Hi Trevor, thanks for taking the time to chat to Talk Norwich City! You told me to ‘put my house’ on 3-1 City at the weekend… what are your thoughts on the derby result?
Yes, I was at the game and it should have been 3-1 ! If we cant finish off games like that we are going to struggle, a good performance but it should have been over in the first 30 minutes.
Name your dream Norwich City 5 a side team!
Kevin Keelan, Dave Watson, Steve Bruce, Martin Peters, Martin O’Neil
What was your time like as City’s reserve keeper? Did you ever feel like tripping Chris Woods up for a place in the team?
I loved it, my dream was to be a pro from birth. To get to train with Chris Woods every day was amazing, he was so dedicated and hard working it took me to another level, sadly, still about 4 levels below him ! Yes, I would have absolutely loved tripping him up, looking back now I wish I had put something in his tea. Sadly my opportunity came when we played Preston North End in the Milk Cup, I was told to get ready to play, then Joe Corrigan walked in Trowse Training Ground! It was not to be.
Why do you think Norwich City has the reputation of being a goalkeeper factory?
Rubbish defenders! Alongside good scouting – back in my day we had Ronnie Brooks who was Chief Scout and he seemed to have an eye for goalkeepers, I’m not sure about other clubs, but I can remember as a school boy going Tuesday Night Training at Trowse and being coached by Roger Hansbury, Clive Baker, Dave Stringer etc. It was inspirational to be coached by your heroes at such a young age and I wonder if that happens now? I also think the standard had been set many decades before and when you pull on the No. 1 shirt you are aware of what went before you and the honour and expectation it brings.
You told a couple of great tales when I met you, please can you share them with the Talk Norwich City readers?
Well, I remember being boot boy with Owen Nygren and having to clean the match boots at Carrow Road, the next day the Main Stand, above the boot room, had burnt down. I can say no more.
A big memory for me was after winning the Milk Cup going on the open bus around Norwich with the Cup. Chris Woods was on international duty so I got to go on the 1st Team Bus, it was great seeing all my mates and school mates as we went round the City.
Keeping a clean sheet against Teddy Sheringham who was playing for Milwall reserves at the time, I still bring it up at the pub, as does signing my Pro contract at the same time as Mick Channon was signing his week to week contract and looking over his shoulder to see he was getting £…..a week ! Guess how much !
Things like turning up at Trowse Training Ground in my Mini which lots of other young players also had, it was like The Italian Job when we all used to arrive at County Hall Roundabout then on to Trowse.
It was all about the little things for me though, like the £10 a year player membership at The Oasis on Pound Lane was great, going there and playing snooker with Kenny Brown and Robert Rosario, I was rubbish. Free entry into Pennies Nightclub and 10% discount at Jonathon Trumbull’s and Hatters were all good perks.
Mostly though it was just the other players, my mates, the laughs, the training, the nights out, the end of season tours and most of all keeping a clean sheet !
Life after football in yellow – What are you up to these days?
I have just set up my own company, Mandalay Events where I am doing themed wedding vow renewals (I got married in Vegas by Elvis), Stag and Hen Nights, Corporate Videos.
Finally, where will City finish at the end of this season?
Promotion at Wembley after a 7th place finish, Sheffield Wednesday will two points deducted for financial irregularities. Clutching straws I know!
Trevor, thanks so much for the chat, an interesting story that’s for sure!
My pleasure Chris
He lives 2 doors up from me and never knew