KEEPERS AND VILLAINS

On 22nd May 1967 Ron Springett won 33 England caps - he played in the 1962 World Cup finals and was a non-playing member of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad. His brother Peter played for England at both youth and Under 23 level, although never won a full cap.  What was unusual, was that both brothers were goalkeepers and what was unique was that on 22nd May 1967 they were involved in a transfer swap. Ron moved from Sheffield Wednesday back to his former club Queens Park Rangers while younger brother Peter moved in the opposite direction. Sheffield Wednesday also paid QPR £24,000 to complete the deal.

On the same day, 15 years later, in 1982, Scotland and the USSR (now "Russia" and other states!) drew their final group match at the 1982 World Cup Finals, in Spain 2-2, in the scorching heat of Malaga. That result saw Scotland pipped on goal difference by their opponents for a place in the next round, but Scotland were to win a victory in doping control. John Robertson and a Russian player were required to provide an after-match sample but both being severely dehydrated needed to drink plenty of fluids before a sample could be given - and in those days it wasn't just soft drinks that were available to the players but alcohol as well. Northern Ireland sub, Tommy Cassidy revealed in 2010 that he and Gerry Armstrong had to find a solution after being handed an unexpected problem after the game, following their memorable 1-0 victory. "We were sat under armed guards, next to FIFA doctors and officials, and it was just so funny that it took us so long. We simply couldn't pee. We tried and tried, drinking water, lager and even wine to help us. Gerry drank so much alcohol that he was little bit drunk."

The Russian tried to match John Robertson drink for drink, but lost!! He had to be carried out of doping control, somewhat worse for wear singing White Christmas! He was singing Danny Boy and all sorts. It was hilarious! even one of the guards began to sway to his singing. Northern Ireland side below.