Mystery Benefactor revealed

[Scrumpy]

I've nearly finished reading the David Hamilton book from Ashwater Press. An excellent read for anyone that is considering buying it.

Anyway, among many interesting facts it is revealed just who helped to pay for Robbie Hererra. It was a chap called Cyril Swain, who was a Director at the Club for some time, a life-long Fulham fan and all round good egg. He was not a mega-rich man, like many of today's football people, just a fan who had a few more bob than most.

For those not old enough to remember, Robbie was an excellent full back who we bought from QPR for £40k. At the time, we did not have 2 pennies to rub together and a mystery 'fan' forked out the money for this purchase. He was one of our best players for a number of years and we owe Cyril a huge debt. Over the years there have been a number of names suggested as to who the benefactor could have been, including Hugh Grant and Jiimmy Hill, but I don't think it has ever been confirmed in black and white.

So I'd like to be the first to say 'Nice one Cyril'.

[NorthernWhite]

I used to love seeing Robbie Herrera bombing down the wing, a very good player for us during that period.

[Steven Ageroad]

Was Robbie the one, that if he wore a Sombrero, looked like a Mexican bandit?

[Rupert]

Was Robbie the one, that if he wore a Sombrero, looked like a Mexican bandit?

Yes, also described by Morgs as a Columbian drug runner, though in an affectionate manner.

[Two Ton Ted]

I thought it was common knowledge Cyril paid the fee?

Anywho, he was a great man who was there to help the club in our hour of greatest need along with the Muddymans Shrimpton and Hill.

[Scrumpy]

I thought it was common knowledge Cyril paid the fee?

Anywho, he was a great man who was there to help the club in our hour of greatest need along with the Muddymans Shrimpton and Hill.

Well, no-one told me :016:. As you say, all good men who maybe did not get the publicity that they deserved.

[ron]

Yes, Herrera bombing along, attempting a one-two with Terry Angus, then having to challenge for the *ahem*  slightly misdirected or short return....

[cmg]

Was Robbie the one, that if he wore a Sombrero, looked like a Mexican bandit?

Yes, also described by Morgs as a Columbian drug runner, though in an affectionate manner.

Did Morgs always take the piss out of everybody? There was a tribute to Barry Hayles recently in which Morgs was talking about him having "the biggest arse in football". And I've seen footage of him and Cookie which is like a music-hall double act. Seems like an ideal bloke to have a few pints with (not a totally unlikely scenerio, I believe).

[Rupert]

Did Morgs always take the piss out of everybody?

No, he only mocks those he has a great deal of affection for. In his book he pours a lot of scorn on the likes of David Pleat (as well as giving an instance of Pleat acting in a compassionate way), I think a few others get slated too, people who he feels let football, or our club, down.
He has a lot to say about the likes of Darren Freeman, but it is quite clear he expects (and gets) to take it from them as well as dishing it out.

I do get the idea that he is careful not to have a dig at those you might consider to be vulnerable.

As you say, a man you would be fortunate to sup a pint or two with.

[Burt]

Just to reiterate Scrumpy's point - Diddy's book is an excellent read, and some great photos in there too.