Memories Of Stanley Mortensen

JOHN MORRELL wrote:

As a boy, I worshipped Blackpool FC. Home games were like soccer carnivals with the Atomic Boys - and their duck - clowning around pre-kick-off.
The two Stanleys, Matthews and Morty, were my heroes but players like Harry Johnston, Eddie Shimwell, Tommy Garrett, Bill Perry, Jackie Mudie, Allan Brown and so on provided the classy ammunition for their regular bombardments.
Morty ended his career at Lancaster City in the Lancashire Combination and even on those third world playing surfaces, he always displayed the courage and the never-say-die spirit that had epitomised his earlier career.
Crowds of more than 30,000 were regular features at Bloomfield Road and fans were hypnotised by the mesmeric Seasiders. I'll bet the legendary Jimmy Armfield looks back with relish at being a part of such a magnicent era.
Happily, the Seasiders are beginning to make their presence felt once again!
Many happy returns.

Steve Padgett wrote:

I worked with Morty for 12 months in our family business in Blackpool, he worked as a representative for us and we travelled together all over England to meet various customers, the ones who did remember him were delighted to meet up with him and Stan had a knack of making them feel special, he was a gem in many ways.
We went along together to an opening of a new manufacturing plant in Yorkshire, attended by all the local dignitaries, I was sat between Stan & Richie Benaud, I felt a million dollars, they both made excellent speeches, but Stan had them falling out of their chairs laughing, he could have made some serious money with his after dinner speaking, but never did.
I was very privileged to have known and worked with this wonderful man, the stories he told me over coffee when we were alone were fascinating and never to be forgotten.
He had this little book crammed with the punch line of a joke or story, he asked me to point to any line on any page throughout the book, and bang, there he was with the story, absolutely hilarious and endless, a great man to be in the company of, and a superb treat to see the faces of people who were also privileged to meet up with him.
A lovely man to have known, and very fond memories, well done Stanley, a good friend.

Lars-Olle Trevéus wrote:

Subject: I love Blackool FC since 1947.
Hi! I was about 8-9 years old when my father took me to my first real football-match. That was here in Malmoe, I think 1947. Malmoe against Blackpool FC.
I don't remember the result but I think I remember the famous right wing in Blackpool, Stan Mortensen and Stanley Matthews.
Since then has Blackpool always been the Club nearest my heart.
Ten years ago we were in London to celebrate my wife's 50 year and we were in all souvenir-boutiques around Oxford street but couldn't find one single thing with Blackpool FC mark.
So, what can I do to show my friends here in Sweden, that I'm a True Blackpool Fan?
Now I'm 68 but have still hope to see a Cup Final like 1953.
I wish You all the best
Lars-Olle Trevéus

m. jeffery wrote:

stan was one of the true greats in any era. brave and skilful, terrific speed and always a team player. value today priceless.
off the field most genuine man and widely admired. game suffered a loss on his passing.