Hi all, long time no see.
I am currently researching for a biography I'm writing on George Best for an Italian publisher and I am actually struggling to find material regarding his two spells at our beloved Fulham, which was actually what interest me most about writing this book. There's obviously plenty of stuff about United and even a book on his time at Hibs, but only a few mentions, the usual stuff about him and Marshy tackling each other to amuse themselves and the public, his car wreck in front of Harrods and some videos on YouTube regarding his Fulham stint. Obviously it's also a glorious chance to write about the team I love so it's going to be a pretty packed chapter that one, but I'm looking for trivia to spice up the tale.
So, if anyone could add up to what I know in any matter regarding his time at Craven Cottage it would be more than welcome. From the pubs and clubs he used to frequent when in London to his best and worst performances in a Fulham shirt, to whoever were his best mates here etc.
Many thanks to those who'll contribute.
Les Strong & David Hamilton have a great tale to tell from his time at FFC regarding Besties legendary boozing stamina.
Generally he greatly impressed on the pitch, in a midfield role, despite the booze problems I later read about in his autobiography.
In an away game at Palace he broke Palace captain Ian Evans's leg in a tackle, which led to some animosity from Palace fans for a bit afterwards.
Quote from: RaySmith on December 04, 2017, 07:40:51 PM
Generally he greatly impressed on the pitch, in a midfield role, despite the booze problems I later read about in his autobiography.
In an away game at Palace he broke Palace captain Ian Evans's leg in a tackle, which led to some animosity from Palace fans for a bit afterwards.
Yes I was there at that game, I think we won it 3 2, I am sure Teddy Maybank scored that day.
I had to pinch myself every time he played. Couldn't believe this icon was plying his trade with us. He wore the shirt for a short time, but from the first kick he had he was one of our own. I know that sounds corny, but he just wanted to play football.
The Hereford game will stay with me forever, and not just because of Best and Marsh... the team were having fun at that time and that game exemplified this.
Rodney Marsh re-joined Fulham because of his respect for Alec Stock and Best joined because of his friendship with Rodney.
Scored on his debut at the Hammersmith end past Jim Eadie of Bristol Rovers in a 1-0 win.
The Hereford match.
Sent off for foul and abusive language in a 4-1 defeat at The Dell.
Brilliant performance on a frozen pitch in a 5-0 victory at The Cottage against Oldham Athletic.
Got lumps kicked out of him by Mickey Droy in a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Stamford Bridge in front of a crowd of 55,000.
As per above involved in the tackle that broke Ian Evans' leg.
I was lucky enough to see all the games that Best and Marsh played.
Remember being on holiday in Bournemouth and meeting my uncle who almost ran out of Poole station with newspaper showing my dad and me the headline..
Best signs for Fulham..
Amazing I was 10 think he was on £500 a week..
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:06:55 PM
Remember being on holiday in Bournemouth and meeting my uncle who almost ran out of Poole station with newspaper showing my dad and me the headline..
Best signs for Fulham.
Amazing I was 10 think he was on £500 a week..
Think his debut goal was very early maybe a minute in curler top corner...
Scored on seventeen minutes I think
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:10:27 PM
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:06:55 PM
Remember being on holiday in Bournemouth and meeting my uncle who almost ran out of Poole station with newspaper showing my dad and me the headline..
Best signs for Fulham.
Amazing I was 10 think he was on £500 a week..
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:10:27 PM
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:06:55 PM
Remember being on holiday in Bournemouth and meeting my uncle who almost ran out of Poole station with newspaper showing my dad and me the headline..
Best signs for Fulham.
Amazing I was 10 think he was on £500 a week..
Think his debut goal was very early maybe a minute in curler top corner...
Think his debut goal was very early maybe a minute in curler top corner...
I t would have been great to have been a wonder goal but it was a rather scuffed shot that Jim Eadie couldn't quite get down to.
Quote from: Dodgin on December 04, 2017, 09:19:44 PM
Scored on seventeen minutes I think
Later than I thought then but 40 odd years ago unbelievable
Quote from: Sir Alec of good Stock on December 04, 2017, 08:18:23 PM
Rodney Marsh re-joined Fulham because of his respect for Alec Stock and Best joined because of his friendship with Rodney.
Scored on his debut at the Hammersmith end past Jim Eadie of Bristol Rovers in a 1-0 win.
The Hereford match.
Sent off for foul and abusive language in a 4-1 defeat at The Dell.
Brilliant performance on a frozen pitch in a 5-0 victory at The Cottage against Oldham Athletic.
Got lumps kicked out of him by Mickey Droy in a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Stamford Bridge in front of a crowd of 55,000.
As per above involved in the tackle that broke Ian Evans' leg.
I was lucky enough to see all the games that Best and Marsh played.
Memory hazy now but I think that prior to the 2-0 defeat @ SB where Droy kicked George up in the air early in the game & finished him off (sending off offence now) - crowd 55,003 my dad brother & me making the 3 trying to stand amongst a swaying crowd @ the North End road end
Earlier in the season Fulham beat Chelsea 3-1 @ the Cottage
Recall a picture of a spinning upwards ball (near the PB end corner) stroked fabulously on the volley or half volley by George into the net
Next day in the paper a frozen picture of Bonnetti, Droy et al hopelessly watching as George's shot flew past them all in the net
Marvellous!
COYW!
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:23:11 PM
Quote from: Dodgin on December 04, 2017, 09:19:44 PM
Scored on seventeen minutes I think
Later than I thought then but 40 odd years ago unbelievable
Great idea to link Peter Marinello with Chris Guthrie. Marinello debut, 5-1 v Cambridge United, hat trick for Guthrie I think all made by Marinello. He tore Lindsay Smith apart that day and scored the winner in the next game in a 1-0 v Luton. After that defenders worked him out.
Quote from: AnotherVicHalomLoveChild on December 04, 2017, 09:34:46 PM
Quote from: Sir Alec of good Stock on December 04, 2017, 08:18:23 PM
Rodney Marsh re-joined Fulham because of his respect for Alec Stock and Best joined because of his friendship with Rodney.
Scored on his debut at the Hammersmith end past Jim Eadie of Bristol Rovers in a 1-0 win.
The Hereford match.
Sent off for foul and abusive language in a 4-1 defeat at The Dell.
Brilliant performance on a frozen pitch in a 5-0 victory at The Cottage against Oldham Athletic.
Got lumps kicked out of him by Mickey Droy in a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Stamford Bridge in front of a crowd of 55,000.
As per above involved in the tackle that broke Ian Evans' leg.
I was lucky enough to see all the games that Best and Marsh played.
Memory hazy now but I think that prior to the 2-0 defeat @ SB where Droy kicked George up in the air early in the game & finished him off (sending off offence now) - crowd 55,003 my dad brother & me making the 3 trying to stand amongst a swaying crowd @ the North End road end
Earlier in the season Fulham beat Chelsea 3-1 @ the Cottage
Recall a picture of a spinning upwards ball (near the PB end corner) stroked fabulously on the volley or half volley by George into the net
Next day in the paper a frozen picture of Bonnetti, Droy et al hopelessly watching as George's shot flew past them all in the net
Marvellous!
COYW!
Strange isn't it, but I also remember it being 55,003.
That 3-1 win v Chelsea was played on a waterlogged pitch as I remember which was perfect for someone who had as good balance as George.
Quote from: Sir Alec of good Stock on December 04, 2017, 09:38:13 PM
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:23:11 PM
Quote from: Dodgin on December 04, 2017, 09:19:44 PM
Scored on seventeen minutes I think
Later than I thought then but 40 odd years ago unbelievable
Great idea to link Peter Marinello with Chris Guthrie. Marinello debut, 5-1 v Cambridge United, hat trick for Guthrie I think all made by Marinello. He tore Lindsay Smith apart that day and scored the winner in the next game in a 1-0 v Luton. After that defenders worked him out.
Cheers.. loved that partnership and I think Ray Evans at rb..
Was it Guthrie who led Gordon McQueen a merry dance?
Out with my mates in Blushes wine bar in Kings Road celebrating the Birth of my Twin girls.George was in there and was kind enough to come over and shake my hand and congratulate me.
Quote from: mrmicawbers on December 04, 2017, 10:20:54 PM
Out with my mates in Blushes wine bar in Kings Road celebrating the Birth of my Twin girls.George was in there and was kind enough to come over and shake my hand and congratulate me.
Quote from: mrmicawbers on December 04, 2017, 10:20:54 PM
Out with my mates in Blushes wine bar in Kings Road celebrating the Birth of my Twin girls.George was in there and was kind enough to come over and shake my hand and congratulate me.
Should have said they will be 29 in January
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:10:27 PM
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:06:55 PM
Remember being on holiday in Bournemouth and meeting my uncle who almost ran out of Poole station with newspaper showing my dad and me the headline..
Best signs for Fulham.
Amazing I was 10 think he was on £500 a week..
Think his debut goal was very early maybe a minute in curler top corner...
I think it was more a surprise to the GK that he took a shot.
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:57:38 PM
Quote from: Sir Alec of good Stock on December 04, 2017, 09:38:13 PM
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:23:11 PM
Quote from: Dodgin on December 04, 2017, 09:19:44 PM
Scored on seventeen minutes I think
Later than I thought then but 40 odd years ago unbelievable
Great idea to link Peter Marinello with Chris Guthrie. Marinello debut, 5-1 v Cambridge United, hat trick for Guthrie I think all made by Marinello. He tore Lindsay Smith apart that day and scored the winner in the next game in a 1-0 v Luton. After that defenders worked him out.
Cheers.. loved that partnership and I think Ray Evans at rb..
Was it Guthrie who led Gordon McQueen a merry dance?
Ray Evans was one of the best crossers of a ball that I've seen at Fulham and perfect for a big centre forward like Guthrie.
I remember talking to Malcolm MacDonald about Guthrie saying that he was a tough old centre forward and he didn't seem to agree!
I remember best scoring a cracker away at peterborough in the league cup , september 1976 !
Quote from: Dr Know on December 05, 2017, 09:48:47 AM
I remember best scoring a cracker away at peterborough in the league cup , september 1976 !
I remember that game well for the fantastic away support. His goal was at the other end, but didn't he flick it up and volley it in from the edge of the box?
Quote from: RaySmith on December 04, 2017, 07:40:51 PM
In an away game at Palace he broke Palace captain Ian Evans's leg in a tackle, which led to some animosity from Palace fans for a bit afterwards.
I remember that... You could clearly hear the snap of the bone. Nasty injury.
I had a couple of French children , about 13 and 14 year olds staying with me at the time of M&B and I took them to see Chelsea v Liverpool at the Bridge one week and then to the 2nd division game at the Cottage the next.
They went home to tell their friends in Paris that they had seen the great Liverpool team but that the best footballers and entertainers were to be seen at the Cottage. They had just never seen anything like M&B.
Of course those of us lucky enough to have seen M&B play for Fulham will be counting ourselves lucky that it all happened before Stats Boy was even a twinkle in his mother's eye. There was no such control on a manager in those days, particularly on the great Alec Stock.
Quote from: Burt on December 05, 2017, 01:34:08 PM
Quote from: RaySmith on December 04, 2017, 07:40:51 PM
In an away game at Palace he broke Palace captain Ian Evans's leg in a tackle, which led to some animosity from Palace fans for a bit afterwards.
I remember that... You could clearly hear the snap of the bone. Nasty injury.
Remember that game so clearly. Living in the Palace catchment area I had to throw a sickie from school on the following Monday as I was informed a warm reception awaited me.
Quote from: Burt on December 05, 2017, 01:34:08 PM
Quote from: RaySmith on December 04, 2017, 07:40:51 PM
In an away game at Palace he broke Palace captain Ian Evans's leg in a tackle, which led to some animosity from Palace fans for a bit afterwards.
I remember that... You could clearly hear the snap of the bone. Nasty injury.
Similar to the Paul Went/Martyn Busby challenge. That was the first time that I had seen a broken leg actually out of shape.
Quote from: Marinelloguthrie on December 04, 2017, 09:10:27 PM
Think his debut goal was very early maybe a minute in curler top corner...
Afraid not - the story has grown in the telling! I was in my usual spot at the Hammersmith End, despite the unusually large 21,000 crowd. We got a free kick in the first minute slightly to the right of the goal just outside the penalty area, and nobody was going to deny George the opportunity. It was a mediocre free kick, almost a grasscutter which the keeper fumbled over the line. Timed at 71 seconds. It should have been a straightforward save. By normal standards, it was a poor quality goal, but of course memorable because of the occasion and everyone went bananas. I remember looking at the teamsheet on the back of the matchday programme before the game, and still not being able to adjust to seeing the names of Bobby Moore, George Best and (albeit to a lesser extent) Rodney Marsh in the same Fulham team.
Quote from: Sir Alec of good Stock on December 05, 2017, 01:27:41 PM
Quote from: Dr Know on December 05, 2017, 09:48:47 AM
I remember best scoring a cracker away at peterborough in the league cup , september 1976 !
I remember that game well for the fantastic away support. His goal was at the other end, but didn't he flick it up and volley it in from the edge of the box?
Yes he did exactly as you described, I was there also and it was a League Cup Replay. I believe the result was 2 0.
It had completely escaped my memory that Marinello ever played for us.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on December 09, 2017, 01:48:54 AM
Quote from: Sir Alec of good Stock on December 05, 2017, 01:27:41 PM
Quote from: Dr Know on December 05, 2017, 09:48:47 AM
I remember best scoring a cracker away at peterborough in the league cup , september 1976 !
I remember that game well for the fantastic away support. His goal was at the other end, but didn't he flick it up and volley it in from the edge of the box?
Yes he did exactly as you described, I was there also and it was a League Cup Replay. I believe the result was 2 0.
Ended up 2-1 to fulham , Alan Slough scored the other goal . Another George Best story was when we played away at Redhill fc in , i think , in sept / oct 1976 , after the game all the players went to the opening of a nightclub called busbys . I tried many times to get in but i wasn't allowed . Before i knew it I'd realised the last train back to London had departed so i waited until the players came out of the club and managed to get a lift on the team coach sitting next to , part of the way , Bestie , also on the coach was , why i never found out was Cilla Black and Jimmy Tarbuck , happy days ,
