Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted March 21, 2023 On 01/07/2022 at 22:54, Octopus of Odstock said: Thanks for this. I have some questions though about whether you have found more information on a few people. This is not a criticism of why they're not on there, just a query, as I know your research is good. You don't include Rafael Souto (born 1930) of Uruguay. I must admit, this Twitter post, talks about him in the past tense - https://mobile.twitter.com/cndefhistoria/status/1320038796126281729?lang=ar - rather than saying, happy 90th birthday. Osvaldo Cruz - https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osvaldo_H%C3%A9ctor_Cruz - do you think he's dead? You also don't mention Reino Borjesson - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reino_B%C3%B6rjesson - who was definitely alive in 2019. https://www.gp.se/livsstil/vm-hj%C3%A4lten-fyller-90-och-minns-sitt-st%C3%B6rsta-%C3%B6gonblick-1.12786870 Osvaldo Cruz definitely dead now https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pagina12.com.ar/533410-murio-osvaldo-cruz-emblema-de-independiente-en-los-50 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lsm 31 Posted March 27, 2023 Graham Bailey celebrated his 103rd birthday last Wednesday. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
michael featherstone 13 Posted March 27, 2023 The next oldest who are alive were probably born in 1924 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 4, 2023 Henry Potts, former Oxford University cricketer, Oxford University and Pegasus footballer, a winner of the 1951 FA Amateur Cup, England amateur international and former Northampton Town footballer. All of which should've been enough to alert the necessary associations of his death. Not so, he's been dead 12 years - from the Ryerson Index - POTTS Henry James Death notice 23APR2011 Death 86 at Wirraway RSL Village, Narrabeen, formerly of Carlisle UK Manly Daily 30APR2011 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 5, 2023 Joe Slattery died in September 2022; https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/funeral-death-notices-special-hyndburn-25026400 and although I can't find a link supporting this - Hugman's Footballers has Alf Horne. who was also 96, also dying in 2022. Slattery was ex-Accrington; Horne ex-Northampton Town. Meanwhile, another 1926 birth and 2022 death was Alec Montgomery, ex Walsall. https://mgevansandsons.co.uk/tribute/alec-webster-montgomery/ He died 6th July 2022. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 5, 2023 Also discovered Phil Turner, born in 1927, ex-Carlisle, Chester, Bradford Park Avenue (and others) forward died in 2014. The trick was a comment that Turner later became manager of Rhyl. Therefore - https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/turner/1481213 is our man. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 5, 2023 A much more recent death: George Holt, Halifax's oldest player, died a couple of weeks ago, aged 96. https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/former-halifax-town-player-george-holt-dies-aged-96-4071315 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 5, 2023 Another 2023 death- Charlie Heffron, former keeper for Belfast Celtic, Derry and Bradford Park Avenue. Also capped once for the Northern Irish League XI. https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/sport-opinion/opinion-charlie-heffron-the-last-link-to-a-golden-derry-city-era-4000909 https://safelyhome.com/death-notice/heffron-charlie/ Died 18th January 2023. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maryportfuncity 10,639 Posted April 6, 2023 18 hours ago, Octopus of Odstock said: Also discovered Phil Turner, born in 1927, ex-Carlisle, Chester, Bradford Park Avenue (and others) forward died in 2014. The trick was a comment that Turner later became manager of Rhyl. Therefore - https://funeral-notices.co.uk/notice/turner/1481213 is our man. At Brunton Park, Carlisle 1948-51, apologies if I can't throw in any useful observations based on watching him play. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 7, 2023 Emrys Evans died 10th March 2023. Born 1930, probably Newport's oldest player. But it was his work at Merthyr Town that got him a half-term "in memoriam" mention on the scoreboard between Wales and Latvia. Best link is on Facebook; The club is sad to hear of the passing to former player and manager, Emrys Evans. He was a talented footballer and was a regular in the league champions teams of the late 50’s and early 60’s, but also turned out for Tottenham Hotspur and Newport County AFC. He also spent time in the hot-seat at Merthyr Town FC. We’d like to send our condolences to his family. #OnceABulldogAlwaysABulldog 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 10, 2023 Colin Bateman died in November 2022, but only announced 2023. Watford player and then long-term fan - https://www.watfordfc.com/news/tribute-colin-bateman-1930-2022 Also, I can't link to it but Graham Masters, ex Bristol City died in Feburary 2023, aged 91. There's a tweet from BCFC Former Players. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 10, 2023 Peter Aitchison, former Colchester United player, died in September 2022 - https://www.eastofengland.coop/funerals/funeral-details?tribute=peteraitchison, meanwhile Jackie Lane, ex Notts County and Birmingham died last month - 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 21,024 Posted April 14, 2023 From the Detective Work thread On 24/04/2021 at 00:42, Ulitzer95 said: @Octopus of Odstock Andy Mullen Alive. Based in Scunthorpe in 2021. Andy Mullen reportedly dead: https://cumbriacrack.com/2023/04/14/workington-reds-andy-mullen-dies-aged-94/ Played in Workington Reds first ever football league game. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 14, 2023 7 hours ago, YoungWillz said: From the Detective Work thread Andy Mullen reportedly dead: https://cumbriacrack.com/2023/04/14/workington-reds-andy-mullen-dies-aged-94/ Played in Workington Reds first ever football league game. And by referring to Mullen as their oldest surviving player, this rules out Graham Miller as being alive. They would have mentioned him if he were alive as he also played in their first season. John Scott - 10 days older than Mullen - and definitely still alive as per Cumbria Golf Union, played for Workington before they were in the football league. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted April 22, 2023 So you'd expect the below, with one game for Gillingham and a very popular name to be one of those on the list that are almost certainly dead, but with no evidence to confirm it, like the likes of Mike Kelly, Eddie Martin and Bill Mellor. But no, not a bit of it! https://www.gmfc.net/greenock-morton-celebrate-the-birthday-of-jimmy-mcdonald/ ,which even made Yahoo news - Yahoo News Jimmy McDonald 18/04/1932 Gillingham, Dumbarton, Morton 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 21,024 Posted May 16, 2023 On 29/09/2019 at 11:23, Octopus of Odstock said: John Flood 21/10/1932 Bournemouth, Southampton John Ernest 7 minutes ago, YoungWillz said: Former Southampton and Bournemouth winger John Flood reported dead aged 90: https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/23522555.former-southampton-fc-winger-john-flood-died-aged-90/ Apparently up to then the oldest living Southampton player according to the report, but I couldn't find him mentioned on the Oldest Players thread, @Octopus of Odstock. Edit: Wait, I found it. The gap in the list is causing the search to miss the names. Cross posted. John Flood death report. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 21,024 Posted June 4, 2023 On 10/02/2023 at 13:30, Octopus of Odstock said: Still alive, but according to Twitter, has fallen recently. GET WELL JOSSER Former Rovers defender Josser Watling broke his hip in a fall at home last week. He’s undergone successful surgery to fix the damage. Rovers oldest living player will be 98 in May and I’m sure I speak for all Rovers supporters in wishing him a complete recovery. Report that John Josser Watling has died: Sorry to be the bearer of this news OoO. https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/june/obituary-josser-watling/ 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted June 4, 2023 You know, only 2 days ago, I was thinking "When Graham Bailey dies, who is definitely the oldest surviving player"? I'm doubtful any of those on the list between Bailey and Watling are actually alive and at some point, I'll have to bite the bullet and declare them "presumed dead". Watling was a good person to have as the oldest, especially considering his wartime experiences, but alas. RIP Josser. Joe Lancaster (born 28th April 1926) is definitely still alive. Mike Kelly, Eddie Martin, Eric Hampson, Herbert Robinson, Frank Winters, Syd Ward, John Taylor, Ambrose Wilson, James Kelly, Ted Harding, Bill Mellor, Bill Parker, Eryk Kubicki and Joe Houston are all between Graham Bailey and Lancaster but I doubt any of them are still alive. That said, I'll keep looking for that golden nugget which would officially rule them out. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diego 1,980 Posted June 8, 2023 On 5/16/2023 at 7:54 AM, YoungWillz said: Cross posted. John Flood death report. Who is the oldest living player in Southampton right now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diego 1,980 Posted June 8, 2023 On 6/4/2023 at 7:29 AM, YoungWillz said: Report that John Josser Watling has died: Sorry to be the bearer of this news OoO. https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/june/obituary-josser-watling/ Who is the oldest living Bristol Rovers player now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted July 23, 2023 Ken Twidle, former Rotherham player, died in Australia in 2014. When Googling, I noticed he played in Australia - http://ozfootball.net/ark/AustraliaCup/1963ACResults.html - so using the Ryerson Index, I've found him below. Definitely him as there's nothing in GRO, middle name and age fit. TWIDLE Kenneth George (Ken) Funeral notice 20FEB2014 Death 82 late of Edgeworth Newcastle Herald 26FEB2014 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted July 23, 2023 Ambrose Wilson, it appears is probably dead. Appears in a photo here - https://www.facebook.com/IrishFootballMemories/posts/1611818275645121/?paipv=0&eav=AfaBpB1AFm-NRoT6e1JleZhlWsshx8pQ4lbehWBUZJ0R1Gqfs60GyGoyiOL2knO0Ir8&_rdr and then again in 1960 - his protruding ears mean he's the same person (it's Lurgan, where he was from) - https://www.facebook.com/OldLurganPhotos/photos/a.282311001860165/3685876314836933/?type=3&eid=ARBE_6DTQizzUNoaU5UR0kB6kAGNNCQG-HjWAKTH2w4webbhPWP5uYBSvNSyy1AVUfHDVijxCmSnQh-K&paipv=0&eav=AfYrNG6EAO10IOAFwalPm5_2QSoZECRKTWTvuEMsqtOCdxf9msrtJE2Xx2oddNanWHY&_rdr The comment on there is: Victoria Cricket Club committee circa 1960. Back row W Jones, Billy Hampton, Ambrose Wilson, Front row Joe Curry, Jackie Denver, Albert Cunningham, Johnny Elliott, Sammy Malcolm, Rachel Best, Billy Boston. Fiona’s father is Sammy Malcolm and she believes he is the only person in the photo still living. The problem is - of course - that Northern Irish death records are almost non-existent so that 'golden bullet' isn't there. But I think the presumption is that someone so tied up in Lurgan sporting circles would have had some kind of article in recent years and the only reason he hasn't is because he's long dead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted July 24, 2023 23 hours ago, Octopus of Odstock said: Ambrose Wilson, it appears is probably dead. Appears in a photo here - https://www.facebook.com/IrishFootballMemories/posts/1611818275645121/?paipv=0&eav=AfaBpB1AFm-NRoT6e1JleZhlWsshx8pQ4lbehWBUZJ0R1Gqfs60GyGoyiOL2knO0Ir8&_rdr and then again in 1960 - his protruding ears mean he's the same person (it's Lurgan, where he was from) - https://www.facebook.com/OldLurganPhotos/photos/a.282311001860165/3685876314836933/?type=3&eid=ARBE_6DTQizzUNoaU5UR0kB6kAGNNCQG-HjWAKTH2w4webbhPWP5uYBSvNSyy1AVUfHDVijxCmSnQh-K&paipv=0&eav=AfYrNG6EAO10IOAFwalPm5_2QSoZECRKTWTvuEMsqtOCdxf9msrtJE2Xx2oddNanWHY&_rdr The comment on there is: Victoria Cricket Club committee circa 1960. Back row W Jones, Billy Hampton, Ambrose Wilson, Front row Joe Curry, Jackie Denver, Albert Cunningham, Johnny Elliott, Sammy Malcolm, Rachel Best, Billy Boston. Fiona’s father is Sammy Malcolm and she believes he is the only person in the photo still living. The problem is - of course - that Northern Irish death records are almost non-existent so that 'golden bullet' isn't there. But I think the presumption is that someone so tied up in Lurgan sporting circles would have had some kind of article in recent years and the only reason he hasn't is because he's long dead. Definitely dead... From another post from a Lurgan community post: My namesake Ambrose Wilson, went from Sunnyside to Distillery and on to play for Swansea. Known as pro-Wilson he later returned to Lurgan and with Jackie Denver was one of the founders of Victoria Cricket Club. A lovely man who is sorely missed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
michael featherstone 13 Posted July 24, 2023 Can't trace this .irish deaths difficult Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Octopus of Odstock 2,186 Posted July 26, 2023 (edited) I've deleted four people off the list as I don't have any belief they are alive and in all likelihood, we'll never know. A post in 2019 called Willie McInnes, 'probably' Accrington's oldest living player. He is definitely still alive and doing pretty well, albeit he's aged a lot in 3 years. (Covid effect maybe?) Anyway, I am sure that if Eddie Martin (b. 1921) or Herbert Robinson (b. 1922) were actually alive, more would've been made of reaching the age of 100. With no middle name for either, or for Harry Simpson (b. 1927) and Charlie Smith (b. 1930), I'm sure they're gone. I've gone for deleting them, we'll see if it backfires. I'm a little more reluctant to delete Bill Mellor just yet - he made over 100 appearances for them; likewise Liam Coll, although I suspect he is also long dead, having moved back to Northern Ireland. As for Frank Winters, I can only find 2 Francis Winters born 1923 in Scotland. Both are dead - one had a middle name; one didn't and seeing as he doesn't appear in GRO, I think Winters is this guy: WINTERS FRANCIS 61 MULHERON M 1984 603 / 238 GLASGOW, MARTHA ST Meanwhile: Les Barrell died in the early 2010's - as proved in this correspondence between his widow and the local council - https://fyi.org.nz/request/3191-total-correspondence-lp-cj-barrell-wdc-since-1991 It is definitely the same man as he is mentioned in this document as living in Tikipunga https://resources.reglii.com/VGG.2002.9.26.G39.pdf and we know he moved to New Zealand in 1963. Edited July 27, 2023 by Octopus of Odstock Winters 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
