Chris is currently doing great work with the kids and youth of Skem at the local Sports Centre. While not exactly destitute Chris could do with the dosh. Because Chris played in era where professional footballers were vastly underpaid compared to their criminally overpaid, less talented modern day counterparts he is no better off than the average factory worker. Chris signed for Liverpool as a junior in 1960, making his debut two years later. Chris’s 61 goals from a total of 546 appearances for our club before joining Portsmouth in 1975 is a record for a full-back in open play as none of these came from penalties or even free-kicks.
Shanks himself must be looking down and having a good old chuckle at Chris. Chris was known as The Quiet Man and The Silent Knight for his undemonstrative manner. Chris was once asked to adjudicate whether a “goal” by Shanks in a five-a-side training match was valid. Chris’s typically short answer was, “No goal boss.” Shanks went off his head and said, “Bloody hell (or words to that effect) Chris! Ye don’t open yer mouth for ten years and when yer do it’s a bloody lie!” A great story which, along with many more, will be recounted by Chris during the course of his new career.
Let’s all wish Chris good luck and turn up in numbers at this event and any he does local to you. I can tell you it will be well worth it as, having met him a couple of times, I can tell you Chris has a razor sharp wit. Tickets can be obtained at the door on the night or by e-mailing me at peterevo75@hotmail.com or phoning me on 07900030435. Anybody needing advice on how to get to the Viking via negotiating the many roundabouts in Skem can use the same contact details.