Gary Birtles

poolieinnottingham · **Posted:** Sun Apr 03, 2016 8:54 pm

I met Gary Birtles last night at a special screening of 'I believe in miracles', the film about Forest's European Cup side.

Really nice bloke, who came across as really modest about his achievements. Hard to imagine an England player of this generation being like that in 30-odd years time, let alone one who lifted as many honours as him.

Some of the stories about the drinking culture at that time were unbelievable. Amazing how good the English teams were compared to the tee-total Europeans, even when half-cut.

Freaky Teeth · **Posted:** Sun Apr 03, 2016 9:35 pm

Chip Fireball wrote:

There was a feature in The Observer a good few years back on former top flight footballers who were some of the last to see out their careers before the money came into the game.

My favourite was Neil Webb, who also played for Clough at Forest before signing for Alex Fergusson at Man United. Think he won getting on for 30 England caps and was in the squad for the 1990 World Cup when we got to the semis.

Not long after he finished his career he ended up working as a postman, and he said he quite enjoyed it.

Can you imagine in a couple of years time Steven Gerrard knocking on your door asking you to sign for something recorded delivery ?

I got Paul Robinson the other week, but we all know his story.

MutleyRules · **Posted:** Mon Apr 04, 2016 1:44 am

poolieinnottingham wrote:

I met Gary Birtles last night at a special screening of 'I believe in miracles', the film about Forest's European Cup side.

Really nice bloke, who came across as really modest about his achievements. Hard to imagine an England player of this generation being like that in 30-odd years time, let alone one who lifted as many honours as him.

Some of the stories about the drinking culture at that time were unbelievable. Amazing how good the English teams were compared to the tee-total Europeans, even when half-cut.

Sounds like a cracking night....I'd have loved to have been there!!!!

Snowy · **Joined:** Fri Aug 18, 2006 12:18 pm **Posts:** 37772

I always laugh at the old chestnut about footballers careers being short so the have to make their money while they can. The old feller put me right years ago... it's like getting made redundant, do what everybody else has to and get a different job.

verbalkint · **Joined:** Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:08 pm **Posts:** 3135

Chip Fireball wrote:

There was a feature in The Observer a good few years back on former top flight footballers who were some of the last to see out their careers before the money came into the game.

My favourite was Neil Webb, who also played for Clough at Forest before signing for Alex Fergusson at Man United. Think he won getting on for 30 England caps and was in the squad for the 1990 World Cup when we got to the semis.

Not long after he finished his career he ended up working as a postman, and he said he quite enjoyed it.

Can you imagine in a couple of years time Steven Gerrard knocking on your door asking you to sign for something recorded delivery ?

A postman now eh well I suppose it's better than walking the streets bbolt

Rupert Ritzik · **Joined:** Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:38 am **Posts:** 174

Chip Fireball wrote:

There was a feature in The Observer a good few years back on former top flight footballers who were some of the last to see out their careers before the money came into the game.

My favourite was Neil Webb, who also played for Clough at Forest before signing for Alex Fergusson at Man United. Think he won getting on for 30 England caps and was in the squad for the 1990 World Cup when we got to the semis.

Not long after he finished his career he ended up working as a postman, and he said he quite enjoyed it.

Can you imagine in a couple of years time Steven Gerrard knocking on your door asking you to sign for something recorded delivery ?

Arthur Milton, the last player to play football and cricket for England, became a postman in Bristol after retiring from sport. I'm pretty sure Andy Saville became a postman too. Obviously I'm an old git and nostalgia's not what it used to be, but these were real people you could identify with.
that you could identify with.

Rupert Ritzik · **Joined:** Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:38 am **Posts:** 174

Shit! I'm sure you could identify with them.

Brian Honour's Left Foot · **Posted:** Mon Apr 04, 2016 10:57 pm

Chip Fireball wrote:

There was a feature in The Observer a good few years back on former top flight footballers who were some of the last to see out their careers before the money came into the game.

My favourite was Neil Webb, who also played for Clough at Forest before signing for Alex Fergusson at Man United. Think he won getting on for 30 England caps and was in the squad for the 1990 World Cup when we got to the semis.

Not long after he finished his career he ended up working as a postman, and he said he quite enjoyed it.

Can you imagine in a couple of years time Steven Gerrard knocking on your door asking you to sign for something recorded delivery ?

I met Neil Webb a couple of years back and he was working in a logistics centre near Reading - do you know that you look just like Neil Webb, said I - and what a thoroughly charming bloke he was.

Gary Birtles

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