February 2002

[TheGorbalsAdmin]

Gorbals memories 1938 - 1955. I'm just on the Internet and was thrilled to see a Gorbals website. I just had to respond to Hughie Carey's article on "The great one - Paddy Crerand". I have very fond memories of playing with Paddy as early as his first days in the playground at lunchtime after dinner school at Holyrood Secondary in Crosshill.

I also remember playing with his future brother in law, John "Jumbo" Ferry with the Seconday Juvenile Football Team, sponsored by RANCEL RANGERS/CELTIC supporters club, for 2 or 3 seasons. The coach/manager then was Hugh "Shug" Wiseman.

What a team we had then, veritable giant killers of their day. John at right back and his buddy, Big Billy McCue at left back and with Shug McHale in goal, they were stalwart defenders of any mistakes we made up front.

My buddy Joe Mallon who also lives here in Ontario, a great versatile player also played in that team. When John Ferry was mentioned the first thing that came to mind was that he had a tremendous physique. I don't know where the nickname "Jumbo" came from, but we nicknamed him "Garth". Taken from the muscleman action character appearing in the Daily Record at the time.

I will never forget the game we played against Jordanhill Teacher Training College in "Glesga Green". Their we left winger was playing a great game and was giving John a real hard time. I was playing on the right wing, poaching on the halfway line as per Shug Wiseman's instructions and they got a corner from their right wing. Their right winger drifted the ball over, curving out to this wee left winger. The ball bounced awkwardly all over the rough gravel and the wee winger was having a problem, just outside the 18 yard line trying to control the ball.

Meanwhile, John had launched himself from the goalpost in his right back position and like the rampaging Rhino he was, headed out straight to the winger. I was on the line next to Shug and I could hear him saying "for god's sake Jumbo, get him before he reaches the penalty box". The wee winger was just outside the box, with his right leg up in the air, just on the verge of bringing the ball into control, as John thundered towards him to chest the ball, and him right out of the pitch for a throw in.
Unfortunately, they carried the winger off with whatever damage had been done to his leg or ankle and the game went on. John was so concerned about the wingers welfare at the time and rushed over to make sure he was being care for. After the game, in the dressing room we eventually asked John how he was. He assured us he was okay, and I'm sure he was, but when he pulled of his jersey, he had the stud marks of the wee winger on his chest. A great guy and a committed Rancel player to the death.

Awra best.

Submitted by: Tommy Deehan
Newmarket, Ontario
Canada
23/02/02

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I was born 1942, in Lawmoor St with 3 older sisters and 1 younger brother, all attended St Francis, then Holyrood. I still have some nephews in the Gorbals.

My kids love to visit and walk over the swing bridge to the green. I remember well the peanut and tablet man under the bridge, on the way to the palace, pictures or the baths. Also remember Serge's chippy on Crown St, next to the Gerge.

My grannie lived on Snowden St, off McNeil St. Does anyone remember Greasy Peters on Rutherglen Road? Thoroughly enjoyed my visit, will look back again. Thanks for the memories.

Submitted by: John Paton
Plantation, Ft Lauderdale
Florida, USA
23/02/02

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________