I FIRST met Graham Curry and Kevin Bacon (no, not that one) in 1975, when we were student-teachers at Eaton Hall, Retford. We were good mates because we shared similar backgrounds, studied History as a main subject, and were close politically.
In 2015, through the magic of social media, we re-established our friendship and I asked: “What have you guys been up to all these years?”
Kevin replied, “For my sins, I became a head teacher and Graham, here, is head of PE at Tuxford Comprehensive School. He also played football for England alongside Bobby Charlton!”
“Oh aye,” I say, chuckling. “And I’m the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.”
“No, it’s true – really,” insisted Kevin, “I’ve a photo of him on my phone, playing ‘walking football’ for England, with Bobby Charlton.” And sure enough he showed a picture of Graham and Bobby Charlton playing football, side by side, in the England strip.
I’m stunned and tell them: “I’m well impressed and incredibly envious. I’d trade anything for such an accolade.”
Graham was always a modest guy and looked mildly embarrassed. But Kevin continued: “You don’t know the half of it, Ronnie. Graham’s now a doctor of philosophy.
“A doctor of...? Really, a doctor? Blood and sand! So it’s not just plain Graham Curry and his raggy-arsed friends. It’s now Dr Curry? Wow! Please tell me what you researched?”
“Football – well to be more precise, the rules of Association Football,” he says, as he hands me his published book. “Did you know, Ronnie, that the modern game started not far from here in Thurlstone, Sheffield?”
“No, I didn’t. But there’s one thing I do know: Thurlstone actually lies in the borough of Barnsley; therefore, I suppose, the modern game of association football really began in t’tarn? And I’ve just thought on, there’s something else you might be really interested in when it comes to the rules of football: But I’ll tell you after I’ve checked my facts.
Dr Curry smiled: “Okay – now you’ve got me really interested.”
Last Saturday I met up with Graham to watch Wombwell Town FC play Ilkley (unfortunately, Kevin couldn’t make it).
“You okay, Ronnie?” he asked.
“Not too bad, doctor,” I answered, pretending to cough. “Just a wee bit chesty. Are you ready for my true tale about the famous incident that led to a monumental rule change in football?”
“I’m all ears.”
“Exactly 113 years ago, this week, Barnsley played West Brom in the FA Cup Final replay at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. We’d already drawn against them at Crystal Palace, the previous Saturday. The replay was much nearer home for the Tykes, so the gate of 38,555 was overwhelmingly Barnsley supporters.
“According to the Manchester Guardian, the game itself was an ordinary affair except for an incident in the first half, when West Brom seemed certain to score. The Reds had only 10 men on the field at the time because defender Bob Glendinning was behind the goal receiving treatment. When he saw the ball rolling towards the Barnsley goal, he limped back onto the pitch wearing only one boot and kicked the ball off the line.
“At half-time there was a collection in aid of all those who’d perished in the Titanic disaster, eight days earlier. It raised £49 1s 2d.
“By full-time the score was still nil all, but with two minutes of extra-time left, Barnsley’s Harry Tufnell dribbled through the heart of the Baggies defence and hammered home a great goal.
“The Barnsley players hugged and kissed Tufnell because they knew the Cup was won.
“After the match, the team travelled through the streets of Sheffield in a ‘motor’, showing off the trophy, and they arrived in Barnsley in the early evening to a great welcome.”
“The founder of Barnsley FC, the Reverend Tiverton Preedy, of St Peter’s Church, was awarded the match ball as a trophy – which he proudly displayed in his office until his death in 1928.
“After the dust had settled, West Brom officials complained about Glendinning’s goal-line clearance. But it was pointed out that as he had not infringed any rules, there was no case to answer.
“Shortly thereafter, the football authorities did, indeed, introduce a new law whereby any player leaving the pitch for treatment would only be allowed back on with the referee’s permission.
“So there you have it, Graham –something for the next edition of your academic book. Hope the tale’s been worth waiting for.
“Come on you Reds!”
