Joe Dixon’s

Football Memories

HOME DAWDON C.W. JUNIORS SUNDERLAND R.C.A RYHOPE 'POPS' SILKSWORTH C.W. SILKSWORTH BUFFS SEAHAM RED STAR ROKER F.C. DAWDON C.W SEAHAM RED STAR O'35s MINI WORLD CUP EPPLETON CW OTHER CLUBS CAREER at a GLANCE OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FA COACHING BADGE PLAYERS + RYHOPE C.W. CHARLIE HURLEY YOUR MEMORIES BITS & BOBS MORE BITS & BOBS INTERVIEW VISITOR STATS CONTACT ME NORTHERN LG 2016-2017

1977





The Management


For most of my playing days with the 'CA I helped out as a member of the committee. The duties were basically to sell tickets, help transport players to away games and the odd times clearing snow from the ground to make it playable. In the summer of 1970 work commitments of key committee men, for the coming season, meant no one had the time to do the Secretary's job. As a last resort I took on the job in order to stop the club from folding. What people didn't realise at this time was the commitments I had. My first son had just been born in the March, the colliery house we lived in (Brick Row) was to be demolished so we had the problems of finding a new home and I'd just started a new job in that same year.

It was this season, 1970/1971, that made me realise all the work that goes on behind the scenes. I therefore appreciate the contribution and sacrifices made by the following to the clubs success over many years both before and after I left.


Below is a copy from my note book that shows the members of the committee for the 1970/1971 season.





























------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Long Serving Management


























































------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A season or two after I'd left the club the above, along with some new committee men, Dave Hall is one that comes to mind, went about an enormous project to further the clubs progress. This was to build a new ground, including stands, to the high standard required to obtain membership of the Northern League. To their credit they succeeded. The amount of effort involved cannot be overestimated. The only disappointment at this present time is the clubs recent change of name to Sunderland RCA. I presume it helps to get more sponsorship. I wonder what the old committee thinks of this?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Billy Anderson
I first played with Billy for Ryhope CA in 1964/1965 season and then for Ryhope 'Pops' a couple of seasons later. At the 'Pops' he played up front with Norman Baird and I was pushed back into midfield and I've never forgiven him for that (only joking Billy). He was a very speedy and quality striker who should have played a hell of lot more games for the 'CA than he did. By taking the responsibility of Club Secretary, for several seasons, was a big sacrifice to make. His contribution to the early success of the 'CA is huge. When he and Ernie Carlin were around there was a 'warmth and feel good' factor about the place. He was (and still is) great fun to be around.
Kevin Brace
Kevin did great work on the committee of Ryhope CA from 1970, when it was the 'YC', to 1984. He was always there to help in any way and his contribution to the clubs success should never be overlooked. His period as Treasurer was very successful. Kevin was great at getting the money into the clubs fund but getting money out of it was another story. (only joking Kevin). Kevin sadly passed away on 26/08/2012 . Click here.
Terry Brace

Again just like his younger brother but served Ryhope CA even longer as both a player and committee man. His playing days weren't too long but he did play in the clubs first ever season, 1963/1964, in the Seaham & District League. His roles included Trainer, Treasurer and after several seasons he was honoured when he became Club Chairman. In my time there I cannot remember him ever missing a season. Terry sadly passed away on 20/06/2013. Click here.
Ernie Carlin
I first met Ernie when he joined Ryhope CA in it's third season in the Seaham & District league having previously been with the juniors. We even played a few games together for Ryhope 'Pops'. He gave unbelievable service to the 'CA in every role from trainer up to chairman and I don't think he could have given more. In the 1968/1969 season he had the honour of being selected as trainer for the Seaham & District league side. His humour is second to none. I said to him one day that I thought I'd pulled a muscle and he replied 'you must be joking you must have pulled a bone'. I was slim at the time. Priceless. Along with Billy Anderson they made the dressing room a real fun place. Ernie's pre-match rub down was one of the reasons we played well. We didn't ever want to be dropped.





Jimmy Clark
Joined Ryhope YC club in its third season as Player/Manager. At the time cliques in the team (the reason I left during the previous season) was holding the team back. Jimmy got this sorted out and in the process persuaded me to help out towards the end of the 1967/1968 season. He played me at centre forward for the first time ever and it was a role I played for the rest of my career. In the early days, despite the double role, his performances on the field was rewarded by his selection for the Seaham & District league side in the 1968/1969 season. Such was my respect for Jimmy that I played for him until the 1978/1979 season. This included his time at Seaham Red Star and Silksworth CW when the 'CA team had folded. Jimmy sadly passed away on 25/01/2015. Click here.
Norman Taylor
Joined the Ryhope YC team in its second season (1964/1965) and was a regular in every season, except the 1970/71 one when work commitments limited his availability, until the 1974/75 season. As a player he was an aggressive defender and not many players got past him. His 100% effort each game was the normal. He was not as good going forward although he did score 5 goals in the 1968/1969 season. If necessary he was always willing to be an emergency goalkeeper. After this he became Jimmy Clark's assistant and then Chairman. I didn't always see eye to eye with some of the things that Norman did but I cannot fault his drive, enthusiasm and ambition for the 'CA that finally resulted in the club achieving Northern League status.