February 14, 201610 yr Report on Peter Bonetti Testimonial game went to a lot of testimonials when I first started going to games, always thought they were poorly attended. Late 70s through to Dennis wise testimonial. That's where it changed. Franco's was a sellout, which was a first. Up to Wisey's I think Ken Shelletto's was the highest attendance. Went to Bonetti, Hutchinson, Harris, Droy, Bumstead, Clarke, Nedzwieki, Dixon, Hitchcock. All under 14,000. Now we don't celebrate careers anymore. I know they don't need the money but it could go to a designated charity.
February 15, 201610 yr Author went to a lot of testimonials when I first started going to games, always thought they were poorly attended. Late 70s through to Dennis wise testimonial. That's where it changed. Franco's was a sellout, which was a first. Up to Wisey's I think Ken Shelletto's was the highest attendance. Went to Bonetti, Hutchinson, Harris, Droy, Bumstead, Clarke, Nedzwieki, Dixon, Hitchcock. All under 14,000. Now we don't celebrate careers anymore. I know they don't need the money but it could go to a designated charity. The worst one for me was Kerry Dixon's, monday night in feb & freezing v a Spurs makeshift team i dont remember any Spurs fans there at all, we won 5.1 & even Beasent played up front. i was in the MHL & the gate was 4,000, terrible for such a great servant of Chelsea. Lampard should have got one with the proceeds going to charity.
February 15, 201610 yr The Bridge looks packed looking at that picture of the North Stand v Charlton Athletic in 1948.
February 15, 201610 yr I done 3 testimonials Steve clarke v PSV ,Wise v bolanga I think that's who it was against and zolas against Zaragoza again I think lol memory gone bad
February 15, 201610 yr Think I went to the Harry Medhurst/Dickie Spence testimonial game against West Ham. Must of been 1976. Bit of an obscure one.
February 15, 201610 yr I done 3 testimonials Steve clarke v PSV ,Wise v bolanga I think that's who it was against and zolas against Zaragoza again I think lol memory gone bad
February 15, 201610 yr Zola v Zaragoza, boiling hot day and no drinks served in the ground, had to fill up in the Brazilian cafe over the road!
February 15, 201610 yr Author I went to Colin Pates v Tottenham John Bumstead v Real Sociedad Kerry Dixons v Spurs Steve Clarkes v PSV Dennis Wise's v Bologna Zola v Zaragoza
February 16, 201610 yr Sorry if already posted Stamford Bridge 77 ish? Sports Injuries via Pathe News. Some good contrast between the crumbly terrace steps and the clinical lines of the East Stand that sorta represented our all-round image. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=baH3lnaEq7c
February 16, 201610 yr I went to Colin Pates v Tottenham John Bumstead v Real Sociedad Kerry Dixons v Spurs Steve Clarkes v PSV Dennis Wise's v Bologna Zola v Zaragoza felt sorry for Jonny B. rained all day, rang the club early afternoon to ask if it was on and they said yes. Got there and hardly anyone turned up. Spoke to him about it some years later, after paying off the opposition didn't make much money. Paid to sit in the directors box for Kerry's, great party in Drakes after with an auction as well. Again should of been more there.
February 16, 201610 yr There's a great footage of The Bridge on you tube called 'Chelsea Footballers (1976)'. It was on British Pathe News. However I can't cut and paste it for some reason ! Be grateful if somebody could find it and post it. Cheers.
February 16, 201610 yr There's a great footage of The Bridge on you tube called 'Chelsea Footballers (1976)'. It was on British Pathe News. However I can't cut and paste it for some reason ! Be grateful if somebody could find it and post it. Cheers. Is this the footage?
February 16, 201610 yr Sorry if already posted Stamford Bridge 77 ish? Sports Injuries via Pathe News. Some good contrast between the crumbly terrace steps and the clinical lines of the East Stand that sorta represented our all-round image. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=baH3lnaEq7c
February 16, 201610 yr The Bridge looks packed looking at that picture of the North Stand v Charlton Athletic in 1948. Over 61,000 there that day
February 16, 201610 yr Author felt sorry for Jonny B. rained all day, rang the club early afternoon to ask if it was on and they said yes. Got there and hardly anyone turned up. Spoke to him about it some years later, after paying off the opposition didn't make much money. Paid to sit in the directors box for Kerry's, great party in Drakes after with an auction as well. Again should of been more there. I know the fella who sponsored Colin Pates testimonial it wasnt long after the Boro tear up & by the time Fulham plod were paid Pates hardly made anything.
February 16, 201610 yr felt sorry for Jonny B. rained all day, rang the club early afternoon to ask if it was on and they said yes. Got there and hardly anyone turned up. Spoke to him about it some years later, after paying off the opposition didn't make much money. Paid to sit in the directors box for Kerry's, great party in Drakes after with an auction as well. Again should of been more there. Was at Johnny B's testimonial. Yes, a shame that there weren't many there. I think that after he gave up football he worked as a taxi-driver. He may still do. Saw him in a pub near where I live about ten years ago. Didn't speak to him as he was with a couple of friends and didn't want to interrupt their conversation. One of the things I remember about his testimonial - strange how some things stick in your mind - is that a few of the Real Sociedad players were called Jesus of Jesu. I think it's a Spanish/Catholic thing to give sons those names. One of their players went down and their physios came on to the pitch. The chant went up from the Shed: "Jesus, Jesus do your stuff." A reference no doubt to miracles in the Bible. Quickly followed by "Nevin is God, Nevin is God."
February 16, 201610 yr I know the fella who sponsored Colin Pates testimonial it wasnt long after the Boro tear up & by the time Fulham plod were paid Pates hardly made anything.sure I would have gone, what was the date and score? Unusual that I've forgotten a game!
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