Yearly Archives: 2014

Players: Paddy McGroarty

Margaret “Paddy” McGroarty   Born: c.1948, Scotland? Position: Midfield Debut: Scotland (A) 18 November 1972 Occupation: Booking clerk (1972)   A small and skilful but tough attacking midfielder or playmaker in England’s first national team. Like Kim Little 40 years later, she was an archetypal “tanner ba’ player” in the classic Scottish traditions.

Players: Jackie Sherrard

Jackie Sherrard: “The best pure footballer at the Belles”   Born: 9 June 1966, Belper Position: Centre-half, midfielder Debut: Sweden (H) 30 October 1983 Occupation: Production clerk (1987), Clerical supervisor (1991), Materials and systems manager (1994)   A gifted all-round sportswoman who reportedly played field hockey for England at under 21 level. Turning her attentionsContinue reading “Players: Jackie Sherrard”

The Deal International Tournament

Fact:   The Deal Tournament (later known as the Deal International Tournament) was a women’s football competition first organised in 1967 by Arthur Hobbs, a carpenter with Deal Town Council.   Hobbs had been a decent amateur footballer in his youth and he settled in Kent after being posted there with the army in theContinue reading “The Deal International Tournament”

Players: Linda Curl

Linda Curl   Born: c.1962, Norwich Position: Striker Debut: Switzerland (H) 28 April 1977 Occupation: Policewoman (1988)   The Lioness of Arco: a long-serving striking legend with an insatiable appetite for goals.   Norwich police officer who was a player for the big occasion—with the medals to prove it—and a loyal servant to the EnglishContinue reading “Players: Linda Curl”

Martin Reagan: women’s football boss was D-Day hero

Martin Reagan, manager of the England women’s football team between October 1979 and December 1990, is a World War Two hero.  Tyneside-born Reagan turned 90 last month and has led a life straight from the pages of Boy’s Own. While today’s feckless teens spend their time sniffing “meow meow” or filming “happy slappings” on theirContinue reading “Martin Reagan: women’s football boss was D-Day hero”