Joe Dixon’s

Football Memories

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1977

This was the beginning of Ryhope YC football club. It's first ever season was played in the Seaham & District league.

The Youth Clubs first ever game was against Seaham UDC at the Seaham CW ground, now home to Seaham Red Star, and it was 3-3 draw. I know I scored that day but I can't recall how many and whether or not I scored the clubs first ever goal. I'd like to think it was but I'm just not sure. All the games were played on opponents grounds that season.

Other than the first game I don't recall much about the season. Some of the other players that I believe played that season were:-

The number of players that actually joined from the 'YC Juniors wasn't many. Although the Juniors had a good team the previous season most of them were still eligible to play this season.

Terry Brace was one of the very few players that played in the first ever seasons of both the 'YC and 'YC Junior side in both their opening seasons. Although his playing career was short he then went on to give incredible service, to the club, until 1990. A member of the committee in all these years his roles have included Trainer/Physio, Secretary, Treasurer and finally Chairman. An astonishing service to give to one club. He should be very proud to have helped in setting up both these teams as well as playing a huge part in the clubs success and development to Northern League status.

Another player that also played in the first ever games of both the 'YC and 'YC Junior side was Ray Swansbury, who sadly passed away in 2011. Ray was a great goalkeeper but only played for the 'YC for 3 seasons because of Saturday working otherwise he would have probably had a longer career than mine. Even at 57 years old he played in a match and was given the 'man of match' award. Absolutely incredible. Ray, who I first played with in the Ryhope Junior School team, was in the Ryhope CW squad when they played Workington Town in the 1st round of the FA Cup. A great player and a great friend.

All in all it was a difficult season as all the games were away from home and  we just couldn't get a settled side. Saturday working was a big problem  and there was a distinct possibility that if Bill Bond decided to step back, as he always said he would, then the club could fold at the end of the season.

 

1963 / 1964  - The First Ever Season

Ray Swansbury
Terry Barnes
Terry Brace
Billy Bates (Capt.)

Malcolm Brown
Robert Sproats
Dave Mycock
Ralph Errington
Joe Maydew
David Dunn
Laurence Suckley
Jimmy Bracebridge
Geordie Yarnell

Jimmy Ibbinson
John Brickle
Colin Beston
Alfie Dobson
Tommy Wilson
Alan Palin
George Dixon
George Turban
Trevor Turban
John Bannister