15-09-2011 8:44 PM
Two replies back today.I wrote to Bill Green via Leicester City where he is a scout,and my second reply from Gordon Smith via Rangers where he is now Director of Football.
Bill Green joined Hartlepool United from school and made his league debut for them in September 1969. He joined Carlisle United in July 1973 for £15,000, and then signed for West Ham United in June 1976 for £75,000. He later went on to play for Peterborough United, Chesterfield and Doncaster Rovers as a centre-half. He also managed Scunthorpe United from 1991 to 1993, with a record of played 101, won 43, lost 32, drawn 26. He lost his job after an expected promotion push in 1993 never happened. In 2002, he took caretaker charge of Sheffield Wednesday for one game, which he lost.
Gordon Smith started his career with Kilmarnock. He was known as Casper for the way he 'ghosted ' past defenders in his path. He was sold to Rangers in 1977 for £65,000. In his first season , Smith won the domestic treble, scoring 27 goals from midfield. He was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion in 1980 for a record transfer fee of £440,000. He returned to Rangers on loan in December 1982, playing in the 1982 Scottish League Cup Final defeat by Celtic. Smith made three appearances during his loan spell, without scoring.
Smith scored for Brighton in the 1983 FA Cup Final, as they drew 2–2 with Manchester United, although Brighton lost the replay 4–0. In the final minute of the first match, Smith was through on goal and had a chance to win the Cup for Brighton, but his shot was saved by United goalkeeper Gary Bailey. The legendary radio commentator Peter Jones bellowed "and Smith must score!" as he took the shot, an infamous soundbite that has haunted him since and overshadowed some notable playing achievements.
On leaving Brighton in March 1984, Smith went on to Manchester City where he finished top scorer (with 12 League goals) in their 1984-85 promotion campaign to the top Division. Smith went on to play at the top level in Austria with Admira Wacker and Switzerland with FC Basel, before retiring as a player in 1988.
15-09-2011 8:45 PM
great cards for your massive collection, congrats
15-09-2011 8:48 PM
2 great replies for you Rob, well done mate
15-09-2011 8:48 PM
nice replys ,and a very nice letter well done
15-09-2011 9:08 PM
great cards i love getting i nice letter back shame it doesnt happen more often
15-09-2011 9:23 PM
2 great results Rob i like the Smith one of course and will probs write too him at rangers when i get sorted out here.
15-09-2011 9:59 PM
Great replys Rob the smith letter is a nice bonus
15-09-2011 10:56 PM
Great replies Rob, and nice to see the letter from Gordon. Always great when they enjoy seeing the pics.
16-09-2011 6:28 AM
What a collection you must have now mate:)
Two more excellent replies, well done mate:)
16-09-2011 10:42 AM
2 more super replies Rob. Great looking cards as always. Well done mate.
16-09-2011 12:38 PM
Two great replies. I believe there used to be a Brighton fanzine called "and Smith must score...!"
16-09-2011 12:40 PM
Nice one Rob great cards - like the note well done mate
16-09-2011 1:16 PM
Well done Rob, must saying i love Bill's Tash!
16-09-2011 4:05 PM
nice replies and cards, congrats
16-09-2011 4:27 PM
It's good to see a player appreciating the cards and being happy to sign for you. Lovely pair of replies.
16-09-2011 10:03 PM
Another two crackers Rob well done to you .
19-09-2011 11:01 AM
Pleased for you Rob.