One for the old boys. 4 November 1972

[Alan Whittle]

36 (!) years ago today. Much talked about on our sites. The debut of one of the best players we ever had. Don Rogers scored on his Palace debut this day in 1972 at Selhurst Park with a mazy thirty yard run and a calm chip over David Lawson. Only goal of the game; Palace 1 Everton 0
Not the only interest in the game though as my 5ft 2ins namesake tried it on with 7ft 6ins Mel Blyth. He was not entirely successful, and both were sent off.
He signed for us shortly afterwards, made his debut against ManUre on December 16 and scored in a 5-0 (I'll say that again, FIVE-NIL) victory. The following May we were relegated. Anyone else at Selhurst 36 years ago today?

 

[stanleypark]

Are Everton your second team after Palace then?

 

[The Esk]

 

[GrandOldTeam]

^ He looks like Reidys Bottle Of Grecian

 

[Whitebootman]

I'll have to look at my old programs when I get home. I used to go in the boys pen at around that time. Happy days, used to spend all our pocket money on the bus to the ground, entrance and a program then walk back home to Kirkby.

Thanks for reminding me and making me smile

 

[Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian]

^ He looks like Reidys Bottle Of Grecian

who does ?

my looks are patented.

 

[Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian]

danny....who looks like me ?

 

[a2b chris]

reidy think this is the offender

imho he looks nothing like you. hes taller, got more hair and looks like he's trying to get the ale in.

so no resemblence there then!

 

[Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian]

dont know, can see facial resemblence, i used to have more hair than him tbh, he'll be waving to some bird he shagged the night before.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

If I look like Alan Stubbs, your that players twin!

 

[a2b chris]

dont know, can see facial resemblence, i used to have more hair than him tbh, he'll be waving to some bird he shagged the night before.

would that be your mrs?

 

[Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian]

nah......yours

 

[Alan Whittle]

Are Everton your second team after Palace then?

Yes, I suppose they are. My youngest son is an Evertonian, and in order to be fair, I have regularly taken him to Goodison, and really enjoyed it. Seen about 60 games over 12 years or so. Will be at West Ham on Saturday with both my sons.(The other one suffers the true faith like me.)
Can think of Moyes first game against Fulham and the CL qualifier at home to Villareal as being really great nights.

 

[Alan Whittle]

Great pic. thanks

 

[Alan Whittle]

I'll have to look at my old programs when I get home. I used to go in the boys pen at around that time. Happy days, used to spend all our pocket money on the bus to the ground, entrance and a program then walk back home to Kirkby.

Thanks for reminding me and making me smile

You'd have had a bloody long walk home that night! It was at our place.

Two specific memories of the man when with us;
1. January 1975, away to Aldershot. Missed an open goal in stoppage time that would have saved a point. I went mental at him.
2. January 1977, still a third division team, got a draw at the RS 0-0 in the 3rd round. (Got chased all over by RS and Everton that day. Everton were home to Stoke at the same day and time. We reckoned afterwards that it was organised. !) I digress. Was late to the replay in midweek, didn't have any change so told the turnstile guy to keep the change and "buy Alan Whittle back". He had left the month before.
Was very popular without being really good.(lost the replay to the RS of course, 2-3, after leading 1-0 with a goal still ranked as one of the best ever seen at Selhurst.) Happy days.