Posting number 250 sees one of the giant names of Australian football offering up his GrassRoots experience.
Ray Richards, Socceroo #199, made his debut for Australia as part of a new look side which included 8 first timers. The game was in war-torn Vietnam in 1967 against NZ, a long way from suburban Croydon south of London.
Ray's experience was typical of most of the ex-pat players that made their way into the Australian team. For Ray it was Wolsey Primary School, then Croydon Tech alongside great mate Derek "Banga" Grizelle, then into the Sunday leagues. It was one of his ex-team mates, Bernie Brennan, who sponsored Ray to join him at Latrobe in Brisbane that convinced Ray to pass on his chance to trial for a professional contract with Leyton Orient, ironically at Brisbane Rd.
Again, a thorough gentleman & an honour to have him aboard, welcome Ray.
Ray Richards, Socceroo #199, made his debut for Australia as part of a new look side which included 8 first timers. The game was in war-torn Vietnam in 1967 against NZ, a long way from suburban Croydon south of London.
Ray's experience was typical of most of the ex-pat players that made their way into the Australian team. For Ray it was Wolsey Primary School, then Croydon Tech alongside great mate Derek "Banga" Grizelle, then into the Sunday leagues. It was one of his ex-team mates, Bernie Brennan, who sponsored Ray to join him at Latrobe in Brisbane that convinced Ray to pass on his chance to trial for a professional contract with Leyton Orient, ironically at Brisbane Rd.
Again, a thorough gentleman & an honour to have him aboard, welcome Ray.
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