Saddened to hear on the Official that Ian , our goalkeeper in the early fifties has passed away. We signed him in 1951 from Southampton and he was outr regular Nos 1 until about 1956/57. A Scottish International and was a good goalie.
This from the Official
Ian Black: 1924-2012
Monday 17 December 2012 11:30
Fulham Football Club was saddened to hear that one of the Whites' greatest-ever goalkeepers, Ian Black, has died at the age of 88.
Fulham's goalkeeper for virtually all of the 1950s, Black was tall and stylish with a safe pair of hands.
He began his career at hometown club Aberdeen in 1944, before moving to Southampton for £1,000 in December 1947 when he was working as a mechanic in the town. Shortly after joining the Saints, he made his one and only appearance for Scotland in a 2-0 defeat of England at Hampden Park.
When Saints boss Bill Dodgin moved to Fulham, Black soon followed. He would go on to make 277 appearances in all competitions for the Club.
He is the only Fulham goalkeeper to have scored in the league, heading home when injury forced him to play at centre-forward against Leicester City in August 1952.
Black left Fulham in 1959 to join Bath City. He was then manager at Canterbury City, youth-team boss at Brentford and finally football advisor to Redhill.
Black passed away on Thursday 13th December. His funeral will take place on Friday 28th December. The thoughts of everyone at Fulham are with Ian's family and friends.
For fans who wish to make a donation to Ian's chosen charity - The Mid Surrey Palliative Care Trust Fund - details can be found at www.butterfly-appeal.org.uk (http://www.butterfly-appeal.org.uk) or by emailing
[email protected].
Always sad when one of the Fulham family passes away...
RIP
sad story...
R.I.P.
RIP to a goal scoring keeper. I wonder if he dined out on that very often?
Not wishing to make light of that specifically and I trust his family are not offended but how wide would the goal need to be for our current custodian to score?
Rest in peace sir
Black and Lowe used to own a sports shop on Tolworth Broadway in the 70's... I nearly past out with excitement knowing they played for Fulham. I was about 7 at the time
RIP x
Sad news.
Kept goal in my first Fulham match. Must have been injured soon after, Ken Hewkins played a couple of games and then the brilliant young Macedo burst on the scene and Black was never seen again.
Just to put the club's account straight - Ian Black's only cap (in front of a mere 135,000) was 2-0 win for England (Finney, Mortensen).
Another largely unsung hero of the past departs.
R.I.P :(
Unfortunately I'm among a generation that isn't lucky enough to see the real legends play.
RIP
...very sad to hear the news, Ian was a neighbour of mine on the Sunray Estate in Tolworth and I met him a couple of times, and he was my proposed guest at the unveiling ceremony of the Johnny Haynes statue.
In 2008 I asked him if I could conduct an interview with him on behalf of TOOFIF, as well as ask about his memories about Johnny Haynes, he agreed to this and he invited me to have lunch with him at the King George Field Indoor Bowls Club where he was still an active member. We spent a couple of hours chatting about his childhood, the war and time at Fulham, at Aberdeen and Southampton and the sports shop he and Eddie Lowe were partners in at Tolworth and I took the photo (below) on that occasion. He remembered the famous FA meeting between Fulham and the top flight Newcastle match and the Vic Keeble assault on him - in full view of the ref, where he was barged into the goal holding the ball whilst he was still in the air and the ref gave Keeble his second goal. He also recalled the game against Leicester City where his shoulder was badly injured by former Fulham player Arthur Rowley in the first half, and as substitutes were not around in those days decided to play outfield with his shoulder heavily strapped, and how he connected to an Arthur (Pablo) Stevens cross and headed it into the top corner of the goal. We lost 6-1 in the end but Ian created a bit of history in being the only Fulham goalie to score in open play (Tony Lange scored from a penalty).
He was a wonderful host and with his soft Scots lilt was a pleasure to listen to. At the end of the interview I went to pay the bill for the meal but he was adamant that I was his guest and that he should pay for me. After Ian had gone off to play some more bowls the man who had served us asked why I was taking his photo and was making notes about him, I replied that it was because I was a Fulham fan and as Ian had played for Fulham - the waiter/steward was amazed and didn't realise that Ian had been a top flight goalkeeper as during all his time at the club he had never mentioned to him his history.
I have asked the club to remember him in some form when we play his other team Southampton soon, maybe a black armband would be suitable especially considering his name. RIP Ian, it was a real pleasure to have met you.
Below are various photos and articles:-
(http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/3995/ianblack2008c2.jpg)
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/5457/ianblacksundaypostartic.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3046/2662034500_4293de92f0.jpg)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2553/4011520566_59bf26d014.jpg)
Infamous goal with Ian laying in the goalmouth.
And from the Southampton website a nice tribute:-
PUBLISHED
14:44 17th December 2012
Saints Historian David Bull remembers the club's record-holding goalkeeper, Ian Black
Ian Black, who has died aged 88, has two special claims to feature in the Saints' records: as the sole Scot, throughout the 20th century, to be capped while on the club's books; and as the only goalkeeper to concede fewer League goals (95) than the number of games he played (97) for the club.
Black had barely joined Aberdeen when he was called up. Serving in REME, his numerous billets included Catford and Bordon. While at the former, he guested for Chelsea in the 1945 League South Cup Final. Then, when stationed at Bordon, he made a few "unofficial" appearances for Southampton in the transitional season of 1945-46. His inaugural performance for the Saints attracted rave reviews: "a young leopard", said one national, while the Echo applauded "the calm assurance of a top-class player."
Reciprocally, the young Scot was impressed by the club's player-coach, Bill Dodgin, not only for his professional knowledge and "terrific enthusiasm" but also for the way in which he and his wife Gladys embraced him, as "a second father and mother," at their Bitterne home. Ian was soon posted back to Scotland, en route to Malta, where he remained until his demob in November 1947. Not surprisingly, both Chelsea and Southampton were keen to sign him. Aberdeen were equally loth to part with him, but "Daddy Dodgin" – by now the Saints manager – held all the cards, plus a cheque for £1,000, that enabled him very soon to sign Black.
Before that 1947-48 season was out, Ian was keeping goal for Scotland against England at Hampden. The Scots dominated, but Tom Finney – with a "screamer" that thrilled the Daily Herald – and Stan Mortensen secured a 2-0 away win. In so far as Ian "hardly touched the ball," he reckoned, he had a limited opportunity to prove his case for a second chance. He had to be content with being a fixture in Southampton's goal, as they narrowly missed promotion three seasons running, the third of them under Sid Cann, following the departure of Black's "second father" to Fulham. Unhappy with a manager who "was not a good communicator," Ian rejoined Dodgin at Craven Cottage, thereby forsaking "the best club that I've been at."
That said, he would chalk up 263 League games for Fulham – and one goal: when injured against Leicester City in August 1952, he was obliged to abandon his jersey for an outfield position, from which he headed Fulham's goal in a 6-1 defeat. In retirement, he ran a sports-shop in Tolworth, while developing a keen interest in bowls, a sport at which he represented Surrey, both outdoors and indoors. He was secretary, into his seventies, of the massive club at Tolworth, where he was still playing in his late eighties.
IAN HENDERSON BLACK
RIP
Remember him well - fine reliable keeper.
Before my time (just). R.I.P.
A piece from the official Southampton site. Click on the link for pictures -
http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/ian-black-an-appreciation-548837.aspx (http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/ian-black-an-appreciation-548837.aspx)
Ian Black: An Appreciation
PUBLISHED
14:44 17th December 2012
Saints Historian David Bull remembers the club's record-holding goalkeeper, Ian Black
Ian Black, who has died aged 88, has two special claims to feature in the Saints' records: as the sole Scot, throughout the 20th century, to be capped while on the club's books; and as the only goalkeeper to concede fewer League goals (95) than the number of games he played (97) for the club.
Black had barely joined Aberdeen when he was called up. Serving in REME, his numerous billets included Catford and Bordon. While at the former, he guested for Chelsea in the 1945 League South Cup Final. Then, when stationed at Bordon, he made a few "unofficial" appearances for Southampton in the transitional season of 1945-46. His inaugural performance for the Saints attracted rave reviews: "a young leopard", said one national, while the Echo applauded "the calm assurance of a top-class player."
Reciprocally, the young Scot was impressed by the club's player-coach, Bill Dodgin, not only for his professional knowledge and "terrific enthusiasm" but also for the way in which he and his wife Gladys embraced him, as "a second father and mother," at their Bitterne home. Ian was soon posted back to Scotland, en route to Malta, where he remained until his demob in November 1947. Not surprisingly, both Chelsea and Southampton were keen to sign him. Aberdeen were equally loth to part with him, but "Daddy Dodgin" – by now the Saints manager – held all the cards, plus a cheque for £1,000, that enabled him very soon to sign Black.
Before that 1947-48 season was out, Ian was keeping goal for Scotland against England at Hampden. The Scots dominated, but Tom Finney – with a "screamer" that thrilled the Daily Herald – and Stan Mortensen secured a 2-0 away win. In so far as Ian "hardly touched the ball," he reckoned, he had a limited opportunity to prove his case for a second chance. He had to be content with being a fixture in Southampton's goal, as they narrowly missed promotion three seasons running, the third of them under Sid Cann, following the departure of Black's "second father" to Fulham. Unhappy with a manager who "was not a good communicator," Ian rejoined Dodgin at Craven Cottage, thereby forsaking "the best club that I've been at."
That said, he would chalk up 263 League games for Fulham – and one goal: when injured against Leicester City in August 1952, he was obliged to abandon his jersey for an outfield position, from which he headed Fulham's goal in a 6-1 defeat. In retirement, he ran a sports-shop in Tolworth, while developing a keen interest in bowls, a sport at which he represented Surrey, both outdoors and indoors. He was secretary, into his seventies, of the massive club at Tolworth, where he was still playing in his late eighties.
Some nice footage of a hammering in the FA Cup by Blackpool in 1957 but it at least shows plenty of Ian in action! (and is that wadey in the first 10 seconds?) -
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/blackpool-v-fulham (http://www.britishpathe.com/video/blackpool-v-fulham)
A true Fulham legend, a word that is used too much nowadays.
My Uncle watched Fulham a lot in the 50's and he told me about Ian many a time.
RIP.
I must have seen a lot of Ian's games at the Cottage but the one that sticks in my mind is the Newcastle cup tie and the injustice that Ian suffered from that Keeble goal when he was deliberatly barged into the net with his feet a foot off the ground.
Thanks, Ian for all the entertainment you gave me andfor being such a good servant to Fulham, You were a very good keeper.
He was just before my time, but I do remember Ken Hewkins , mentioned by cmg - as the great Macedo's understudy; and Eddie Lowe , of course, who was one of my favourite Fulham players at the time - and still is one of my favourite players.
Good to read these memories of Ian - thank you.RIP.
RIP. 9739.gif 065.gif
Quote from: RaySmith on December 18, 2012, 11:32:10 AM
He was just before my time, but I do remember Ken Hewkins , mentioned by cmg - as the great Macedo's understudy; and Eddie Lowe , of course, who was one of my favourite Fulham players at the time - and still is one of my favourite players.
Good to read these memories of Ian - thank you.RIP.
I think you will find that Ken Hewkins and Frank Elliot were I an's deputies. Tony Macedos main deputy was Dave Underwood
Following the interview of which he speaks, Ed asked me to write a verse in honour of Ian Black.
On receipt, Ian wrote back to say how humble he was that anyone should have written a poem about him, such was the modesty of one of our great goalkeepers.
I saw Ian play plenty of times and although he was never flamboyant or spectacular he was safe and reliable- a gentleman both on and off the field.
May he Rest in Peace.
Like Peabody and Corked Hat I saw Ian Black play a number of times for us before the onset of the mighty Macedo. To describe him as safe and reliable might make him sound a bit boring but he did his job well and he was certainly a better custodian than many others who have played for Fulham.
He also used many of his afternoons off after training to come and coach at my school St Clement Danes.
My late father who took me to Fulham in the early days also came to know Ian a bit in the bowls world. He said he was a most humble and helpful man and never made mention of his time at Fulham!
RIP Ian.
My overriding memory of him is in the famous Newcastle game, we had fought back from 3-0 down to lead 4-3, they had equalised and then, a high ball into the six yard box, Ian jumping and catching the ball whilst in mid-air, Vic Keeble charging him into the back of the net. Even the press admited the next day that we had been robbed, very poor refereeing.
Told my 89 year old Dad yesterday about the passing away of Ian Black. He said "Thats sad, watched him play many times, he was a good keeper"
...if anyone has any memories of Ian's playing career it would be good to see as I will print this page and pass them onto Ian's grandson.
Never forget our history it was the foundation of our present and helps build our future...
Quote from: RaySmith on December 18, 2012, 11:32:10 AM
He was just before my time, but I do remember Ken Hewkins , mentioned by cmg - as the great Macedo's understudy; and Eddie Lowe , of course, who was one of my favourite Fulham players at the time - and still is one of my favourite players.
Good to read these memories of Ian - thank you.RIP.
Written by Gordon Mills in 2007 in the Hammy End
I'm going to begin with Tony Macedo's understudy for much of that time, reserve team goalkeeper, Ken Hewkins. Ken was a South African and a big man. Well over 6 feet and hard as nails, he might well have been a first team regular were it not for Macedo's unpredictable brilliance. Hewkins could propel his goal kicks well into the opponent's half - no mean feat given the weight of the balls back then - and such was the power of his kick that he was the regular penalty taker for the reserves. One game in front of the usual 211 spectators at the Cottage a penalty was awarded to Fulham in the dying moments of a game with the scores level. Big Ken ran enthusiastically up the pitch with the rest of the team standing back in anticipation of his bullet like shot. He didn't check his stride as someone else had placed the ball on the spot, increased his speed and launched a thunderous cannonball of a shot goalwards. To his dismay the ball crashed against the crossbar and such was its velocity that it rebounded well over his head and the rest of the Fulham players who were gathered on the edge of the penalty area. In fact it rebounded to an opponent who was loitering in the centre circle. He turned towards the Fulham goal and set off with the ball at his feet and all 11 Fulham players in pursuit. He shot from about 35 yards, no doubt fearing the ref would blow for time before he could get any closer to the goal and the ball bobbled along into the unguarded Fulham net with Hewkins and the rest puffing in vain some yards adrift. The laughter from the now Johnny Haynes stand was amplified by members of the first team who were in attendance, enjoying every second of the spectacle. There was no time to restart the game - Fulham reserves had lost!!It was moments like these and characters like Ken Hewkins who made supporting Fulham such a joy and started the popular term "Fulhamish".
Ken Hewkins joined from Clyde in 1955 and retired in 1962 and whilst it is true that this period encroached ointo Tony Macedos time which was 1957 until 1968. Ken had quite a few bad injuries, the reason for his retirement in that time he played 38 games, which can be verified in The Complete Fulham Records. In most cases, he could not plat because of injury
...I was pleased with the respect afforded to Ian's memory pre match with both teams wearing the black armband and the one minute applause.
Ian's funeral is on Friday - RIP Ian...
In 1954 my dad and I went to see us play at Derby County, where we drew 3-3. In that match, Ian Black was again injured and Charlie Mitten took over in goal. Ian again went on the wing, with his shouldered heavily strapped. Could you see some of today's performers carrying on when in pain?
I wrote to him to see how he was feeling and he replied with a lovely two page letter. He was always a favourite of mine and later on he obtained for me, autographed newspaper photographs of his teammates......I still have them. Unfortunately, I don't have his letters.....just the memories.
RIP Ian. One class act!
RIP Ian,
I used to buy all my sports equipment for school at Black and Lowe, just so I could go in and hopefully meet the 2 of them, never met Eddie in there but had the honour of meeting Ian on several occaisions, it was an honour to have met him
...just back from the funeral of former Fulham goalkeeper Ian Black at Leatherhead crematorium. Ian had a Humanist Service which was very well attended, his coffin bore the International cap he won for Scotland.
The infamous goal where Vic Keeble fouled Ian to score was spoken about, and they also mention his shop 'Black and Lowe, where he met his wife Dorothy.
There were two other Fulham fans and dear old Tosh Chamberlain was there too. They read out a poem by 'Corked Hat' aka John Ellen and he departed this mortal coil to the Match Of The Day theme tune. If anyone would like to show their remembrance for him they can send a donation to Mid Surrey Palliative Care Trust Fund, C/O Alan Greenwood & Sons, 425 Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT19 0BT (020 8786 7476) RIP Ian Henderson Black...
(http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8488/ianblack008.jpg)
Quote from: mr-ska on December 17, 2012, 07:21:32 PM
Black and Lowe used to own a sports shop on Tolworth Broadway in the 70's... I nearly past out with excitement knowing they played for Fulham. I was about 7 at the time
RIP x
I had an office on the other side of the road. I used to pop in & have a chat every week.