SAD NEWS

I read today that Paul Futcher, former Barnsley and Grimsby hero defender, died on the 24th November, from cancer at the age of 60, a young man. His twin brother Ron, a centre-forward, who starred in the NASL survives him and so does older brother Graham, who also played professionally at Chester City. Paul's son, Ben, is also a professional footballer .

Born in Chester Paul joined the local club in 1972 and then went to Luton Town (131 apps) before signing for Manchester City in 1978 for £350,000, at the time a record for the club and he became the most expensive defender in the Football League. He only played 37 times for the Blues and then played for Oldham, Derby both for short periods before settling at Barnsley in 1983-89, appearing 230 times.

His journey then went through Halifax, Grimsby (132 apps) in 1991, Dundalk, Droylesden, Gresley Rovers and Southport retiring in 2000, where he was player manager. He also managed at Darlington, Stalybridge Celtic and Ashton United.

I also read of the passing of Bobby Campbell (Robert MacFaul Campbell) a Northern Ireland international who died in Huddersfield on the 15th November. Bobby is not to be confused with some other Bobby Campbells who have played professional footballer. Our Bobby spent his last years in the Huddersfield area and prior to that he played for a variety of clubs, totalling over 500 games at the top level, beginning in 1974 at Aston Villa but mainly at Bradford City in the 1970-80s.