Champions Who Were Overlooked

Les Wilson has contacted us in dismay after stumbling upon an apparent snub to Wolves in a 1982 North American Soccer League guide.

The publication lists its all-star team from the 1967 North American League – won in style by Ronnie Allen’s Los Angeles Wolves – and also a second team.

And Les tells us disbelievingly: “There’s not one Wolves player in there. Something has to be wrong.

“There are some impressive names – Banks, Clark, Stanton, Baxter, Borges, Dobing, Eastham, Vernon, Skeels, Cormack et al were all excellent players in their own right. But I’m shocked that there’s not one Wolves player selected. We were the Western Division champions and overall United Soccer Association champions, so it seems a bit odd.

“This selection must have been made before the final game in the LA Coliseum and was possibly voted on by the USA media, who were not well informed at the time.

“All I can say is: What about players like David Burnside, Peter Knowles, Bobby Thomson, Derek Dougan, David Wagstaffe, Terry Wharton, Ernie Hunt, Phil Parkes, David Woodfield etc, etc?”

Several players from the Aberdeen side (playing as Washington Whips) are included.

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All Stars Sign Off

Wolves All Stars play what is likely to be their last game of the year when they turn out at Wolverhampton Casuals’ ground at Brinsford Lane, Wolverhampton, on Sunday.

The match kicks off at 2.30pm and is against a Wolves Staff X1, with funds going to the New Cross Hospital baby unit.

“It is fitting that what is probably our final fixture of 2010 is against a team made up of Wolverhampton Wanderers staff and employees,” said All Stars player-manager Mel Eves.

“The match organiser, Steve Smith from Wolves, is very keen to bring the present and past of our great football club together for a special event.

“All proceeds from the day will go to the baby unit – the cause chosen by Steve – so we’re hoping for another good turn-out.

“The support even of players who aren’t playing in the game would be greatly appreciated, as it was at the opening of the Castlecroft stadium a few weeks ago.”

Charity matches played by the All Stars this year have so far raised around £25,000 for worthy causes.

Eves is still seeking a match-day assistant to help organise his team and liaise with opponents and officials and can be contacted by interested parties on 07768 390153.

Casuals’ ground is located at WV10 7PR. 

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Bobby On His Beat

Bobby Thomson will be at the Fort Retail Park near Birmingham from 6pm to 8pm next Thursday (November 25) to sign copies of his newly-published book, The Real Bobby Dazzler.