jjcoop

As 14 year old schoolboy I was at Boundary Park on that January day in 1962. My recollection was being able to pay (think it was sixpence in old money ?) on the day at the old Rochdale Road open end, and it was a mixed area for both Latics and Liverpool supporters, not uncommon in the days before football hooligans. There were 5/6 of us the youngest being maybe 6 years old and we got there early and stood behind a crash barrier half way up the terrace having an excellent view. Unfortunately as the crowd increased the pressure from the people behind us became too much, and being afraid for our safety we moved to the side of the terrace to watch the game. We were directly opposite the place at the Chaddy end where the wall collapsed and could see what was happening. Funnily enough it did not look too serious as the spectators spilled on to the pitch and then appeared to be quickly put back into the crowd. Latics should have won that day against a soon to become great Liverpool team, and Bobby Johnstone was in his pomp - what a great player ?!. Of course we got our revenge for that defeat at BP by defeating Liverpool 3-2 in Jan 2103 - my son in law who supports Liverpool did not speak to me for a few days as he could not believe what had happened.