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Players of the Past

Kenny Johnson – Local hero; played in the famous home F.A. Cup tie against Manchester United in January 1957 – Hartlepool lost a very close game 4-3. In later life Kenny and his wife ran a Fish ‘n Chip shop on the Fens.

 ? Can’t remember this Irish lad’s name, but he was one of Brian Clough’s early signings, coming from Nottingham Forest.

 Kenny Simpkins – Welshman – Great lad. Played Goalkeeper and at times as a Centre Forward and was good in both positions. Lives on the Headland and still attends Pools’ games.

 Alan Fox – Another Welshman, signed from Wrexham. Played a lot of league games for the Pool’s and was a very good Centre Half, popular with the supporters. Still lives in the town.

 Brian Cooper – Local lad and a very competitive full-back. Still lives in the town and runs a building and plumbing business with his sons.

 Winston Roberts – Another local lad and a great midfield player – a real wizard with the ball. Played lots of local league football, with teams such as the Boys Welfare and Lion Social.

 Tommy Johnson – A Pool’s legend, who spent many years at the Club, and who was also a Physio at Middlesbrough. Tommy encouraged many a young player to realise their full potential.

 Alan Melville – A very imposing and competitive player who also spent some time with St. Joseph’s F.C. Still lives in Hartlepool working as a carpet fitter.

 John McGovern – A legend in the world of football, winning two European Cup medals with Nottingham Forest. Still lives in the town.

 Hugh Hamilton – Played many games for the Pools’, and later Stockton F.C. and Lion Social. Still lives in the town with his wife and family.

 Peter Thompson – A great Centre Forward, who also spent time with Bournemouth. Peter now works as a Youth Leader in Owton Manor, and is a great inspiration to young people.

 Colin Temple – “Temps”, local lad and a good player for the Pools’. Also spent time at a number of Northern League clubs. Still lives in the town.

Andy McCluskey, October, 2012.

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