Farewell Norman Hunter
Billy Bremner was the Ginger Rogers
To Norman Hunter's Fred Astaire
Their pitter-patter dance daunted opponents
They could tackle with their hair
From 1962 he was cast as a hard man
But he was a half back of distinction
Other sides quailed when he slid in
They knew they risked extinction
He came from mining stock, he was humble
Team-mates were in awe of his skill
His legs were made of tempered steel
More than that he had a titanium will
As his white shirt loomed up in the mist
Trembling forwards feared for their limbs
More than one world famous striker
Could be seen on his knees singing hymns
Norman Hunter was born fully formed
He tackled his way out of the womb
At the mere smell of his linament rivals fled
Few dribblers escaped their doom
So farewell Norman Hunter
Training once more with Billy and the lads
Before Saint Peter tackles you
He'll be sure to put on his pads
M.C. Newberry
Mon 20th Apr 2020 17:55
That generation of players was known for no-nonsense
tackling. I have to admit that the sight of two of its most prominent
exponents having a bout of fisticuffs on the pitch was a case of two
"likes" falling out! As a boy, I recall watching Bath City when Tony Book (later to manage Man. City I believe) played in the City's
defence and his scything sliding tackle was something to behold
and stays with me even now, many decades later.