For those of you who are old enough to remember him. Former Leeds United, Birmingham City and Wales goalkeeper Gary Sprake has died at the age of 71. Swansea-born Sprake made more than 500 appearances during 11 years at Leeds United, and was a First Division title winner in 1969. He also won a second division winner's medal in addition to the League Cup in 1968 and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups. Sprake, who won 37 caps during a 12-year career with Wales, joined Birmingham City in 1973. Leeds United sent its "condolences and support to the Sprake family at this difficult time". Not a hero of mine, and a figure of fun for some because of his howlers, but someone who figured large in my formative football years, and overall a good keeper. RIP Gary
In my glory hunting days back in the 70s, Leeds Utd was my team.....(not any more!) I still remember the team/squad!! Main Team: Sprake, Reaney, Cooper, Bremner, Charlton, Hunter, Lorimer, Clarke, Jones, J Giles, E Grey. Harvey, Trevor Cherry, F Grey, etc While most of my mates were Liverpool & Man U fans....Leeds was the team I followed... Of course it goes without saying.....Bristol City was and will always be my No1 team!! RIP Gary Sprake
Chelsea were my 1st Division team and they managed to beat 'Dirty' Leeds 2-1 in a replay at Old Trafford of the 1970 FA Cup Final after a 2-2 draw on a very sandy/muddy Wembley pitch. The Leeds team from 1970 wasn't too different to the one City played and beat them in the 1974 FA Cup 5th round replay. I think the changes to the first team between the 2 games were David Harvey in goal and Trevor Cherry instead of Cooper maybe, when we beat them ? Good days and happy memories though
I remember that cup final replay, I was close to tears!! Was there for the City game too.. 1972 made up for the 1970 final when Leeds thrashed Arsenal 1-0 with a cross from Jones and a bullet header from Clarkey boy!! Was never the same when Revie went, just loved that team, (I know many didn't) funny but don't like then at all now!!
I was allowed to stay up and watch the FA Cup Final Replay which was an evening match. Can't remember if it was shown live or not, but I suspect it wasn't. But I do remember Dave Webbs header to win the game. I'm not sure Revie was a very nice person, but I knew personally and was close to Norman Hunter when he came down to Bristol. He had a Sports Shop in Whitchurch and I worked next door to it in the Butchers after school and on Saturday mornings !
I belonged to a football club and we used the City ground for training.....Norman Hunter took some of the sessions.....what a nice guy he was....Knew how to work you though!
Whenever I saw Leeds you could count on Gary Sprake being between the posts, and when you looked at who was playing in front of him it was like a page from the true book of football. He was a member of one of the best sides to play in England and his passing is a sad day for all who remember the beautiful game. From the far reaches of Canada I send my sympathy to his family and friends. R.I.P.
