I ASKED FORMER SAINT PLAYER, MANAGER AND COMMITTEE MAN MIKE HARRIS TO PICK HIS BEST EVER SAINTS SQUAD FROM HIS TIME INVOLVED WITH THE CLUB.
MIKE HARRIS –
MARY’S XI
THE
NIGHTMARE
1. COLIN WOOLEY – Goalkeeper Of all the keepers we have had ( and we have had many good ones) I think Colin is the best I have seen though Kirkham runs him close. Signed from
2. JOHN RUFF – Right Back – Without doubt the best right back I have ever seen/played with for Hay. Tough in the tackle quick to overlap I think his speed of thought was probably his strongest attribute. He could read a situation so well and was able to turn defence into counter attack in an instant
3. NIGEL (BEN) M0RRIS- Left Back – It speaks volumes for Ben’s ability that I am unable to think of any other Left Back for the club – Not the biggest build but quick and very skilful although prone to the odd indiscretion. Great Penalty taker when that is they allowed him to take them. Reliable and a Hay clubman through and through
4. DAVID (DAI HARRY) PRICE – Centre Half – To me the complete old fashioned centre half. Superb in the Air, good on the ground, strong in the tackle and a leader of men, Dave would also pop up and score many goals from set pieces. I never saw him lose his temper. He had a presence in both penalty boxes
5. ROGER WYLDE – Centre Half – A Danzey Watkins signing because he worked with Dan in
6. JOHN GITTOES – Central Midfield – The engine room, John had endless stamina, would tackle a brick wall and come out with the ball. His strength and balance were astounding and his pace over the first five yards either got him to or away from opposing players in a flash. John had a powerful shot and scored many important goals. He played through many injuries – he was his own worst enemy, but was the first name on the team sheet. He gave up the chance of playing for
7. BRIAN PREECE – Right midfield – A matchstick lightweight but his balance and close control was unbelievable. He was a nightmare for any fullback and would beat them with trickery, skill, a feint here and body swerve there. He could win you a game. The number of penalties conceded by defenders for fouls on Brian were unbelievable – they knew what he was going to do and still could only foul him in the end. He converted many a penalty as well even though I often wondered whether he had the physical strength to kick the ball that far.
8. ALAN EDWARDS – Centre Midfield – The complete Midfield player who we managed to sign from the Corries – Alan was wanted by
9. STEVE LONG – Centre Forward – What a player – Steve always reminded me of Martin Peters for his ability to get into so many scoring positions unmarked, appearing on the scene late and losing players with ease. His best goal for me was at Kington when we beat them 3-0 at their ground in the HFA Senior Amateur Cup semi final but I am sure others would disagree. Equally good in the Air or on the Ground Steve was offered terms by
10. FRED PRENDERGAST – Centre Forward – Speed, agility and an eye for goal, Fred was the complete finisher – I think it almost certain he will appear in just about everyone’s Best Hay 11. His pace and ability to lose defenders was frightening and did earn him games with Hereford United reserves at the same time as Phil Stant was playing there, I believe. A great team player as well though and whilst prone to the odd altercation Fred was without doubt the outstanding player in the 1980/90’s and a top clubman along with his Dad, Denis
11. KEN FIELD – Left Midfield – Although not a wide left midfield player Ken was one of the most versatile players with the sweetest left peg and a must for any Best 11. In my first year as Secretary I introduced the top scorers cup and Ken, then playing Centre forward, was its first winner. He was a good midfield player and a fine Centre Half as well. His weakness was his temper and reputation but generally speaking Ken was as much the victim as he was the villain with many a Ref saying they knew how to control Ken Field and then proceeding to try any show us how.
SUBS
12. ISHY JONES Midfield – I only saw and played with Ishy in the latter stages of his career but the respect and esteem in which he was held by players and officials alike marked him out as an outstanding player and he played for Hay well into his 40’s
13. JIMMY MAUND – Centre Forward – Maybe not the greatest player ever to don a Hay shirt but he was a prolific goal scorer and my hero when I first started to watch Hay in the early 60’s – our answer to Jimmy Greaves I thought although I do remember him missing one against Crick in the Hay cup semi when he headed the ball down from about 3 yards out and the ground was so hard it bounced up and over the crossbar – I wonder if it still haunts him – it does me
14. SEAN GALLAGHER – Defender – I didn’t see Sean play that much, only a few times when he returned to Hay in the twilight of his career but I spoke with many Club Officials (Ron Ellis, Dai Ransome, Sid Wilding and the like) and they rated Sean as one of the best players ever to turn out for the Saints and out of respect for their judgement have to include Sean in the line up
15. DEREK KEEBLE – Forward – We probably blooded Derek into senior football too early as his back problems now testify but his talent was such that he just could not be left out. From the early days when we rotated Derek with Dai Brown as winger for the first team through to this day Derek has remained a loyal and trusted clubman, but his ability on the pitch must not be overlooked. He was a feared Centre forward in his time and scored many goals for the Club. When he was a kid I did get him trials at
16. STEVE JENKINS – Defender – Coz he is my nephew, god son and he started all this
There are many many more candidates for the best ever team but I shall stick with this bunch who in their prime I defy any side not to fear – at this level of course