Johnny Byrne - A neighbour of mine

by Roger Harsent
(Aucklnad New Zealand)

As a school boy I remember Johnny Byrne very well. I lived just around the corner from his family in Sandhurst Drive, Ilford and actaully played with his kids Kevin & Mark. I remember getting the odd lift into school (South Park) on rainy days - a nice guy.

Can remember the deft touch layoffs Byrne was famous for in a team full of heros (Moore Hurst Peters).

Yes that injury in the Scotland game robbed him of the ECWC Final and possibly a firm World Cup place - who knows.