Hols in Tunisia 1973

by Colin Hooper
(Swansea)

In 1972/3 we were on holiday in Tunisia with 2 close friends when I recognised Gerry, who was staying at the same hotel, with his charming and attractive wife Merial.
Eventually I plucked up the courage to acknowledge them, and this led to the 6 of us spending occasional time together during the holiday. Gerry wasn't one to draw attention to himself but eventually I got him onto the topic of football and he opened up somewhat,particularly on what it was like to ply his trade in Italy. As your article suggested, the training regime and matchday buildup were scrupulously observed. He would be away for, typically, 3 days for away fixtures and they said that if this coincided with a birthday or their wedding anniversary, wives would be permitted to dine separately with their husbands, by prior notice. This was certainly different to today's WAG culture. He spoke also of the value the Italians placed on personal lifestyle, with alcohol taken in moderation usually at mealtimes. I get the impression that Italian imports into our domestic game are held up as examples by their managers of these values.
As a player Gerry was unassuming, but a lion, with more skill than he was sometimes credited for. As a person he was good company, particularly with the delightful Merial. The four of us who met them on that holiday were genuinely sorry to learn of his passing.