Happy heavenly birthday Dad x
Created by Colin 3 years agoThe photo shows a letter that former Gillingham FC legend Ernie Morgan wrote to my Nan and Grandad back when my dad was a young lad. Ernie, a former striker (who still holds the club record for most league goals scored in a season – only equalled by Brian Yeo during the 1970s) was the manager of Chatham Town FC when, during a visit back home to Royston, Barnsley; he spotted my Dad during football trials for Barnsley boys. After inviting my Dad down to Kent he wrote:
Dear Jack and family,
I’m very pleased Eric enjoyed his stay here. I can assure you we enjoyed having him, a grand lad and not a bit of trouble.
You ask about his ability to make the grade at football. Well, he certainly made his mark with everyone connected with our club, especially the professionals who know a bit about the game. For myself, he has every chance. He obviously has a brilliant football brain and if he was able to come down here, I would say when he reaches 20 years old, he will have become a really good player for by that time he will be more mature.
Now Jack, I would like to point out that I could be wrong, but I sincerely believe has more chance than I ever had for he is a far better player at his age than I ever was.
About the job; I can’t be sure of getting him an apprenticeship as they like them on leaving school, but if he decides to come down here, I will do all I can to get him a good job before he arrives. I will close now, looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Ern
Ernie Morgan was a great influence on my Dad’s (and countless other peoples) lives. Ernie remained true to his word, finding my Dad a good, secure job in the Medway towns which enabled him to build a life for himself, away from the coal mines of Yorkshire which is what his Dad wanted. Although my Dad never made it professionally, some of his old footballing friends told me at Dad’s funeral that Ernie would have been so proud of what my Dad had managed to achieve.
So Ernie, thank you so much for looking after my Dad – without your (and others) help – he would never have met my lovely Mum and my family would not be here today!
Happy heavenly 74th birthday Pops – we all miss you so much xx
Dear Jack and family,
I’m very pleased Eric enjoyed his stay here. I can assure you we enjoyed having him, a grand lad and not a bit of trouble.
You ask about his ability to make the grade at football. Well, he certainly made his mark with everyone connected with our club, especially the professionals who know a bit about the game. For myself, he has every chance. He obviously has a brilliant football brain and if he was able to come down here, I would say when he reaches 20 years old, he will have become a really good player for by that time he will be more mature.
Now Jack, I would like to point out that I could be wrong, but I sincerely believe has more chance than I ever had for he is a far better player at his age than I ever was.
About the job; I can’t be sure of getting him an apprenticeship as they like them on leaving school, but if he decides to come down here, I will do all I can to get him a good job before he arrives. I will close now, looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Ern
Ernie Morgan was a great influence on my Dad’s (and countless other peoples) lives. Ernie remained true to his word, finding my Dad a good, secure job in the Medway towns which enabled him to build a life for himself, away from the coal mines of Yorkshire which is what his Dad wanted. Although my Dad never made it professionally, some of his old footballing friends told me at Dad’s funeral that Ernie would have been so proud of what my Dad had managed to achieve.
So Ernie, thank you so much for looking after my Dad – without your (and others) help – he would never have met my lovely Mum and my family would not be here today!
Happy heavenly 74th birthday Pops – we all miss you so much xx
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