My First XI- Ray Clay, Bishop’s Stortford

As a supporter of Bishop’s Stortford, being taken to my first game by my dad when I was five years old- and being a regular supporter since 1973- I have almost half a century of players to choose from. I have been to Wembley twice to watch the two main semi pro cup finals, and seen them both won by the Blues.

Here is my team, although it’s actually a squad, as I have so many players to choose from:

Goalkeeper:

Terry Moore- probably the best non league keeper ever. Went on to be coach and then manager.

Right back:

Dave Lawrence- known as a midfielder but played in this position to great effect and was the captain of the team

Centre half:

John Still- well known in non-league circles and a very good player

Centre half:

Sam Robbins- a current player who has excelled at r/back, midfield and centre half.

Left back:

Mel Brown (crazy horse)- I can see him now flying down the wing but also a very good defender

Sweeper:

Roger Avery- the man for the job! Wins the ball from the opposition and had good distribution

Right midfield:

Peter Leaky- a class player always 2 moves ahead of the game

Centre midfield:

Glen Southam- such a good player- a complete midfielder

Left midfield:

Mitch Mitchel- on his day a joy to watch. A ball dribbling winger

Striker:

Steve Morrison- a good all round forward

Striker:

Jamie Cureton- the goal machine- would link well with Steve

Manager: The late great Ted Hardy
Coach: Trevor Harvey- a good football brain

Substitutes:

Martin Taylor- solid keeper
Johnny Herd- great left back
Phil Hopkins- club legend who can play in a number of positions
Terry Sullivan- the magic man picked from Sunday football
Ian Ferguson- hard, tenacious and gifted midfielder
Dennis Murphy- very good player
Dwight Gayle- who would not want him on the bench?

There they are plenty more I could have chosen, but this team would play 4 1 3 2 and I think would have been hard, fair, entertaining and a joy to watch. I was there for the club’s centenary and hope to be there in a couple of years for the 150 years anniversary.

Right, let’s have your First XI! Email your squad to Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you’ll see it appear here.