Memories of Liam Brady

dermot clarke wrote:

In the pepsi all-ireland cup final under 15, St. Kevin's played Waterford Bohemians in Whitehall the home of Home Farm FC. Kevin's had come through the Dublin section easily enough except for a tough game against Rangers. Jimmy Holmes, who is to this day the youngest man ever to play for Ireland, marked Liam that day.
Waterford, the Munster champs, were confident they could beat Kevin's that day, in fact they went a goal up in five minutes. Enter Liam Brady, playing a year above his age, he took control of the game and scored four times in a 10-1 victory. People still gasp as they recall his performance that day.

Paul Smitherman wrote:

Hi, back in 1977 I signed for the Arsenal as an apprentice. What a great time I had, coming up from Kent to London. I remember training and playing with Liam, Frank, Pat and all the other players that were there at the time. I worked hard to try and make the grade as they did, but alas I was not that good.
Travelling up to Sheffield and the Midlands for all those semi finals was amazing. Playing at London Colney etc. The list goes on.
My scout was Mr Earnie Collett, he looked after me when I got there, my digs in East Barnet were like a home from home. Back then us young players earnt just 16 pounds a week. We didn't have to pay for a thing. All our food, lodgings, transport was paid for by the club.
When we turned 17 we could sign as a young pro' and earn 100 pounds a week. I remember Paul Davis doing this and buying a Capri. Willie Young would sell us gold chains, and I remember buying an album from Graham Rix.
I stayed with a goalkeeper called Willmott. I remember buying a sheepskin coat from him to keep me warm.
We would play our games in the South East Counties league on Saturday mornings, then off to Highbury to watch the first team. After the games we would then have to clean the changing rooms, clean the boots and baths for Monday. On Friday this would all be done again for the Saturday games. I have no regrets signing for Arsenal. I was asked by Gillingham to sign too but chose the Gunners!!
Most kids of my age would have given body parts to have the experience that I had.
I also remember Terry Neill arguing with Willie Young most days, Don Howe doing his best to burst ear drums. Liam Brady was by far the best player I have seen. So gifted, he didnt have to work too hard on his skills.
Terry Neill told me one day I was not good enough. I left and cried my eyes out. I returned to Kent and played for Dover in the Southern league for a while. Then for Herne Bay in the Kent League. I am now a detective in the Met and look back to the day when I joined the Arsenal, leaving home to go to London.
Not sure if its the same any more for the young kids.
Regards, Paul.