Guest nonaenever Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Just finished reading the excellent book "Bobby Johnstone - The Passing of an Age". He came to Latics in Autumn 1960 when we were rooted at the foot of the old division 4 with a real possibility of dropping out of the league altogether. Crowds were down to a hardcore of around 5,000 to 6,000. He made his debut at BP against Exeter in front of a crowd of 17,116 !! Utterly incredible that one player could generate such interest - and he scored and played a leading role in a 5-2 win. 28,000 turned out for the home game against Peterborough the following February! It's a really remarkable story and everyone connected with the club comments in the book that, as one player, he effectively saved Latics and filled the coffers in a miraculous way. From being "dead and buried" that season, following his arrival, Latics embarked on a run of 20 league games with 14 wins, 2 draws and just 4 defeats. So you see - miracles are possible! By the way - after finishing his Latics career - he rented a council maisonette in Hollinwood! A cracking read if anyone wants to know what football used to be like - never had the privilege of seeing him myself as 10 years before my time following Latics but described as "simply a genius" of a footballer by some very knowledgeable football people.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaticsPete Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 They were great days - but a different era when class internationals took a step down to lower divisions Bobby certainly put thousands on the gate and I remember his debut and his career with us Joined us in 60/61 and the 62/3 team that got promoted was guided by him , a wonderful creator of goals , and a genuine legend . He later was quite a force in the local crown green bowls scene Massive credit to manager Jack Rowley for getting him, and other players that turned the early 60s from re-election scraps to promotion Bert Lister, Ken Branagan, Colin Whitaker, Jimmy Frizzell, Jim Bowie...supporters of my generation revere those players. Simpler days - but we probably never imagined that we'd ever get into the top flight, so that was an even bigger thrill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoytonLatics Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 I remember my grandad telling me about Johnstone and how he changed our fortunes. Given his status in the game at that time, I wonder what made him move to a team rooted at the bottom of the 4th division? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfatjoe1 Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 ...and let's not forget the Great Escape. Three games, seven days. Still, we had the players who could do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nonaenever Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 All about connections really - and as LaticsPete said - it was a different era where ego didn't really come into it too much - just a genuine love of the game. Apparently an ex city player called Bill Spurdle, who had played with Bobby, was the catalyst - and Bobby was very impressed with the Latics board and their honesty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
losesome Posted January 20, 2016 Share Posted January 20, 2016 Just finished reading the excellent book "Bobby Johnstone - The Passing of an Age". He came to Latics in Autumn 1960 when we were rooted at the foot of the old division 4 with a real possibility of dropping out of the league altogether. Crowds were down to a hardcore of around 5,000 to 6,000. He made his debut at BP against Exeter in front of a crowd of 17,116 !! Utterly incredible that one player could generate such interest - and he scored and played a leading role in a 5-2 win. 28,000 turned out for the home game against Peterborough the following February! It's a really remarkable story and everyone connected with the club comments in the book that, as one player, he effectively saved Latics and filled the coffers in a miraculous way. From being "dead and buried" that season, following his arrival, Latics embarked on a run of 20 league games with 14 wins, 2 draws and just 4 defeats. So you see - miracles are possible! By the way - after finishing his Latics career - he rented a council maisonette in Hollinwood! A cracking read if anyone wants to know what football used to be like - never had the privilege of seeing him myself as 10 years before my time following Latics but described as "simply a genius" of a footballer by some very knowledgeable football people.. My debut as a supporter as well, my dad took me just because BJ had signed, never left the centre circle except to leave the pitch at HT and FT or take a free kick yet dominated a match. It was in the good old days when even world class players wouldn't think twice about dropping a division or two. Mainly for 2 reasons - 1/ love of the game 2/ Money , because a lot didn't know anything else and had to make a living. Far cry from todays lot !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petelatics Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Fabulous memories - the football was so entertaining - score a lot concede a lot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie_J Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 My grandad's view was that Johnstone was the best player he'd ever seen in a Latics shirt. Mind you, he didn't live to see Dominic Poleon. Johnstone was born a few streets from my house and is, not surprisingly, a hero in Selkirk too. The clubroom at Yarrow Park, Selkirk FC's ground, is named after him. He did stay in Oldham after retirement, playing cricket for Saddleworth, until moving back to Selkirk in 2000 and died a year later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP1960 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Had Bobby been a player today he'd probably be lured to the USA or China and made a fortune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghostofcecere Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 My Dad's favourite all time Latics player who he still talks about today. Andy Ritchie is the only player he says has got close to Johnstone's ability. The analogy he's made is it would have been like Paul Scholes finishing off with a few seasons at Latics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP1960 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) No one like Bobby nowadays who would add thousands to the crowd, unless we can lure David Beckham. We could sign Brooklyn though I suppose. His league debut would be a sell out Edited January 21, 2016 by BP1960 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetramfixer Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 I think that the new houses being built behind the Chaddy at the moment are on Johnstone Close! The current ones are Boundary Drive .. so who knows what phase 3 will be ... Ritchie Way? Royle Drive lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP1960 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) I think that the new houses being built behind the Chaddy at the moment are on Johnstone Close! The current ones are Boundary Drive .. so who knows what phase 3 will be ... Ritchie Way? Royle Drive lol Jan Budtz Close. Edited January 21, 2016 by BP1960 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristolatic Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 I, too, was there at Bobby Johnstone's debut. For one player to instantly add over 11,000 to the gate was incredible. BJ had the most amazing football brain and it was worth the admission money just to watch him and no one else. He probably gave rise to the expression "He gave defenders twisted blood". Here's a perfect example. You've got to feel sorry for the defender. Yes, miracles do happen. Blackpool managed one a few seasons ago, so here's hoping we can climb out of this mess and move onwards and upwards. We won't be finding another Bobby Johnstone yet, though, I imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 I think that the new houses being built behind the Chaddy at the moment are on Johnstone Close! The current ones are Boundary Drive .. so who knows what phase 3 will be ... Ritchie Way? Royle Drive lol Prompted by BP1960 in another thread: Clint Hill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opinions4u Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Penney Lane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghostofcecere Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Cecere Crescent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BP1960 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) Route 1 - Ronnie Moore. Belle Vue Gate. Latics manager's Exit. Fitz Hall. Rick Holden Crossing Edited January 21, 2016 by BP1960 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusoe Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Darren Bypass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlayItLivo Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Andy Rhode Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pk200 Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Colquhoun Close Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie_J Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Funny that this thread should turn to street names. The street in Selkirk where Bobby was born has long since been demolished with housing association houses going up in that area. The closest Street is now called Bobby Johnstone Green. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetramfixer Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Funny that this thread should turn to street names. The street in Selkirk where Bobby was born has long since been demolished with housing association houses going up in that area. The closest Street is now called Bobby Johnstone Green. Sorry! Ha ha At least he won't be forgotten around Boundary Park tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewBlue Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 If we lose this we're down. Shez was the only chance of turning the home voodoo, so if we can't pick up that crucial win now we never will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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