Back in June I wrote to former Derby County goalkeeper Les Green to get some of my cards signed.
I received a letter back from Les' son Simon to say that Les had passed away on 30th July after a long battle with cancer (which I was unaware of when I wrote to him) and asked if I could phone them.
I spoke to Les' widow Heidi who asked if I minded them keeping my photo and cards for a bit longer as they wanted to copy them for Les' funeral service which of course I agreed to whilst passing on my condolences and best wishes for the future.
This is probably my saddest reply having been lucky in the past to get replies from former players Neil Young and recently Ernie Machin before they unfortunately passed away.
RIP Les Green
Les started with local team Atherstone Town before getting a trial with Arsenal. Unfortunately he never made the grade because manager George Swindin said he was too short at 5 ft 8 in .Following this ,he signed for Hull City in 1960,but after 4 appearances he returned to Non-League football with Nuneaton Borough.After three years with Boro, Green joined Burton Albion under the management of Peter Taylor before three months later following Taylor to Hartlepool United where he made 34 appearances over the course of two seasons.
1967 saw Green on the move once again, this time playing for Rochdale under Bob Stokoe (ironically the same man who's tackle ended Brian Clough's playing career).Green was there for just over one season and made 44 appearances before for the third time in his career he was reunited with Peter Taylor but this time at Derby County in 1968.
The season Green joined a team that was changing for the better under Clough and Taylor's management. He was part of Second Division winning team and the side that was in constant dispute with Leeds United due to the Clough/Revie rivalry.
In 1971 Green decided to leave England for National Football League side Durban City in South Africa. During his time with the Golden Boys, Green played alongside Stanley Matthews in a rare guest appearance - when the man himself was into his 50's.
Sadly Green's leg was badly broken in a clash with Bobby Viljoen in a crunch derby game against arch-rivals Durban United which ended his playing career.
Les met his wife Heidi whilst in South Africa.
Green's last game was a testimonial match for former Derby County goalkeeper Martin Taylor in a game against Everton on May 14, 1997. The game ended 4-1 to The Rams.
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