During lockdown I bought a number of books by Clive James. In one of them, a collection of his TV reviews (a sign of how good the writing is that they are still funny and insightful 40 years later, and are even if you haven't seen the programmes). He mentions Des O'connor on Morecambe and wise, saying he is bright enough to play along, happy for the million or so's worth of free publicity. He made the pertinent point this sort of taking the mickey out of a person watched by millions is only really funny when it is done by someone watched by even more millions. When done by second raters performing in pokey clubs, as became a stock thing, in front of a dozen people it isn't.
Ray Clemence. Met him on a P&O Cruise ship going around the Caribbean a few years back. He gave some interesting talks about his time in football. Seemed to be a really nice guy and was always ready with a bit of banter and a smile if you said hello to him.
Liverpool FC (@lfc) Tweeted: @RayClem1 Everyone at #LFC is sending you their best wishes, Ray. #YNWA ❤️ https://t.co/93v4s6lnuq brings a lump to the throat Ray going back to Anfield playing for Spurs and the applause and respect is just brilliant
Saw him playing for Liverpool on a few occssions. He played for England under 23s at BP vs Sweden, back in the day. England won 2-0. Great keeper.
Eric Hall, football agent. Hall secured Gary Lineker's first ever boot deal, and was agent to the likes of Dennis Wise, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock, Tim Sherwood and Paul Walsh. He also claimed to be claims to be the first agent ever to have goal and appearance bonuses written into players' contracts. "I was the first agent to bring in bonuses and the funniest deal I ever did was when I was looking after Dennis Wise and John Fashanu at Wimbledon... "I got a call from a guy called Dave Beasant, who I knew was a player but I didn't know much about him. "He told me he was moving from Wimbledon to Newcastle and asked if I could do the deal, so I said I would and I travelled up to meet the club. "I'm giving it all my shtick - 'This player's great and I want bonuses of £9,000 a goal and after 10 goals an extra £100,000.' "Newcastle said, 'Our pleasure, Eric.' I came out of the meeting and Dave said: 'Eric, do you know what position I play? Goalkeeper.' " https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/breaking-eric-hall-dead-ex-23021560