The world's most famous footballer was 40 on February 1... Should he now retire at the peak of his triumphs? STANLEY MATTHEWS answers
THE CHINA MAIL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1955.
NO!- AND I FEEL GOOD FOR ANOTHER FIVE YEARS
By STANLEY MATTHEWS
Too old at 407 Don't you believe it. It's how you feel that matters, not the number of birthdays you have had. And I'm fitter and stronger today than I was five or six years ago.
They may call mo the Old Gentleman of Boccer-yes, I'm 40 but don't get the idea that I'm ready to quit. Far from it. Seven years ago I wrote that I had another five years of top-class football left in me. I meant that, but some people thought I was stretching it a bit.
her nve years. But when you reach 40, an age when most players have hung up their boots, you can't help taking
over your @ perp
Alter
to five a fuck back at those years gone by,
Indes
་་ཡཱ་
Now, given my fair share of Reserves against Burnley, way luck, I feel I ens go un for even back in 1830.
will was 15 then, but I
game always remember that even if I live to be a hundred. We won 2-1, and any big thrill was to make the pan for the first goal
that memory But now somewhat btp:c
picture cleare 1983.
Twice before i nd stood on that wonderful turf and watch- ext first Matcherler United an then Newcastle players walk up tha atops to receive their Cup winners' medals.
300 ps
has been When your coreet packed with fun and every kind of tierili, dramu, and exettement as mine has it is like reading a favourite book over again.
Those nemorien of my 25 football come flooding Trips 1 almost every Country
Lie Ira
work....71 gaus an Englund shirt
that IN C'up tonated address for a record)
international games rasher of
they go on.
Ma
GAME HAS CHANGED
How The
pame has
tuce 1 that Blaruvi! tinental utic South Dall
shaloge (14
changisi
The Con- American Jurned our foot- kowi), some five years ago. Flot F's not worrie
word upside
Wi can keep the
Lou's toll Bwislang.
Ju
1 2011
recall Joh.
A. 1 took back I try to Krentesi thrill It's belarve m30. I have had so many. I always used to plump for Arst game fest Boy yety
Stoke
un
....Wembley,
Would I
1 began o despair miss this great honour?
THE GREAT DAY 15164 away went those
when the appointments day came
<ila- great
I shall never forgel I have those scenes of victory,
m of the game and never tire of seeing it
it through
I have that Arxl, of course, winner's medial to keep my memory fresh-an if I should
their lives, and 350 were injured, when crowda broke through. It was football's binckost Balur- day. Even war-toughened British public were shocked.
Many hysterical words were spoken and written about that game. Should it have been con- tinued, or stopped immediately? I still think the referes was right in carrying on. If he had ended the game who knows how people might have many more been killed of hurt?
SPOTS OF TROUBLE There were three spois of personal trouble when 1 was at Stoke the only three I had in 17 happy years there.
Ench was reported as sensa- Homul. I had to go away from home to dodge the many phone calls and photographers,
They even called ⚫ town's [11 1938 to protest meeting against a possible decision to transfer mo from Stoke to an
its effect, and other club. It had the troubles betwoom
the club and myself were smoothed over. They Insect that way for nine Don't think a footballer's He years, Then another spot of Is all meats and fun, You getPOST
bother convinced me that we
art, and Your
share of disappointmenta | should part,
eventually and even tragedy.
Bluespe of handt d Over £11,500 for my signature,
C'e'y
noed
My mind goes back to 1946 to that Sloka Cup game al Bolton when 33 spectators lost
THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB
SEVENTH RACE MEETING Saturday 12th & Saturday 19th February, 1955. (To be held under the Rules of the Hong Kong Jockey Club)
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF 18 RACES. The First Bell will be rung at 1.30 p.m. and the First Race run at 1.00 p.m. un both days.
over.
Now he is 40 and has had his picture taken hundreds of times the world On his birthday he pauses to look over the Matthew portrait gallery,
Each picture tells a story in the life of this twinkled-toed genius,
Billy Kelly May Give Up His British Titles
By A CORRESPONDENT
Billy Spider Kelly, 22-year-old poker-faced Derry featherweight who added the British title to his Empire crown last month when he outpointed London's Sammy McCarthy, may not defend either title.
Young Spider, hailed as a national hero, has had a big offer to make a tour of America. Mr James McCafferty, the Derry businessman who is Kelly's chief adviser, tells me: "The offer is a very attractive one and a lot of money is involved, I hate to say it, but there is a grave danger that we in Ireland might be losing Billy Kolly.
19
++
knows
I am a Blackpool player,
a big decision for the net hope to say that way.
let'e Frut
think
make. Nobody the boy ta of Go back to what is going to happen." happier momente. Tottenham
Much will depend on whether December J.
takes the European title 1937. for what many call my grewest game.
from the stylish French Cham- know i had a good match pion, Ray Famection, at Belfast
Czechoslovakia that day on March 26.
C12%
people he
"The
bour might
last two } kok and
Singapore.
HKBA MEETING
Thomas Cup Match Against India Postponed To April
The Hongkong Badminton Association has agreed to postpone its Asiatic Zone Thomas Cup tie with India, from late March to April 9 and 10. This was announced at an -Executive Committee meeting of the Association, held at Marina House last night," with Dr the Hon. A. M, Rodrigues in the Chair,
The Executive Committee came to this decision following the reading of a telegram from the Indian Bad- minton Amoolation which stated "Unable to play in Malaya. Suggest postpone to April 9 and 10.”
The Hon. Secretary of the Mr Zander Tsok had one last HKBA, Mr Ramon Young, is to comment to make, Ho adviced cable back announcing the ac- the Selection to go ahead and ceptance of the date, and ad- plek the younger players so 149 vising the Indlan Badminton to give them big match ex" Association to inform the Inter-price.
motional Badminton Federation
of the change in plans,
India,
list comment Dr Rodrigues'
WIS the match with India
in 。 Tho Indian BA. Je aleg to]"Anything can happen awalt further information from gume of this nature. Badminton officials in Hong- having played in International kong before going ahead with competition and playing on all preparations, as the HKBA home ground against Hong- is still experiencing financial kong will natually have the ad- vantage, but Hongkong's repre- sentatives will do their best."
difficulties.
BADMINTON DANCE
In an effort to raise funds to send a team to India, it was that a Badminton proposed Dance be held, Club Lusitano
or
ing
A feature of yesterday's meet- attendance by Club representa- was the excnedingly poor yes
Due the Importance of the the Craigingower Cricket meeting, it was expected that all
aa likely clubs Club were suggested
would be represented, vesues. The Organising Com- but many representatives failed mittee is to probe the possibi- to tiny up. Of a Committee of Qties of such a venture and re- nearly 24, less than kult port to the Executive Commit-present.
Those present at yesterday s Vice-President of the meeting were: Dr Hon. A. M.
who HKBA Association.
at-Rodrigues (Chairman), Mr tended both
tee
war
the recent Exhibi-Hamon Young (Hon. Secretary). tion matches has expressed the My W. B. Brown, Mr M. Oil- pinion that many of Hong-veira, Insp. J. K. Leighton, Mr team that played against 1. B. Pomeroy, Mr L. M. SouBLE, konna Japan, were completely out of Me H. Barros, Mr Z. Took and
Dr practice.
Rodrigues, oxhi- who
| Mr M. T. Lam. was also present at
The next Executive Commit- I'll cer-bitions, added that he too no-tee Meeting will take place at House on Tuesday, tainly take them if they're good tleed this point. He added that Marina enough.
the team to go to India, nood March 1. "I might even Baht my way not be the same as the last that round the world and come back represented Hongkong through Mexico and America." Japan.
Fighting alongside Keenan in Australia
be Scottish Champions Don McTaggart, the
Dgainst
years, though we have no exact detalla," said Mr McCafferty,
Kelly will also consider offers from Londay he has received
Solomone and promoters Jack Stan Baker, and from South Africa.
In the meantime promoter Paisley lightwwight. and Roy Committee that in order to
Roy
will
LEAGUE FEATURES
The following are the revised ixtures for the 1854-55 Hong- kong Badminton league,
ADVICE TO COMMITTEE
Dr Rodrigues advised the Riki, bellove it or not, I scored
The American syndiente knows
Bion's. “A', Division. with my left that Kelly, the fighter from the Bob Gardiner, who gave Kelly McGregor, Glasgow writer, gouts--all
*CYMCA (W) v CCC from March fort.
avoid any criticism the Thomas
to Friday, February 11. Emerald Isle who realised a boy his big chatices aguijnst
While Kochan la away hia Cup Selection Committed should CCD Y CYMCA (3) from. Februpty The last one was the
most hood dream by winning back his Ankrah and McCarthy, is deter-wife will look after their Gor be free of playing members of 1410 anda Webm exciting.
İYON I had been playing | father's title, would be a natural mirod to bry to
hola pub, The Sportsman's Bar these SITUSED A
who have a chance of February 14 lo Tuesday, February The Secretary's Office at Alexandra House will close at inside-right most of the game for a ballyhooed coast-to-coast European title fight in Belfast. Scottish heavyweight, Hugh
Continuing making the team. McDonald, has been appointed Dr Rodrigues stated that against because of injuries to George tour.
"CCC v. Recrudo from January · Si Mills
Jack Cruyston,
Man who made the first move The and
kadicyp things gulet ni It would get the full troal-
behalf of the American arderly.
Japon the Selection Commition Turday, February 17, SCOTT was 4-4, and the seconds were licking off.
meni -nights personal
syndicate wis Mr Willie
consisted of Mr W. B. Brown, -(London Express Service). TV
Low
and Kaast-sou programmes. Gallagher, Then I
pearances, got the ball near the
former Derry pro- first-class travel,
Patrick Wong, and these three accounoda-
moler who is home after a visit ilon
grand job to the best of men did swankiest hotels, to the States. at the
their abilities. I must have appearances with film stars.
11:45 am on both days.
MEMBERS' ENCLOSURE
NO PERSON WITHOUT A BADGE WILL BE ADMITTED,
throughout the mesting.
are
obtainable
All poses MUST wear their badges prominently displayed
Admission Badges at $10.00 each per day through the Secretary on the written or personal introduction of u Member, such member to be responsible for all visitors introduced Buy him.
Tis will be obtainable at the Club House if ordered in advance from the No. 1 Boy (Tel. 72811).
Wen
halfway tine, zig-zagged through the gathering darkness into the goal area and hit the ball past goalkeeper Planicka, It was the winner!
MY GREATEST GAME A year later we beat Ireland
7-0 nt Old Trafford, Manches-
NO CHILDREN will be admitted to the Club's premises during the Moeling. For this purpose a Child is a person under the ageter, and I always think of this
severstren years, Western Standard.
PUBLIC ENCLOSURE
The price of admission will be $3.00 each per day payable at the Oale.
Any person leaving the Enclosure will be required to pay the requisite fee of $3.00 in order to gain re-admission.
MEALS and REFRESHMENTS will be obtainable In the RESTAURANT.
SERVANTS
Servants must remain in their employer's boxes except for They may on no account use the passing through on their duties. Betting Booths in the Members' Betting Hall,
as my greatest game.
Containly I got only one goal, but I had the pleasure of help ing little Willie Hall, of Tottenham, le score five in suc- cession. That was an English
I
record for a full infernational.
As I think of that game Bull feet surty for the Irish loft
Cook,
back, Willle
of
Everton. I also cannot forget his great sportsmanship.
Hall
and I I gave poor Cook the run-around that afternoon.
said to me; "Stan, if you bring that ball near me once more I'll wring
1 understand that the offer in so big that it would be difficult for Kelly to turn it down.
Jack Solomons Denies Secret
Agreement
on
FIGHT-HUNGRY
Another British Champion is to try his luck further afield.
Bantamweight Peter Keenan
in fed up and fight-hungry.
Result: Peter und trainer-
402
can't complaina aren't any the country,
"The
Bghts Keenan. bantamweights
fo
MCC Team To
Meet
Victoria
Dr
sily.
the
Mr
*CYMCA (W) v HKU from Janu ary 19 to Friday, February 18. * tymça (W) V CYMCA (B) from January 31 by: Mutual ArtRagement. HKU Y CYMCA (W) (rom Febru ary 1 to Wednesday, February 2 NEYMCA (B) v Brodjo from Fe-
Jon. League Sectetury,
Men's 'C Division
JIKU V Recrelo from February 1 to Wedoosday, February 16.
Benior Mixed Division Itecreio y CCC from February 3 to Thursday, February 24.
YMCA Y HIRU _from_ February 3
boen rather embarrassing, hebruary 1 to Briday, February 25.
Becrala HKU from February 20 said, that Mr Wong and Dr Low to Monday, February 14,
CCO Y CYMCA (in from Febru- had to
select themselves, but in the circumstances It was necesario Monday, February
Bocrelo v CCC from March 14 to Felday, March 4.
CYMCA (B) V CYMCA (W) ́ from 'Melbourne, Feb. 8. However, for this forthcoming
As it is to be March 16 to Friday, March 4 The MCC team to meet Vic-tle against India
RKU V CCC from Marca 7 to manager Alick Adams By to toria in the four-day match be played away from Hongkong, trio GYMCA (W) tron March Australia four day's after ginning here on Friday will be would be better if there were 7 to Tceday, March §. Keenan has met Frenchman chosen from the following to playing members of the beam
• Junior Mixed Doubles games due Danie Bind at Glasgow on twelve.
on the Selection Committee. to be blayed on these dutos have February 22,
P. B. H. May, M, C. Cowdrey, This is not to say that either Mr been re-arranged to later dater. otherwise by hrulund comment, these
pan be played on neutral- T. E. Bailey, T. W. Graveney, Wong or Dr Low were partial names here." There R. T. Simpson, J. H. Wardle in their selection, but to com-courts Le. Jurists Recreation Citib application to In W. T. Edrich, F. Tynor, J. B. pletely safeguard players, Talkoo Club on London, Feb. 0,
Stotham, R. Appleyard, K. the Selection Committee and the British boxing promoter Jack
Andrew, and P. J. Loader, Association from any grouse or Solomong said here today that
Australian promoters опо of the bowlers will be criticisan. contrary to rumours circulating
money omitted. in New York he had not con- have offered me good
Cowitney, and three fights, I've jumped at
whose Dose "WES Mr W. B. Brown added that cluded any secret agreement
Test, is Mr Wong, Dr Low and himself, with Rocky Marelano and Don the opportunity to get out of injured in the Fourth
British boxing feeling much better and will stayed up till nearly three in Cockell for world heavyweight the lifeless rut
have a try out in the nets to the morning before selecting the La in"
to meet Keenan's first "away" bout morrow. If he is unfit another Thomas Cup team
tesm batsman will deprtise.
Japan, and the He said that nothing was de- wi be against Atralian
and The wives of captain Len selected absolutely on forra
and wicketkeeper by the help of a gigantic chart for both days may be obtained from the Cash Sweep Offices during help me I will Your neck, so finitely fixed but that he and Bantam Champlon Bobby Sinn
Cocicell and his manager, Johnny for the vacant Empire Litle, But he played me all through Simpson, would be leaving for
Godfrey-Evans-are-due-to-arrivo | form-of-the players. The other two
opponents? without a foul,
"Slan and Sinn tomorrow-Router, the United States on February Says Keenan:
A now Belection Committee I've had bad games-plenty of 1 to discurs the altuations with again-if our styles blend and
elsolod as follows. Dr the Hon. them.
Mr Jim Norris, President of the we produce exciting fighting,
A. M. Rodrigues: (to act as me- There was that affair in International Bedding Club, and
diator and chairman), Mr W. B. Zurich in 1938, when Swiss left WHE A Well, Marcin back Lehmann - a dance-band manager.
just want the certainty of
Insp. W. Gulies. good fights. I'm rustles, too.
The team is to be selected However, Solaraons did say Have always wanted to travel,
March 4. Chancellor of the and this is my first chance apart MOST DIFFICULT BADE
Those selected for training in- Exchequer would say now that from a trip to South Africs." Maurice Reoday, of Leicester he would remove the tax on en-
The Senate today approved cluded the original Thomas Cup was the most difficult back I bertaśmmenta te (Sodomoms) Koena who outpointed over and sent to the House a resolu- team, plus those players who have ever met. Curiously would guarantee that Marciano 15 rounds for the world and tion inviting the International partielpated in the recent exhi- enough I had never even heard fand Costcell would fight in Lon-Empirợ bantam titles by Vic Olympic Committee to hold bitions. The complete list of of him when first he came up don-France-Presse, against me.
CASH SWEEPS
Through Cash Sweep Tickets at $18.00 each per day and $36.00
normal office hours until 11,00 am. on the first day.
Particular numbers within the serios 1 to 4,000 may bo reserved for all race meetings as Through Tickets.
Such tickets will be issueri consecutively only and the right is reserved by tha Stewards to cancel any reservation for Through Ticketa for a particular Meeting if it is found that sales may not reach the number reserved in the series 1 to 4,000,
In the case of two-day Race Meelings, Through Tickets may be purchased for each day of the Meeting provided that the second day is on a date not loss than five days after the fast day. In all other cases Through Tickets will only be sold for the whole Meeling,
Tickets reserved and available but not paid for by 10.00 am, on the day preceding the Race Meeting for which they üre reserved will be sold and the reservation cancelled for future Meetings,
Tickets over 4,000 will also be issued consecutively but particular numbers cannot be reserved na Through Tickets.
The reservation of any particular number does not confer on the registered holder any rights whatsoever unless the ticket bearing the appropriate number is issued to and can be produced by the holder.
The Stowards reserve the right to refuse any subscription also the right to remove any name from subscription lists without stating reasons for their action.
Cash Sweep Tickets on the last race of the Meeting at $2.00 cach may be obtained from the Cash Sweep Offices at Queen's Building (Chater Road), 5, D'Agullar Street and 382, Nathan Road during normal office hours and until 11,00 a.m. on both days of the Meeting.
SPECIAL CASH SWEEP
Tickets for the Special Cash Sweep on the Hong Kong Derby scheduled to be run on 9th April, 1955, at $2.00 each, may be obtained from the Cash Sweep Officos..
TOTALISATOR
Backers are advised not to destroy or throw away their tickets until after the. "all cheer", signal has been exhibited.
ALL WINNING TICKETS AND TICKETS FOR REFUNDS MUST BE PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT AT THE HACK
· COURSE ON THE DAY TO WHICH THEY REFER NOT LATER THAN ONE HOUR AFTER THE TIME FOR WHICH THE LAST RACE OF THE DAY HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO BE RUN.
PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE MADE ON TORN OR DISFIGURED TICKETS.
|
Flame way through the second half | title bout.
leader, by the way-playod me out of the game.
after
name.
the
I
Hutton
WRE
"Anyhow, I'm not wares. Detorit Bids For Brown, Mr David Kwok and
Kamamız ham fized no date for This return. He Baym
There may be offerw to fight in Bang-
Olympic Games
Washington, Feb. 9.
"Posible Thomas Cup players
garam at 120
Recreio V YMCA from February to Thursday, February 24. 10 to Thursday, March 3.
HKU V CCC from February 10 in Thursday, March a.
YMCA ♥ CCC from Yabruary 25 to Thursday, March 20.
HKU V-kooralo from February 25 to Thursday, March 10,
YMCA Recreio from Fabrysty 10 to Thursday, March 17,
CCC V. Reccolo from Jaostaty. 20 to Thursday, March M.
Junior Mixed Division YMCA V S$ John's
11 to Friday March
February
"YMCA. v. F'loon Tong from Fe- brilary 18 to Friday, March 15,
LINDWALL FIT FOR FIFTH TEST
Brisbane, Feb.
Vited are as follows: · Ramon. Spon
Bill Funk, J. B. Pomeroy
Australian doet bowler Roy Dr Low Keat-800, Robert Tay, Audwall will be available for Patrick Wong, Dr. Heah Hock selection for the Fifth Test be thye, B. K. Wong, Jimmy Khoo, ginning in Sydney on February MAC Wong and W. F.
Ebrahim, J. A. Boures, P. 28.
Lindwall, who was
who was unable
to play in the Fourth Test becaus
Towoel in Johannesburg on the 1080 Olympiq
Detroit, Michigan. January 20, 1952.
Press,
SCOTTISH CUP REPLAYS
London, Feb, 0:
SQUASH FINAL
had to grab & programme the game to discover his
HOME RUGGER He did it again when we play- ed Leicester in a Cup game and,
London, Feb, e, after
Rugby Union resulte today
FOOD dreaded ad forced a draw, 1
third meeting. were:
London Irish P, Dublin' Uni Again I could not do a thing
A letter is to be sent to every of a strained leg muscle, had a right against him
versity 0.
Inverness Caledoniane boat candidate informing him that try out at Brisbane Cricket have often wondered why The Army 8 Territorial D. Coffey boat Lt. Col. Sull Art United 4-2 attor extra time he has been selested for training Ground today and afterwards
Army 0.
van 8-0, 1-6, 8-11, 9-7 in the in a Scottish Cup fifth round and asking him, If he is selected declared himself "perfectly fit." moro was not heard of him.
He had already,” been chosen But victory
Hospital's Cup, let 'round res firma of the Colony is always plea-
to represent Hongkong against Squash replay today. King's College 3, S Championship: at the Victoria Rangers best Dundee 1-0- India, whether he would be able for the Australian team to tour I ever ex-play: sins and the bert
Router.
the West Indies. Router. to geħ að laust ten daya leav0. | Squash Courts yesterday. perienced was when we slammed Bor's 18.--Router. the Nazis 6-8 in Berlin a year before the war,
Dewall played You have done
a good job for England this afternoon," we were told by a distinguished-looking visitor to our dressing-room.. He, was thus Inte Sir Neville Hopiewon then British Ambasador to Berlin
That and the Queen's day? nd Wembley in 1969, remain my protibak gramatya
The glamour of the game has ment everything to me, “A
Taraly happy away froin a loo
ball
Bub hare am Bookmakers, Nó Tac men, elci will not be permitted to operate man who han within the precincts of the Hong Kong Hooker Cu
THE GAMBOLS
LAST MOG,
WILL YOU BIET
THE WARED t
{{VES, DEAR}
Barry Applebe
SCOTCH WHISKY
A & A CRAWFO
FIVE STAR
By Order of the