FILL THE GOAL

You will probably guess what stimulated this subject but today in memory of Tommy Lawrence, I am investigating overweight goalkeepers.

At 14 stone, Tommy was surprisingly agile and according to tributes, was always able to get something in the way of a goal-bound shot. The "Flying Pig" died on January 9th aged 77. He was also an exponent of the "sweeper keeper", definitely approved of by Bill Shankly, who joined and transformed Liverpool in 1962. When Ray Clemence arrived at Anfield, Tommy maintained his place for a further three years and in 1968-9 conceded only 24 goals in 42 games, a record eventually beaten by Clemence. A year later though he went across the Mersey to Tranmere, linking up with Ron Yeats.
In 2015, a BBC reporter was interviewing workers at the Rylands Wire Factory in Warrington where Lawrence once worked, asked an elderly passer-by if he remembered the Liverpool-Everton Cup tie in 1967. "I do, I played in it-I was the goalkeeper for Liverpool!"

My list of chubby keepers continues with that scallywag Wayne Shaw who made his name and some money eating a pie in the dug out, during the game, as reserve goalkeeper for Sutton United, in a betting scam in last season's FA Cup tie.

Kevin Pressman, a chunky guardian, made 404 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday.

Mark Bosnich was late for training on his first session with Alex Ferguson, who put him straight onto a special fitness regime at Manchester United in 1999, not a good move and Brian Jensen who had two seasons in the Premier League with Burnley, is now helping out at Mansfield.

Paddy Kenny gets a vote, having been described as a "Michelin Man" by Neil Warnock when at Sheffield United.

Neville Southall of course, played over 600 times for Everton, won 92 caps for Wales, was Footballer of the Year in 1985 and won Best Gk in the World 4 times! He revitalised his career at 41 years old "helping out" at Bradford City in 2000. But then goalkeepers can, can't they?

I played with Paul "Doughy" J Baker of Collyer's School 1st XI (1967-8 vintage) and he was effective, somebody who made the best of his ability. he was also a good cricketer (keeper-batsman), later to become an umpire. You wouldn't argue with him!

And finally I have "done" Fatty Foulkes before.
http://baileyfootballblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/who-ate-all-pies.html