A remarkable Walsall WOod FC photo from the 70s; it’s labelled ‘Walsall Wood Midland Combination, division 1.’ The people featured are back row T. Holding (Manager), B. Jones, C Jones, B. Williams, R. Tranter, A. Lake, B. Knight and front row A. McGregor, A. Pye, S. Philpots, D. France, R. Heathe, J. Gough. Photo kindly supplied by Clive Roberts.
The rear of the above photo: No idea who W.D. Pitts is/was. Image courtesy of Clive Roberts.
Today, I did a deal with Walsall Wood historian and author Clive Roberts – he sent me scans of the above wonderful 1970s photo of a Walsall Wood Football Club team lineup, and said I’d happily point out that Clive’s latest book ‘Snippets of History in and around Walsall Wood’ is still available with new stock now at Egans grocery shop in Brownhills High Street.
The photo we know little about other than what’s written on the back – it looks classic 1970s with some great hair – particularly on the front row, and we invite comment and contributions. It’s a cracker, sourced apparently on eBay.
Clive’s latest book is a great follow up to his previous work ‘Snippets of local history in and around Shire Oak‘, which went down well with locals and soon sold out. The Walsall Wood book has had a very warm reception indeed, and I recommend you bag a copy if you haven’t already.
You can read my review of ‘Snippets of History in and around Walsall Wood’ here – it’s a fine work I’m happy to have in my collection. It would also make a bostin’ Christmas present for anyone interested in the history of Walsall Wood…
I will repeat this until I’m blue in the face: grab these local history books while you have the chance. There are so often printed in short runs, and soon become rare. I get continual enquiries for past books, and people end up paying fortunes for them on eBay and the like once they’ve sold out.
You know the drill: Comment here, please or mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
A new history book for Walsall Wood, by a local man. Some wonderfully off-beat stuff in here – and only £8. What’s not to love?
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I’m just jealous as I don’t have enough hair these days to take the p**s out of !!!!!!!
Hi Bob
behind the masses of hair, then..I wonder where the photo was taken and on what occasion. It does not look like Oak Park to me..nor outside Trev’s the gents hairdressers, either.
kind regards
David
Hello Bob, thanks for the reminder about my book. Hope the readers of the blog enjoy the photo of Walsall Wood football team line up.
The gentleman named Mr David Pitt Secretary of the Midland Com and also a reporter in the old Sports Argus
I bought 2 copies of Clive’s book, one for myself and one for a Christmas present for a friend. i’m not really into sport, but i still enjoyed looking at the pictures to see if i recognised anyone and
i loved the history of the Wheel Inn. I went to a few of those disco’s. Good luck to Clive with the book.
Thank you Caz. So pleased you are enjoying my book, Merry christmas and a great new year to you, and all the blog readers. not forgeting Bob too.
Hi Bob
Re the Walsall Wood FC photo.
I am the player standing on the extreme right, back row.
I don’t remember the picture being taken, but I think the season must be circa 1975-76. I had previously been playing for Willenhall Town and then for Hednesford Town before joining the Wood, in 1975. I played centre half for the club and was made captain during this season. I played for the club for about 3 seasons.
The manager was Trevor Holding the brother of Eddie Holding who played for Walsall FC. Trevor was a fair player in his own right and one of the best managers I ever played for. The 3 years I was involved with the club saw 3 managers and the team struggled as a consequence. I think the Ron Tranter (the Goal Keeper shown in the photo) finally Managed the team, but I had long gone.
The other player worth mentioning was Jon Gough who was a very skilful midfield player.
HI Bob
in conversation with Ron Tranter, featured in the image, yesterday evening as we baced ourselves for the imminent kick-off of the football match WWFC Vc Stoke, he confirmed that ithe photo was taken in the 1973/74 season..his first season playing for the Wood. His hairstyle nowadays, is..erm..different…sort of polished.
kind regards
David