I didn't realise that but I maybe should have guessed that it wasn't original. I did find it funny when I read the book many years ago.It had previously appeared in my biography of Joe Mercer and before that was a well known tale that Joe used to tell on the after dinner circuit.
I was level with the 18 yard line and had a good view. Bobby was not far off 20 yards out I believe, but it was a long time ago, so memory could deceive. Either way, it was a spectacular header. I can’t recall the Sear goal, or much else in my life.Yes, I remember that match, only I rather think that he scored the goal from a long way out; in fact from just over the half-way line and it sailed into the Platt Lane goal (Bolton's goalie was Eddie Hopkinson or Hodgkinson and was somewhat short for a keeper. What was even more remarkable was that Cliff Sear, City's other full-back, scored from an acute angle into the Score Board End goal; the only occasion as far as I know on which both full-backs have scored in the same game.
Yeah but Bobby Kennedy, JFK's brother, was killed in 68.Mercer became manager in 65 .JFK shot 63
A header from just over the half way line ?Yes, I remember that match, only I rather think that he scored the goal from a long way out; in fact from just over the half-way line and it sailed into the Platt Lane goal (Bolton's goalie was Eddie Hopkinson or Hodgkinson and was somewhat short for a keeper. What was even more remarkable was that Cliff Sear, City's other full-back, scored from an acute angle into the Score Board End goal; the only occasion as far as I know on which both full-backs have scored in the same game.
We’ve had a few ersatz left backs. Time for a proper one?Bobbie was a decent player for City. Most thought that he was not worth the £45,000 supposedly paid for him from Kilmarnock. When you consider that Mike Summerbee cost £35,000, Colin Bell £45,000, and Alex Harley £19,500, you can see why.
He was always a decent professional who played most of his matches for City at full back, despite being signed as a wing half. This was initially with Les McDowell as manager and later by George Poyser and Joe Mercer. This set a trend that was followed by Glyn Pardoe, Fabian Delph, Olecks Zinchenko, Rico Lewis, etc.
A tad unlikely. No, it was an upfield hoof or cross, which totally deceived Bolton's keeper and sailed in over his head. I still have a few progammes from that season so I'll see if I can find evidenceA header from just over the half way line ?
Yes as Ive said my mistakeYeah but Bobby Kennedy, JFK's brother, was killed in 68.
Was it a diving header as he had to get the extra power into his header?I was level with the 18 yard line and had a good view. Bobby was not far off 20 yards out I believe, but it was a long time ago, so memory could deceive. Either way, it was a spectacular header. I can’t recall the Sear goal, or much else in my life.
I didn't see your previous reply to another Bluemooner.Yes as Ive said my mistake
No. He just ran forward and met the ball with a flex of the neck. Just really well timed, using the pace on a driven cross. I had a theory at the time that the cross was supposed to reach a player on the right, but Bobby just intercepted it. It was so spectacular that I have never forgotten it. It’s in my list of great goals, top of which is Peter Barnes dummying on the edge of the area and floating the ball past a baffled Pat Jennings.Was it a diving header as he had to get the extra power into his header?
No worries , as a former referee I must have been using the wrong eyes :)I didn't see your previous reply to another Bluemooner.
I was behind that Peter Barnes goal in the North Stand. I was a bit too young for the Bobby Kennedy goal but the hardest header I've ever seen was Dave Watson's against Ipswich Town that same season. An absolute belter.No. He just ran forward and met the ball with a flex of the neck. Just really well timed, using the pace on a driven cross. I had a theory at the time that the cross was supposed to reach a player on the right, but Bobby just intercepted it. It was so spectacular that I have never forgotten it. It’s in my list of great goals, top of which is Peter Barnes dummying on the edge of the area and floating the ball past a baffled Pat Jennings.
Good read that Gary - thanksSorry to hear the news about Bobby Kennedy. To remember him here’s an interview I did with him almost 20 years ago (follow the link for this free interview):
https://gjfootballarchive.com/2025/01/12/remembering-bobby-kennedy/
The Bobby Kennedy shooting story…. Eric Alexander always laughed about the version that did the rounds about his Dad Albert saying: ‘What’s he doing out this late?’
Great read Gary. Thanks for posting. Bobby was part of my formative years watching City and it took me back to when the game was a million miles away from what it's now become.Sorry to hear the news about Bobby Kennedy. To remember him here’s an interview I did with him almost 20 years ago (follow the link for this free interview):
https://gjfootballarchive.com/2025/01/12/remembering-bobby-kennedy/
The Bobby Kennedy shooting story…. Eric Alexander always laughed about the version that did the rounds about his Dad Albert saying: ‘What’s he doing out this late?’
Great post.Really enjoyed this interview, Gary. Always like it when former players still show a strong affinity with City even decades after they've left.
Anyone who racks up over 250 competitive senior appearances for the club has certainly put an excellent stint in for the cause, as well. And despite Bobby being part of the 1963 relegation side, he stayed on and played a significant role under Joe and Malcolm in getting us back up, then consolidating.
He may not have played many games in the title-winning season, but he did feature in a handful. For that small but important role, I'm glad he was eventually awarded the medal he merited.
RIP, Bobby. A significant part of the rich and beguiling history that those whose views matter know MCFC always to have had.