A football legend has opened up his photo album ahead of his return to the town where it all started for him more than six decades ago.
John McGovern, 74, won the league title with both Derby County and Nottingham Forest. He is one of the rare few to hoist the European Cup as a winning captain - a feat he accomplished twice under the management of Brian Clough, whom he played under at four clubs, and Peter Taylor.
McGovern will visit Hartlepool, the North East town that gave birth to his footballing career, on Good Friday, March 29, as special guest of radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough at the Rovers Quoit Club.
It has been exactly 67 years since a determined seven-year-old McGovern left his birthplace in Montrose, Scotland, for Hartlepool.
In 1966 Hartlepools United - as the club was known then - signed McGovern, fresh from Henry Smiths School, as its first-ever apprentice.
McGovern said: “I lived on the Central Estate and loved it there – riding my bike through the docks to the Vic. I played one season for Central Park which was my only season in junior football.
"I passed my 11 Plus and had a great time at Henry Smiths. I was captain of the rugby team and cricket team and through that period of time I struck up a great friendship with wonderful the Kenny Jessop and family that would last a lifetime.
“After joining the club as an apprentice I remember not long after heading to the likes of Lynn Street with Clough and Taylor with a begging bowl to keep the club afloat and, to save money, Brian Clough would drive the team bus.
"I was just 16 and in the first team - my pals over on the Central Estate could barely believe what was happening to me."
McGovern has shared some of his favourite photographs which have been compiled into a video to be shown on the special tribute night.
He said: “Goffy asked me to go through my old scrapbooks from my time at Pools and associated links to my happy years there – including signing on as an apprentice in summer 1966 with my mam alongside me.
"I was so lucky to be part of the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor European domination as their captain and all that it brought.
"My memories of Hartlepools' final home game against Swansea in May 1968, where over 11,000 ‘Poolies’ gathered at the Vic to celebrate, remain etched in my heart.
"I owe it to the brilliant fans who always made it tough for the opposing teams.
"I’m sure we will be recalling stories about Brian Drysdale, Bobby Cummings, George Smith, Jimmy Mulvaney and Ernie Phythian along with other great teammates from HUFC."
McGovern added: "Hartlepool is still the result that I look out for every week – without fail.
“I am thrilled that Goffy has taken the lead to organise a look back at my career in town. It is coming up on 60 years since my first training sessions at Hartlepools United so it's a touch overdue."
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“It will be a magical night on Good Friday and I’m told that there will be a few surprises in store.
Today, McGovern remains an influential figure, working as a full-time Sporting Ambassador for Nottingham Forest.
A John McGovern Celebration Evening, hosted by Goffy, will be held at the Rovers Quoit Club, Easington Road, Hartlepool on Good Friday, March 29 at 8.15pm.
Tickets are priced at £20 from the club, online (with a booking fee) at wegottickets.com/event/607368 or call Goffy Media on 07990-588424.
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