| Centenary Game on Friday 23:17 - Aug 24 with 4127 views | 49thseason |
I was thinking about this game last night, well this morning actually, and wondered if there ought to be a minutes silence in memory of all the fans and players who supported or played for the club and are no longer able to?
I especially thought about lads like my Dad who was called up in 1941 and spent nearly 5 years with XXX Corps in Africa and Europe and was lucky enough to return home. How many fans and players were denied their Saturday matches forever?
I also thought about how as a youngster I was always surprised that my Dad seemed to know Jack Ashworth who ran the tea bar on the Willbuts Lane side and how they usually exchanged "how do's" at matches. turns out they were both in XXX Corps , Jack in the Gordon Highlanders (51st Highland Div) and my dad in the RAOC with 7th Armoured Div (Desert Rats).
I realised where they knew each other from at a "do" in the early 80s when I was invited to the wedding of Jack Ashworth's Daughter to Len Hilton's (former Dale Director and pie supplier) son. I caught My Dad and Jack talking in the car park, whilst taking in some fresh air, about the funnier side of their exploits in North Africa. Not that most of what either of them did was particularly amusing but like so many they brushed that aside and remembered the bits that made them laugh. Recently I have discovered that Jack Ashworth was transferred to gliders and was amongst the first wave into Arnhem. and by coincidence my Dad was just down the road with the rest of XXX corps trying to get 30,000 vehicles down a one-lane road.
My Dad was eventually de-mobbed in 1945 whilst Jack went to Norway as part of King Haakon's bodyguard when the King returned to Norway following his years of exile in London
By coincidence, my wife is Jack Ashworth's niece, Jacks son Michael still stands in the Sandy Lane End, sometimes with his son as I do occasionally with mine and the thread to the past continues unbroken.
I write this mainly because this club is an integral part of peoples lives and has been for 100 years and we need to recognise those who helped to build it as much as those now who have stepped up again to save it. A silent minute seems like the least we can do.
Later thought...
Maybe we should try and collect recollections, memories etc from past generations of supporters and players whilst we still can
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 00:58 - Aug 25 with 4018 views | pioneer |
Thanks for posting that - I knew Jack when he ran the fighting fund after the original supporters club collapsed. Him and has mate Alan (and their wives I think). They did much more than just run the tea bars and the income they generated during some of the darkest days of the club must have been instrumental to the clubs survival.
I think he may have been behind the old past players association - though I cannot be certain.
But I never knew about his military history. |  | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:10 - Aug 25 with 3887 views | rod_leach |
I like the idea of a minutes applause to remember all supporters who are no longer with us. I prefer to keep my minutes silence for our military and their sacrifices to November |  | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 15:41 - Aug 27 with 3532 views | modelboydave |
I really enjoyed reading about Jack.
I have vivid memories of Jack in the Tea hut and i always used to buy my pie and cup of coffee from the pie stall in front of Willbutts.
I knew nothing about Jack, but can picture him now as clear as daylight. Now i know a little about him and what an inspirational life he lived.
The war generation just carried on and got on with civilian life, no moans or groans.
What was the name of the gentleman who ran the pie stand in front of the main stand? |  |
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 10:51 - May 18 with 2432 views | modelboydave |
Morning everyone.
I am writing an article on the Fighting Fund for a well-known local publication.
I vividly remember the guys that manned the Tea huts from my childhood. Jack Ashworth was one of them, I shall feature him in the article, Thanks for the info above.
Does anyone else have any more info about the fighting fund, from when it was set up, to the people involved. I am of course doing my own research, but any extra information I receive makes the article more informative and, in my view, brings it to life.
Thanks | |
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 11:43 - May 19 with 1862 views | TalkingSutty |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 10:51 - May 18 by modelboydave |
Morning everyone.
I am writing an article on the Fighting Fund for a well-known local publication.
I vividly remember the guys that manned the Tea huts from my childhood. Jack Ashworth was one of them, I shall feature him in the article, Thanks for the info above.
Does anyone else have any more info about the fighting fund, from when it was set up, to the people involved. I am of course doing my own research, but any extra information I receive makes the article more informative and, in my view, brings it to life.
Thanks |
Not sure if Brian Clough and Trevor Lorimer were involved but it was the same era. |  | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 20:26 - May 19 with 1610 views | pioneer |
Brian and Trevor were involved with the Supporters club. Fighting fund was Jack and Alan along with their wives ( afriad I cannot remember their names) There may have been others involved behind the scenes. the fighting fund might have emerged when the ‘old’ supporters club ended in the early 1970s but they might have been completely unrelated organisations.
A trawl of dale programmes from late sixties and early 70s might be informative. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 20:58 - May 19 with 1581 views | TalkingSutty |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 20:26 - May 19 by pioneer |
Brian and Trevor were involved with the Supporters club. Fighting fund was Jack and Alan along with their wives ( afriad I cannot remember their names) There may have been others involved behind the scenes. the fighting fund might have emerged when the ‘old’ supporters club ended in the early 1970s but they might have been completely unrelated organisations.
A trawl of dale programmes from late sixties and early 70s might be informative. |
I know Trevor and Brian were involved with the supporters club but thought they also had some involvement with the fighting fund. There was more than four people involved. The supporters club with Trevor and Brian involved didn't end in the early 1970s. I travelled on the coach in the late 1970s and Trevor and Brian used to organise it and sit at the front. Notorious for the coach always arriving at away games with no time to call in a pub for a pint, irrespective of the distance involved. The supporters club also organised the Saturday night discos in the club house during the late 1970s. I started supporting the club in 1976 and knew Brian Clough when he lived in Milnrow. [Post edited 19 May 21:10]
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 21:36 - May 19 with 1509 views | SuddenLad |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 20:58 - May 19 by TalkingSutty |
I know Trevor and Brian were involved with the supporters club but thought they also had some involvement with the fighting fund. There was more than four people involved. The supporters club with Trevor and Brian involved didn't end in the early 1970s. I travelled on the coach in the late 1970s and Trevor and Brian used to organise it and sit at the front. Notorious for the coach always arriving at away games with no time to call in a pub for a pint, irrespective of the distance involved. The supporters club also organised the Saturday night discos in the club house during the late 1970s. I started supporting the club in 1976 and knew Brian Clough when he lived in Milnrow. [Post edited 19 May 21:10]
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There was a man (a postman) who was an avid Dale fan, who used to run a supporters club shop on St. Mary's Gate near the church. Shop sold all manner of Dale stuff, programmes, pennants, autograph books and the like. He was heavily involved in fund raising activities at the club. Can't remember his name, but someone will. That was prior to 1970 I would guess. |  |
| “It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled†|
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 05:02 - May 20 with 1350 views | pioneer |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 20:58 - May 19 by TalkingSutty |
I know Trevor and Brian were involved with the supporters club but thought they also had some involvement with the fighting fund. There was more than four people involved. The supporters club with Trevor and Brian involved didn't end in the early 1970s. I travelled on the coach in the late 1970s and Trevor and Brian used to organise it and sit at the front. Notorious for the coach always arriving at away games with no time to call in a pub for a pint, irrespective of the distance involved. The supporters club also organised the Saturday night discos in the club house during the late 1970s. I started supporting the club in 1976 and knew Brian Clough when he lived in Milnrow. [Post edited 19 May 21:10]
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The original supporters club folded in the early 70s and a new one was formed in 1975. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 05:04 - May 20 with 1347 views | pioneer |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 21:36 - May 19 by SuddenLad |
There was a man (a postman) who was an avid Dale fan, who used to run a supporters club shop on St. Mary's Gate near the church. Shop sold all manner of Dale stuff, programmes, pennants, autograph books and the like. He was heavily involved in fund raising activities at the club. Can't remember his name, but someone will. That was prior to 1970 I would guess. |
Jimmy Schofield….my old man worked on the post with him.
That supporters shop was great. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:36 - May 20 with 1279 views | TalkingSutty |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 05:02 - May 20 by pioneer |
The original supporters club folded in the early 70s and a new one was formed in 1975. |
So Brian Clough and Trevor Lorimor were nothing to do with the old supporters club that folded in the early 1970s? The original question was who was involved in the fighting fund and I'm pretty sure i remember both of those serving in the old food kiosks at various times, not 100% certain though. I think Jack finished working in the kiosk on the Willbutts Lane stand near to the Sandy Lane. The scalding hot milky coffee in flimsy plastic cups and the Hiltons pies can never be replicated. The pale blue three wheel disabled car that parked at the side of the pitch everyday, driven by a lady if i remember rightly. Ken , always with a tab hanging out of his mouth and his jam jar glasses, he used to rush off to sell the Pink Final on Drake Street after the game..Piiiink Final. All people who are woven into the history of our club, they all contributed to keeping the club going. [Post edited 20 May 7:48]
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:47 - May 20 with 1251 views | pioneer |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:36 - May 20 by TalkingSutty |
So Brian Clough and Trevor Lorimor were nothing to do with the old supporters club that folded in the early 1970s? The original question was who was involved in the fighting fund and I'm pretty sure i remember both of those serving in the old food kiosks at various times, not 100% certain though. I think Jack finished working in the kiosk on the Willbutts Lane stand near to the Sandy Lane. The scalding hot milky coffee in flimsy plastic cups and the Hiltons pies can never be replicated. The pale blue three wheel disabled car that parked at the side of the pitch everyday, driven by a lady if i remember rightly. Ken , always with a tab hanging out of his mouth and his jam jar glasses, he used to rush off to sell the Pink Final on Drake Street after the game..Piiiink Final. All people who are woven into the history of our club, they all contributed to keeping the club going. [Post edited 20 May 7:48]
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not that I am aware of. Trevor and brian took over running the reformed supporters club about 1978 from stephen birch, eric rodgers and brian holt. They were regulars on the supporters club bus to away games along with Brians dad (i think he was called Brian) and his brother (david?)
I think Jack and Alan helped Jimmy Schofield in the old programme shop on Cheetham Street. I remember Alan serving me in there several times. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:51 - May 20 with 1243 views | TalkingSutty |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:47 - May 20 by pioneer |
not that I am aware of. Trevor and brian took over running the reformed supporters club about 1978 from stephen birch, eric rodgers and brian holt. They were regulars on the supporters club bus to away games along with Brians dad (i think he was called Brian) and his brother (david?)
I think Jack and Alan helped Jimmy Schofield in the old programme shop on Cheetham Street. I remember Alan serving me in there several times. |
Thanks for that. The programme shop on Cheetham Street is before my time. I remember the programme shop being where the main stand is now. That must have been mid to late 1970s. Simpler times. [Post edited 20 May 7:55]
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 08:21 - May 20 with 1202 views | pioneer |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 07:51 - May 20 by TalkingSutty |
Thanks for that. The programme shop on Cheetham Street is before my time. I remember the programme shop being where the main stand is now. That must have been mid to late 1970s. Simpler times. [Post edited 20 May 7:55]
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Yes. I think in the late 60s there was a caravan that sold programmes between willbutts and pearl street. That was before the ‘ development’ of the club entrance and changing rooms in the early 70s. The club shop was part of that development. Before that the changing rooms and club offices were all separate buildings and the main stand was essentially wooden benches for most part. I think it held about 450 spectators. The rest of the ground was standing only. And some on here will remember the stand roof caving in under the weight of snow …think it was in early 1967.
The original supporters club produced an annual yearbook from the late 50s to around 1966. I have them somewhere. They will be informative about the members of the committee. I know at one stage Cyril Smith was involved. Ill take that no further! | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 09:00 - May 20 with 1156 views | EllDale |
From memory the roof collapse was around February 1968? Remember that part of the stand being unusable for the rest of the season.
You came out of the dressing rooms and effectively crossed a yard before entering the pitch via a tunnel in the main stand. Basic isn’t the word.
Much simpler times as you say TS. Those dedicated people meant that we still have a club today. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 09:02 - May 20 with 1146 views | TalkingSutty |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 08:21 - May 20 by pioneer |
Yes. I think in the late 60s there was a caravan that sold programmes between willbutts and pearl street. That was before the ‘ development’ of the club entrance and changing rooms in the early 70s. The club shop was part of that development. Before that the changing rooms and club offices were all separate buildings and the main stand was essentially wooden benches for most part. I think it held about 450 spectators. The rest of the ground was standing only. And some on here will remember the stand roof caving in under the weight of snow …think it was in early 1967.
The original supporters club produced an annual yearbook from the late 50s to around 1966. I have them somewhere. They will be informative about the members of the committee. I know at one stage Cyril Smith was involved. Ill take that no further! |
Less said about Smith the better. It's great hearing about the old stories. My dad and uncles supported them from the early 1950s. He told me a tale about us playing a non league team up in the North East, football violence was prominent even then. It took them 5 hours to get there on the old bus. Also about another failing Rochdale manager, i can't remember which one, i think it was Ted Goodier. Anyway, apparently there used to be a tree in one corner of the ground ( I'm assuming on the old hill) and the fans had become so disillusioned with what they were watching they demanded the manager be sacked and erected a noose for him in the tree. A poem was composed to commemorate this incident ( tongue in cheek) which my dad recited to me, I've forgotten it and my dad has now passed away. McNulty's got it easy compared to some managers we've had😀 [Post edited 20 May 9:06]
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 09:22 - May 20 with 1099 views | EllDale |
My Grandad told me that Ted Goodier was the ultimate wheeler dealer in the transfer market. In those days of the maximum wage he had a squad of around 30 players. Reserves used to play every Saturday.
The first manager I remember was Tony Collins. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 11:07 - May 20 with 1000 views | 14bowlers |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 10:51 - May 18 by modelboydave |
Morning everyone.
I am writing an article on the Fighting Fund for a well-known local publication.
I vividly remember the guys that manned the Tea huts from my childhood. Jack Ashworth was one of them, I shall feature him in the article, Thanks for the info above.
Does anyone else have any more info about the fighting fund, from when it was set up, to the people involved. I am of course doing my own research, but any extra information I receive makes the article more informative and, in my view, brings it to life.
Thanks |
Anyway that i can contact you. I have good memories of the fighting fund , and the years around this, and would love to discuss these with you.
I am 79 years old, and been watching Dale for 70 years | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 11:35 - May 20 with 976 views | 49thseason |
I used to stand, in the paddock in front of the main stand seem to remember that. My dad paid sixpence and about threepence for me I was about 7. I used to stand at the front right next to the pitch with my scarf and a wooden rattle. I used to love night matches that I was allowed to go to from being 9 or 10 and which kicked off at 7.30 on Wednesdays, so straight to bed when we got home...the best thing was checking out who was in the main stand, sometimes Bobby Charlton was in there watching his Uncle, Stan Milburn. Billy Bingham's brother was also a regular, Billy was Northern Ireland manager at the time. His Brother lived in Milnrow...which was also the home of Huddersfield player Chris Cattlin, who my Dad also knew, Chris and his Dad used to turn up at night matches occasionally, notably a day or two after being transferred to Coventry City in 1968, Coventry were a notable first Division side in those days. I asked Chris (a left back) how he intended to deal with George Best on Saturday.. he just said " watch match of the day" I did and in virtually the first minute, Cattlin nearly put Best into the stand with a huge sliding tackle that took out Best, the ball and a huge divot! Best had a "quiet" game.... | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 13:39 - May 20 with 862 views | modelboydave |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 11:07 - May 20 by 14bowlers |
Anyway that i can contact you. I have good memories of the fighting fund , and the years around this, and would love to discuss these with you.
I am 79 years old, and been watching Dale for 70 years |
Yes that would be great. I have produced draft one of the article. but would love to have a chat, and share this with you.
I am on 07879455042 - Dave
just let me know. Cheers | |
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 13:41 - May 20 with 858 views | modelboydave |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 11:35 - May 20 by 49thseason |
I used to stand, in the paddock in front of the main stand seem to remember that. My dad paid sixpence and about threepence for me I was about 7. I used to stand at the front right next to the pitch with my scarf and a wooden rattle. I used to love night matches that I was allowed to go to from being 9 or 10 and which kicked off at 7.30 on Wednesdays, so straight to bed when we got home...the best thing was checking out who was in the main stand, sometimes Bobby Charlton was in there watching his Uncle, Stan Milburn. Billy Bingham's brother was also a regular, Billy was Northern Ireland manager at the time. His Brother lived in Milnrow...which was also the home of Huddersfield player Chris Cattlin, who my Dad also knew, Chris and his Dad used to turn up at night matches occasionally, notably a day or two after being transferred to Coventry City in 1968, Coventry were a notable first Division side in those days. I asked Chris (a left back) how he intended to deal with George Best on Saturday.. he just said " watch match of the day" I did and in virtually the first minute, Cattlin nearly put Best into the stand with a huge sliding tackle that took out Best, the ball and a huge divot! Best had a "quiet" game.... |
Thanks for all your input on this thread guys. i will use some of this in the article. Its good to have all this online, as these memories fade, future generations will be able to do their research just like i am now. Time waits for no man. | |
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 17:59 - May 20 with 697 views | SuddenLad |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 13:41 - May 20 by modelboydave |
Thanks for all your input on this thread guys. i will use some of this in the article. Its good to have all this online, as these memories fade, future generations will be able to do their research just like i am now. Time waits for no man. |
I remember many occasions when members of the Fighting Fund would carry a huge sheet round the ground at half time, when supporters would chuck their loose change into it to swell funds. Many a time, supporters would aim to hit Michael Williams who was always carrying one corner, with his Dad, (a passable image double for the serial killer Christie) following on, Woodbine hanging at a jaunty angle from the bottom lip, gabardine raincoat buckle tightly fastened and trilby firmly planted on his head. Some bloody funny reactions and loud cheers when a threepenny-bit whacked him on the napper. 😂🤣. Happy days, but it's those people who ensured we are still able to go there today. God bless em all. | |
| “It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled†|
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| Centenary Game on Friday on 19:24 - May 20 with 628 views | pioneer |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 17:59 - May 20 by SuddenLad |
I remember many occasions when members of the Fighting Fund would carry a huge sheet round the ground at half time, when supporters would chuck their loose change into it to swell funds. Many a time, supporters would aim to hit Michael Williams who was always carrying one corner, with his Dad, (a passable image double for the serial killer Christie) following on, Woodbine hanging at a jaunty angle from the bottom lip, gabardine raincoat buckle tightly fastened and trilby firmly planted on his head. Some bloody funny reactions and loud cheers when a threepenny-bit whacked him on the napper. 😂🤣. Happy days, but it's those people who ensured we are still able to go there today. God bless em all. |
It was the supporters club who did the half time sheet collections. | | | |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 19:29 - May 20 with 618 views | TalkingSutty |
| Centenary Game on Friday on 19:24 - May 20 by pioneer |
It was the supporters club who did the half time sheet collections. |
All people fighting the same battle irrespective of what they call themselves. We still have the same thing happening now. Everything is to help the club | | | |
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