in his time. He was a skillful player who was always likely to pop up and score a goal - like in the 1970 Cup Final for instance. Peter actually scored six goals in eight games during our FA Cup run that season!

Chelsea's team in the late 60's/early 70's were a very skillful side that had a hard edge to it, even the strikers were putting the boot in on opposition players. Peter Houseman seemed to be alone in wanting to play pure football. I never saw him intentionally foul anyone, and he'd avoid tackles most of the time. The fans didn't like this, as it didn't seem to fit the image of the side, and so the "Mary" chants began. Having said that, Peter played at left-back on many occasions when Eddie McCreadie was injured, and did a very good job - and he tackled well too - I think this was when the "Tiger" chants began.

Peter Houseman will always be remembered as a gentleman of the game, both on and off the pitch. I remember watching Chelsea train over at the old NAAFI Sports Ground in Mitcham in the 60's - Peter was always happy to oblige the small mob of us kids with his autograph. I was extremely saddened when I heard of his death, along with his wife, even though he'd left the club by then.

I'm sure that the vast majority of Chelsea fans from the old days will have a lot of respect and fond memories of Peter Houseman.

"Tiger, Tiger Houseman, Tiger Houseman on the wing"

I'm sure that the vast majority of Chelsea fans from the old days will have a lot of respect and fond memories of Peter Houseman.

I certainly do, that simple goal celebration at Wembley in 1970's is still one of my favourites. I last saw him at Oxford playing against Chelsea in 1975 or 6 and I can't remember him getting any 'Chelsea Reject' chants most other ex-players did.

Welcome to the fourm. I know of Peter Houseman from the 70s team id have to ask my dad for more information. I doubt you would go far wrong reading bluebeards post. When i ask my dad i'll let you know what he says.

Great to have you on our site young Master Houseman. I have very fond memories of seeing your dad play mainly because if it hadn't been for him we would not have won the FA Cup in 1970. He was absolutely pivotal to the success of that cup run.

Whereas he was never a firm fan favourite I put this down mainly to the fact he was not viewed upon as one of the 'Kings Road' boys a la Ossie, Hudson, Cookie and Sponge. He was an extremely underrated player who contributed greatly to the Chelsea cause and from what I have read and heard from Chelsea players of the past, he was very much respected by his peers.

You should be very proud of your Dad and I genuinely feel for you not being able to have experienced more time not only with him but also with your Mum.

Please give the forums regards to your brothers too. I well remember the lap of honour the three of you did a few years back and the tremendous reception you all got.

DO you mind me asking what's lead to you asking this now? I hope you're pleased with the answers you've had, I spoke to my dad again last night about your dad and he echoes what BlueBeard wrote.

I asked my dad about him, this is what he said;

Peter Houseman was one of those players that his team mates thought the world of, but a lot of the fans didn't appreciate. He was a very good winger who usually delivered excellent crosses, which is why the players thought he was great. He also scored a few important goals. He didn't go into tackles too often, but how many wingers do or did? In those days every team had their hard men and chelsea had loads, so it was no big deal that 1 or 2 players didn't get so involved in that side of the game.

His son should be really proud of him because he played with some of the best players ever to play for CFC and if you were to ask them they would say he never let down and made an awful lot of goals for the team.

So well done and welcome to the site.

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.

I remember Peter Houseman very well, I must have seen him play well over a hundred games for Chelsea. He made his debut for the Blues during the 1963/64 season, but didn't establish himself in the first team until about four years later, and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club.

Peter Houseman was a pacy winger and one of the best crossers of the ball in his time. He was a skillful player who was always likely to pop up and score a goal - like in the 1970 Cup Final for instance. Peter actually scored six goals in eight games during our FA Cup run that season!

Chelsea's team in the late 60's/early 70's were a very skillful side that had a hard edge to it, even the strikers were putting the boot in on opposition players. Peter Houseman seemed to be alone in wanting to play pure football. I never saw him intentionally foul anyone, and he'd avoid tackles most of the time. The fans didn't like this, as it didn't seem to fit the image of the side, and so the "Mary" chants began. Having said that, Peter played at left-back on many occasions when Eddie McCreadie was injured, and did a very good job - and he tackled well too - I think this was when the "Tiger" chants began.

Peter Houseman will always be remembered as a gentleman of the game, both on and off the pitch. I remember watching Chelsea train over at the old NAAFI Sports Ground in Mitcham in the 60's - Peter was always happy to oblige the small mob of us kids with his autograph. I was extremely saddened when I heard of his death, along with his wife, even though he'd left the club by then.

I'm sure that the vast majority of Chelsea fans from the old days will have a lot of respect and fond memories of Peter Houseman.

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?

Great to have you on our site young Master Houseman. I have very fond memories of seeing your dad play mainly because if it hadn't been for him we would not have won the FA Cup in 1970. He was absolutely pivotal to the success of that cup run.

Whereas he was never a firm fan favourite I put this down mainly to the fact he was not viewed upon as one of the 'Kings Road' boys a la Ossie, Hudson, Cookie and Sponge. He was an extremely underrated player who contributed greatly to the Chelsea cause and from what I have read and heard from Chelsea players of the past, he was very much respected by his peers.

You should be very proud of your Dad and I genuinely feel for you not being able to have experienced more time not only with him but also with your Mum.

Please give the forums regards to your brothers too. I well remember the lap of honour the three of you did a few years back and the tremendous reception you all got.

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.

DO you mind me asking what's lead to you asking this now? I hope you're pleased with the answers you've had, I spoke to my dad again last night about your dad and he echoes what BlueBeard wrote.

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.

Congratulations to you on the little one, and all the very best - that sentiment will be from my dad as well!

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?

I don't recall seeing your dad sent off - I'm pretty sure it's something I'd remember!

I do remember reading somewhere that during a pre-season tour match in Bermuda in 1967, two Chelsea players were sent off. Reports are a bit sketchy, and vary as to who they were, but three names that were mentioned are Barry Lloyd, Peter Houseman and Tony Hateley. This was the same match in which Tommy Docherty got in trouble, and finally led to his leaving the club.

If the story about the player spitting on his hand and rubbing it on your dad's head is true, then I don't blame your dad for punching the bloke. In fact, Peter Houseman has just gone up even further in my estimation!

I feel a mission coming on to find out whether the story of your dad being sent off is true. I will ask around. Hard to believe someone who seemed so placid would resort to punching someone but everyone has a breaking point. It doesn't make Peter go up in my estimation because he is already at the top of the tree in my eyes anyway because without his two goals away at Burnley we never would have reached the FA cup final at all let alone go on to win it. A true Chelsea legend in every sense of the word.

As a balding Chelsea fan...I love your dad even more!

As a balding Chelsea fan...I love your dad even more!

Was it Peter Houseman that the Chelsea fans used to sing 'Crown Topper oooh oooh' when he had the ball?

As an elder statesman of the Forum I saw Peter Houseman in his early days when Tony Hateley was brought to Chelsea. Peter's job was to provide crosses (Hateley could only head a ball, feet were for standing on) Other writers have referred to how much Peter did to win the Cup in 1970-his late solo goal in the replay at Burnley and his goal and efforts to assist an Eddie Gray tormented David Webb in the first game of the final.

One of my favourite memories is of a testimonial for Peter against Fulham in 1973. A quiet enjoyable occasion with a 4-1 victory. Peter in his gentlemanly style thanked the crowd for coming.

Although the fans grew to appreciate Peter, rumours had it that the players did not. He was not one of the "Kings Rd elite" More of a Hutchinson giving all for the club.

The last time I saw Peter play was in 1974. He wore the number 9 shirt at White Hart Lane .( Osgood was on his way to Southampton)

Some years later a report on a Chelsea game included the lines "instantly crossed a ball of Houseman - like precision into the box". Praise indeed.

A true servant to Chelsea and deservedly remembered.

Welcome to the site mate and all the very best keeping your Dad's memory alive. Too young to have seen him play myself but know of him through his richly deserved space in the club's history.

Have you read Geezer's article?

http://www.theshedend.com/index.php?showtopic=12234

He had a rocket of a left foot too.

I never saw Peter Houseman play. I was a teenager when the news broke that he and his wife were killed in a car accident. I knew two lads who played in his League and they were utterly shell shocked when they heard the news. If my dad were alive today I'm sure he would tell me all about this fine Chelsea footballer. I am delighted he's remembered in this forum.

a few more thoughts on Mary..............

he didn't head it very often!

he didn't tackle very much!

he didn't use his right foot much!

BUT.......................he had a classy first touch, was pacey over the first 15 yards, could drop a shoulder and feint one way then go the other.

He was clever with his positioning.....and scored some good goals, and he was a very good link player, give and go

he earned us many many freekicks cos he was subtle with his movement and often got clouted from behind

he could curl it in with his left and would score loads of assists (wasn't counted then)

Best match in the modern game - Mr Robben.............................

a little diamond - and fondly remembered

cheers