----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure about the gentleman part to be honest.
——————
Very sociable and nice off the pitch. A friend of mine met him on a couple of occasions back in the 70’s, said he was extremely charming and had a droll sense of humour
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 2 minutes ago
Sad news, Tommy was a real legend, tough on the pitch and a gentleman off it
R.I.P.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure about the gentleman part to be honest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 1 minute ago
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure about the gentleman part to be honest.
——————
Very sociable and nice off the pitch. A friend of mine met him on a couple of occasions back in the 70’s, said he was extremely charming and had a droll sense of humour
----------------------------------------------------------------------
On the other hand he did speak very disparagingly of Emlyn Hughes!
RIP all the same though, one of footballs all time great hard men!
It’s no secret that Tommy Smith and Emlyn Hughes - two of Liverpool’s greatest captains and finest servants - hated each other, but what caused the friction between ‘Crazy Horse’ and Liverpool’s ‘Iron Man’?
And make no mistake - Smith really did hate Hughes, as he stated in emphatic terms in an interview once:
"I hated scoring for Liverpool because Hughes would come up and congratulate me. I hated him".
In another interview, Smith scathed: "The only mates he had in all his time at Liverpool were straight out of a vending machine”.
We can trace the seeds of Smith’s dislike for Hughes back to 1973, when after a much publicized fallout with Bill Shankly, Smith was dumped from the role of team captain and replaced by…Emlyn Hughes.
The change allegedly led to tension in the dressing room, with the older players remaining loyal to Smith whilst expressing their dislike for Hughes's chattiness, and (according to his obituary in The Telegraph) ‘parsimony’ in the pub.
Smith was clearly angry about losing the captaincy: "It was my club. I'd been there a damn sight longer than him. Everything in my life was football, especially Liverpool, so why should I let this two-faced little so-and-so spoil my football life?”
Smith added that off the pitch, he deliberately ignored Hughes: “Away from football, I did not entertain him, or speak to him off the pitch. Never".
It seems clear that Smith was far more popular amongst the players that Hughes, something which was exemplified following Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the 1974 FA Cup Final, where several players pushed Smith to the front of the celebrations, ahead of Hughes – a powerful, symbolic gesture, emphasizing who the ‘real’ captain was.
After Shankly's unexpected retirement in the close season, Hughes – much to Smith’s chagrin - was confirmed as the captain by his successor, Bob Paisley, who was also very much aware of the tension between the two:
“Some of Emlyn’s team-mates weren’t that fond of him and one of them, Tommy Smith, absolutely hated him. Smithy and Hughes never spoke to each other.
"I had to speak to them both when all the trouble was brewing up but it never mattered to me if players got on like a house on fire or if they couldn’t stand the sight of each other, as long as they didn’t let their personal feelings spill over onto the pitch.
“Their dislike of each other was something we managed to keep within the dressing room. I certainly don’t think the fans who were watching them play alongside each other had any idea of the feud that was going on”.
Another major cause of the Smith’s dislike of Hughes seems to stem from an alleged ‘set-up’ involving Arsenal players and their apparent willingness to throw games.
Smith alleges that Hughes told him that a number of Arsenal players were 'willing to throw a match for £50 a man'.
Said Smith: "I'd take a lie-detector test. He did say that, but I thought he might have been trying to set me up. I was that disgusted I didn't tell anyone except Ian Callaghan. From then on, I disliked him that much and he disliked me that much. As a footballer, he was very good. As a person, he wasn't."
If that allegation is true, then it’s a very apt historical antecedent to the George Graham bung controversy that afflicted Arsenal in the early 90s.
It wasn’t just Smith who had a problem with Hughes; according to Chelsea legend Peter Osgood, ‘Everybody hated Emlyn’. And in an interview shortly before he died, Osgood relayed a story that that illustrated Smith’s true feelings on Hughes:
"I remember this game at Anfield once - Chopper's [Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris] done Emlyn Hughes after 15 minutes and he's gone down squealing. Tommy Smith sprints in from 20 yards away, but he sprints straight past Emlyn, his team-mate, gets to Chopper, hauls him up, and says 'I could get to like you, Harris.' Nobody hated Emlyn more than Smithy."
In another alleged incident, Liverpool were playing Leeds United in the 70s, and Hughes was clattered by Allan Clarke in a goalmouth melee. Smith took one look at Hughes on the deck with blood pouring from his nose and said: ''Maybe that Clarke's not such a bad bloke after all''.
Despite their considerable tension between them, it’s clear that Hughes and Smith were consummate professionals on the pitch, and never let their personal dislike get in the way of what was best for the team, something that Smith himself was emphatic about:
"Once we were over that white line, we were playing for Liverpool, and our personal dislike of each other did not come into it”.
Bob Paisley saw the same attitude from Hughes:
“In fairness, neither of them let their personal problems affect their games when they were playing for each other. Emlyn never, ever let his feelings overshadow his respect for his team-mates’ playing abilities, and his inspirational quality as his predecessor as club captain”.
Smith’s public comments about Hughes have always been scathing, but the same cannot be said of Hughes, who paid a glowing tribute to Smith in his autobiography:
“He is the greatest captain I have ever played under. Although I never particularly got along with him as a man, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him as a captain on the pitch. He had powerful qualities of leadership.”
Irrespective of their personal dislike of each other, one thing is for sure: Smith and Hughes were two fantastic servants for Liverpool FC. Between them, they helped the club win every major honour in the game, including league and FA Cup titles, 2 European Cups and 2 Uefa Cups.
The 1977 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach is a perfect example of Smith and Hughes playing in complete harmony with each other, putting aside personal differences and allowing their professionalism to shine through.
The game was Liverpool’s first (and arguably most special) European Cup victory, and Smith crowned his fantastic career by scoring the goal that put Liverpool 2-1 up on the night.
Hughes lifted the trophy, and in the video footage taken after the game, if you look closely, there is one instance of Smith and Hughes celebrating…together.
A rare occurrence indeed, and one that would sadly never be repeated.
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
Hi Brummie,
Funnily enough I spoke with Chopper a few years ago when I played golf at Shrivenham golf course in Wiltshire that he owned.
He did a speech afterwards and some of his anecdotes were brilliant, including a couple about his tussles with Liverpool -layers.
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 20 seconds ago
Hi Brummie,
Funnily enough I spoke with Chopper a few years ago when I played golf at Shrivenham golf course in Wiltshire that he owned.
He did a speech afterwards and some of his anecdotes were brilliant, including a couple about his tussles with Liverpool -layers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did he tell the story about him taking out Crazy Horse at Anfield in the late 60s and Tommy Smiths reaction to it?
What a delighted scorer. It's Tommy Smith!
The great Barry Davies described that goal to me watching you lot win yet another trophy during the wilderness years of Man United
RIP Tommy. You kept us real. You dirty sod.
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Wasn't he a racist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes racially abused and bullied Howard Gayle.
Took his frustrations out on Howard after Emlyn usurped him
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 12 hours, 20 minutes ago
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emlyn broke Ossie’s Leg when he was 19
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 12 hours, 20 minutes ago
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emlyn broke Ossie’s Leg when he was 19
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It was at Blackpool in the League Cup and the reason Ossie didn't like him. His return from injury happened to be at Anfield and in between Hughes had signed for Liverpool. That was the catalyst for the incident during the game.
Had the privilege, (I think it was a privilege), of seeing Tommy a few times at Elland Rd, and once at Anfield … a proper player. RIP
comment by Olhoswhite (U16685)
posted 20 minutes ago
Had the privilege, (I think it was a privilege), of seeing Tommy a few times at Elland Rd, and once at Anfield … a proper player. RIP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That would have been a clash of the Titans - Tommy Smith Vs Bremner and Hunter, sadly only one survives now!
Did he tell the story about him taking out Crazy Horse at Anfield in the late 60s and Tommy Smiths reaction to it?
————————————
Yes he did, got a few laughs with that one.
He did mention George Best and how in one game he got so dizzy he thought he was at the fair on a waltzer.
At one point he asked Tommy Docherty about Best, “do you want me to break his leg?”
The Doc answered, “Yes, they will miss him more than we will miss you”
He recently commented about the current tackling in the PL and sendings off. He said that if he was playing now he would probably be sent off in the warm up before the game
Mind you our own Dave Mackay was one of the toughest footballers around in those days. Even came back from TWO broken legs to play again.
In August 1966, he clashed with Billy Bremner and the photo is now one of the most iconic photos of all time in British Football.
Asked about the incident, Dave said that he reacted because Bremner kicked him on the leg he had previously broken twice. If he had kicked the other leg then he would not have minded!😳
I remember that incident GG, where he had a sheepish looking Bremner by the shirt.
They don't make players like that anymore. Can you imagine a modern day team containing Harris, Bremner, Hunter, MacKay and Tommy Smith - carnage!!
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 4 hours, 45 minutes ago
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 12 hours, 20 minutes ago
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emlyn broke Ossie’s Leg when he was 19
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It was at Blackpool in the League Cup and the reason Ossie didn't like him. His return from injury happened to be at Anfield and in between Hughes had signed for Liverpool. That was the catalyst for the incident during the game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Brummie.
Apparently, fans back in the day sang, Can you here Emlyn Squeak?
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 3 hours, 52 minutes ago
Mind you our own Dave Mackay was one of the toughest footballers around in those days. Even came back from TWO broken legs to play again.
In August 1966, he clashed with Billy Bremner and the photo is now one of the most iconic photos of all time in British Football.
Asked about the incident, Dave said that he reacted because Bremner kicked him on the leg he had previously broken twice. If he had kicked the other leg then he would not have minded!😳
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Brilliant.
Love the proper old school hardmen.
RIP Tommy.
I was at Belfast High School in 77 when Liverpool won the European cup and Tommy scored....A girl was tied up with Liverpool scarves at the lockers ???
Strange what sticks in the mind.
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Wasn't he a racist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes racially abused and bullied Howard Gayle.
Took his frustrations out on Howard after Emlyn usurped him
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Saw these quotes earlier. Pretty disgusting.
comment by Ruiney (U1005)
posted 11 minutes ago
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Wasn't he a racist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes racially abused and bullied Howard Gayle.
Took his frustrations out on Howard after Emlyn usurped him
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Saw these quotes earlier. Pretty disgusting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The club sanctioned the abuse for years, no one gave him any support apart from Souness
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 18 hours, 1 minute ago
It’s no secret that Tommy Smith and Emlyn Hughes - two of Liverpool’s greatest captains and finest servants - hated each other, but what caused the friction between ‘Crazy Horse’ and Liverpool’s ‘Iron Man’?
And make no mistake - Smith really did hate Hughes, as he stated in emphatic terms in an interview once:
"I hated scoring for Liverpool because Hughes would come up and congratulate me. I hated him".
In another interview, Smith scathed: "The only mates he had in all his time at Liverpool were straight out of a vending machine”.
We can trace the seeds of Smith’s dislike for Hughes back to 1973, when after a much publicized fallout with Bill Shankly, Smith was dumped from the role of team captain and replaced by…Emlyn Hughes.
The change allegedly led to tension in the dressing room, with the older players remaining loyal to Smith whilst expressing their dislike for Hughes's chattiness, and (according to his obituary in The Telegraph) ‘parsimony’ in the pub.
Smith was clearly angry about losing the captaincy: "It was my club. I'd been there a damn sight longer than him. Everything in my life was football, especially Liverpool, so why should I let this two-faced little so-and-so spoil my football life?”
Smith added that off the pitch, he deliberately ignored Hughes: “Away from football, I did not entertain him, or speak to him off the pitch. Never".
It seems clear that Smith was far more popular amongst the players that Hughes, something which was exemplified following Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the 1974 FA Cup Final, where several players pushed Smith to the front of the celebrations, ahead of Hughes – a powerful, symbolic gesture, emphasizing who the ‘real’ captain was.
After Shankly's unexpected retirement in the close season, Hughes – much to Smith’s chagrin - was confirmed as the captain by his successor, Bob Paisley, who was also very much aware of the tension between the two:
“Some of Emlyn’s team-mates weren’t that fond of him and one of them, Tommy Smith, absolutely hated him. Smithy and Hughes never spoke to each other.
"I had to speak to them both when all the trouble was brewing up but it never mattered to me if players got on like a house on fire or if they couldn’t stand the sight of each other, as long as they didn’t let their personal feelings spill over onto the pitch.
“Their dislike of each other was something we managed to keep within the dressing room. I certainly don’t think the fans who were watching them play alongside each other had any idea of the feud that was going on”.
Another major cause of the Smith’s dislike of Hughes seems to stem from an alleged ‘set-up’ involving Arsenal players and their apparent willingness to throw games.
Smith alleges that Hughes told him that a number of Arsenal players were 'willing to throw a match for £50 a man'.
Said Smith: "I'd take a lie-detector test. He did say that, but I thought he might have been trying to set me up. I was that disgusted I didn't tell anyone except Ian Callaghan. From then on, I disliked him that much and he disliked me that much. As a footballer, he was very good. As a person, he wasn't."
If that allegation is true, then it’s a very apt historical antecedent to the George Graham bung controversy that afflicted Arsenal in the early 90s.
It wasn’t just Smith who had a problem with Hughes; according to Chelsea legend Peter Osgood, ‘Everybody hated Emlyn’. And in an interview shortly before he died, Osgood relayed a story that that illustrated Smith’s true feelings on Hughes:
"I remember this game at Anfield once - Chopper's [Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris] done Emlyn Hughes after 15 minutes and he's gone down squealing. Tommy Smith sprints in from 20 yards away, but he sprints straight past Emlyn, his team-mate, gets to Chopper, hauls him up, and says 'I could get to like you, Harris.' Nobody hated Emlyn more than Smithy."
In another alleged incident, Liverpool were playing Leeds United in the 70s, and Hughes was clattered by Allan Clarke in a goalmouth melee. Smith took one look at Hughes on the deck with blood pouring from his nose and said: ''Maybe that Clarke's not such a bad bloke after all''.
Despite their considerable tension between them, it’s clear that Hughes and Smith were consummate professionals on the pitch, and never let their personal dislike get in the way of what was best for the team, something that Smith himself was emphatic about:
"Once we were over that white line, we were playing for Liverpool, and our personal dislike of each other did not come into it”.
Bob Paisley saw the same attitude from Hughes:
“In fairness, neither of them let their personal problems affect their games when they were playing for each other. Emlyn never, ever let his feelings overshadow his respect for his team-mates’ playing abilities, and his inspirational quality as his predecessor as club captain”.
Smith’s public comments about Hughes have always been scathing, but the same cannot be said of Hughes, who paid a glowing tribute to Smith in his autobiography:
“He is the greatest captain I have ever played under. Although I never particularly got along with him as a man, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him as a captain on the pitch. He had powerful qualities of leadership.”
Irrespective of their personal dislike of each other, one thing is for sure: Smith and Hughes were two fantastic servants for Liverpool FC. Between them, they helped the club win every major honour in the game, including league and FA Cup titles, 2 European Cups and 2 Uefa Cups.
The 1977 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach is a perfect example of Smith and Hughes playing in complete harmony with each other, putting aside personal differences and allowing their professionalism to shine through.
The game was Liverpool’s first (and arguably most special) European Cup victory, and Smith crowned his fantastic career by scoring the goal that put Liverpool 2-1 up on the night.
Hughes lifted the trophy, and in the video footage taken after the game, if you look closely, there is one instance of Smith and Hughes celebrating…together.
A rare occurrence indeed, and one that would sadly never be repeated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Superb post mate.
I wonder if Howard Gayle will attend his funeral
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 14 minutes ago
I wonder if Howard Gayle will attend his funeral
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did Tommy pick on him due to colour?
Never heard this story until today.
No excuse, but different times and different strokes.
Sign in if you want to comment
RIP Tommy Smith
Page 2 of 3
posted on 12/4/19
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure about the gentleman part to be honest.
——————
Very sociable and nice off the pitch. A friend of mine met him on a couple of occasions back in the 70’s, said he was extremely charming and had a droll sense of humour
posted on 12/4/19
comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 2 minutes ago
Sad news, Tommy was a real legend, tough on the pitch and a gentleman off it
R.I.P.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure about the gentleman part to be honest.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 12/4/19
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 1 minute ago
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am not sure about the gentleman part to be honest.
——————
Very sociable and nice off the pitch. A friend of mine met him on a couple of occasions back in the 70’s, said he was extremely charming and had a droll sense of humour
----------------------------------------------------------------------
On the other hand he did speak very disparagingly of Emlyn Hughes!
RIP all the same though, one of footballs all time great hard men!
posted on 12/4/19
It’s no secret that Tommy Smith and Emlyn Hughes - two of Liverpool’s greatest captains and finest servants - hated each other, but what caused the friction between ‘Crazy Horse’ and Liverpool’s ‘Iron Man’?
And make no mistake - Smith really did hate Hughes, as he stated in emphatic terms in an interview once:
"I hated scoring for Liverpool because Hughes would come up and congratulate me. I hated him".
In another interview, Smith scathed: "The only mates he had in all his time at Liverpool were straight out of a vending machine”.
We can trace the seeds of Smith’s dislike for Hughes back to 1973, when after a much publicized fallout with Bill Shankly, Smith was dumped from the role of team captain and replaced by…Emlyn Hughes.
The change allegedly led to tension in the dressing room, with the older players remaining loyal to Smith whilst expressing their dislike for Hughes's chattiness, and (according to his obituary in The Telegraph) ‘parsimony’ in the pub.
Smith was clearly angry about losing the captaincy: "It was my club. I'd been there a damn sight longer than him. Everything in my life was football, especially Liverpool, so why should I let this two-faced little so-and-so spoil my football life?”
Smith added that off the pitch, he deliberately ignored Hughes: “Away from football, I did not entertain him, or speak to him off the pitch. Never".
It seems clear that Smith was far more popular amongst the players that Hughes, something which was exemplified following Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the 1974 FA Cup Final, where several players pushed Smith to the front of the celebrations, ahead of Hughes – a powerful, symbolic gesture, emphasizing who the ‘real’ captain was.
After Shankly's unexpected retirement in the close season, Hughes – much to Smith’s chagrin - was confirmed as the captain by his successor, Bob Paisley, who was also very much aware of the tension between the two:
“Some of Emlyn’s team-mates weren’t that fond of him and one of them, Tommy Smith, absolutely hated him. Smithy and Hughes never spoke to each other.
"I had to speak to them both when all the trouble was brewing up but it never mattered to me if players got on like a house on fire or if they couldn’t stand the sight of each other, as long as they didn’t let their personal feelings spill over onto the pitch.
“Their dislike of each other was something we managed to keep within the dressing room. I certainly don’t think the fans who were watching them play alongside each other had any idea of the feud that was going on”.
Another major cause of the Smith’s dislike of Hughes seems to stem from an alleged ‘set-up’ involving Arsenal players and their apparent willingness to throw games.
Smith alleges that Hughes told him that a number of Arsenal players were 'willing to throw a match for £50 a man'.
Said Smith: "I'd take a lie-detector test. He did say that, but I thought he might have been trying to set me up. I was that disgusted I didn't tell anyone except Ian Callaghan. From then on, I disliked him that much and he disliked me that much. As a footballer, he was very good. As a person, he wasn't."
If that allegation is true, then it’s a very apt historical antecedent to the George Graham bung controversy that afflicted Arsenal in the early 90s.
It wasn’t just Smith who had a problem with Hughes; according to Chelsea legend Peter Osgood, ‘Everybody hated Emlyn’. And in an interview shortly before he died, Osgood relayed a story that that illustrated Smith’s true feelings on Hughes:
"I remember this game at Anfield once - Chopper's [Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris] done Emlyn Hughes after 15 minutes and he's gone down squealing. Tommy Smith sprints in from 20 yards away, but he sprints straight past Emlyn, his team-mate, gets to Chopper, hauls him up, and says 'I could get to like you, Harris.' Nobody hated Emlyn more than Smithy."
In another alleged incident, Liverpool were playing Leeds United in the 70s, and Hughes was clattered by Allan Clarke in a goalmouth melee. Smith took one look at Hughes on the deck with blood pouring from his nose and said: ''Maybe that Clarke's not such a bad bloke after all''.
Despite their considerable tension between them, it’s clear that Hughes and Smith were consummate professionals on the pitch, and never let their personal dislike get in the way of what was best for the team, something that Smith himself was emphatic about:
"Once we were over that white line, we were playing for Liverpool, and our personal dislike of each other did not come into it”.
Bob Paisley saw the same attitude from Hughes:
“In fairness, neither of them let their personal problems affect their games when they were playing for each other. Emlyn never, ever let his feelings overshadow his respect for his team-mates’ playing abilities, and his inspirational quality as his predecessor as club captain”.
Smith’s public comments about Hughes have always been scathing, but the same cannot be said of Hughes, who paid a glowing tribute to Smith in his autobiography:
“He is the greatest captain I have ever played under. Although I never particularly got along with him as a man, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him as a captain on the pitch. He had powerful qualities of leadership.”
Irrespective of their personal dislike of each other, one thing is for sure: Smith and Hughes were two fantastic servants for Liverpool FC. Between them, they helped the club win every major honour in the game, including league and FA Cup titles, 2 European Cups and 2 Uefa Cups.
The 1977 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach is a perfect example of Smith and Hughes playing in complete harmony with each other, putting aside personal differences and allowing their professionalism to shine through.
The game was Liverpool’s first (and arguably most special) European Cup victory, and Smith crowned his fantastic career by scoring the goal that put Liverpool 2-1 up on the night.
Hughes lifted the trophy, and in the video footage taken after the game, if you look closely, there is one instance of Smith and Hughes celebrating…together.
A rare occurrence indeed, and one that would sadly never be repeated.
posted on 12/4/19
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
posted on 12/4/19
Hi Brummie,
Funnily enough I spoke with Chopper a few years ago when I played golf at Shrivenham golf course in Wiltshire that he owned.
He did a speech afterwards and some of his anecdotes were brilliant, including a couple about his tussles with Liverpool -layers.
posted on 12/4/19
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 20 seconds ago
Hi Brummie,
Funnily enough I spoke with Chopper a few years ago when I played golf at Shrivenham golf course in Wiltshire that he owned.
He did a speech afterwards and some of his anecdotes were brilliant, including a couple about his tussles with Liverpool -layers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did he tell the story about him taking out Crazy Horse at Anfield in the late 60s and Tommy Smiths reaction to it?
posted on 12/4/19
What a delighted scorer. It's Tommy Smith!
The great Barry Davies described that goal to me watching you lot win yet another trophy during the wilderness years of Man United
RIP Tommy. You kept us real. You dirty sod.
posted on 13/4/19
Wasn't he a racist
posted on 13/4/19
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Wasn't he a racist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes racially abused and bullied Howard Gayle.
Took his frustrations out on Howard after Emlyn usurped him
posted on 13/4/19
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 12 hours, 20 minutes ago
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emlyn broke Ossie’s Leg when he was 19
posted on 13/4/19
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 12 hours, 20 minutes ago
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emlyn broke Ossie’s Leg when he was 19
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It was at Blackpool in the League Cup and the reason Ossie didn't like him. His return from injury happened to be at Anfield and in between Hughes had signed for Liverpool. That was the catalyst for the incident during the game.
posted on 13/4/19
Had the privilege, (I think it was a privilege), of seeing Tommy a few times at Elland Rd, and once at Anfield … a proper player. RIP
posted on 13/4/19
comment by Olhoswhite (U16685)
posted 20 minutes ago
Had the privilege, (I think it was a privilege), of seeing Tommy a few times at Elland Rd, and once at Anfield … a proper player. RIP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That would have been a clash of the Titans - Tommy Smith Vs Bremner and Hunter, sadly only one survives now!
posted on 13/4/19
Did he tell the story about him taking out Crazy Horse at Anfield in the late 60s and Tommy Smiths reaction to it?
————————————
Yes he did, got a few laughs with that one.
He did mention George Best and how in one game he got so dizzy he thought he was at the fair on a waltzer.
At one point he asked Tommy Docherty about Best, “do you want me to break his leg?”
The Doc answered, “Yes, they will miss him more than we will miss you”
He recently commented about the current tackling in the PL and sendings off. He said that if he was playing now he would probably be sent off in the warm up before the game
posted on 13/4/19
Mind you our own Dave Mackay was one of the toughest footballers around in those days. Even came back from TWO broken legs to play again.
In August 1966, he clashed with Billy Bremner and the photo is now one of the most iconic photos of all time in British Football.
Asked about the incident, Dave said that he reacted because Bremner kicked him on the leg he had previously broken twice. If he had kicked the other leg then he would not have minded!😳
posted on 13/4/19
I remember that incident GG, where he had a sheepish looking Bremner by the shirt.
They don't make players like that anymore. Can you imagine a modern day team containing Harris, Bremner, Hunter, MacKay and Tommy Smith - carnage!!
posted on 13/4/19
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 4 hours, 45 minutes ago
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 12 hours, 20 minutes ago
GG, the 1st I was aware of it was from a story told by Peter Osgood (who didn't like Hughes either) 1st hand.
It involved Chopper Harris, I spoke with Ron about it years after Ossies death and he confirmed the story, albeit with a few minor differences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Emlyn broke Ossie’s Leg when he was 19
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It was at Blackpool in the League Cup and the reason Ossie didn't like him. His return from injury happened to be at Anfield and in between Hughes had signed for Liverpool. That was the catalyst for the incident during the game.
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Brummie.
Apparently, fans back in the day sang, Can you here Emlyn Squeak?
posted on 13/4/19
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 3 hours, 52 minutes ago
Mind you our own Dave Mackay was one of the toughest footballers around in those days. Even came back from TWO broken legs to play again.
In August 1966, he clashed with Billy Bremner and the photo is now one of the most iconic photos of all time in British Football.
Asked about the incident, Dave said that he reacted because Bremner kicked him on the leg he had previously broken twice. If he had kicked the other leg then he would not have minded!😳
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Brilliant.
Love the proper old school hardmen.
RIP Tommy.
posted on 13/4/19
I was at Belfast High School in 77 when Liverpool won the European cup and Tommy scored....A girl was tied up with Liverpool scarves at the lockers ???
Strange what sticks in the mind.
posted on 13/4/19
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Wasn't he a racist
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Yes racially abused and bullied Howard Gayle.
Took his frustrations out on Howard after Emlyn usurped him
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Saw these quotes earlier. Pretty disgusting.
posted on 13/4/19
comment by Ruiney (U1005)
posted 11 minutes ago
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 5 hours, 14 minutes ago
comment by MTC 2.0 (U21799)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Wasn't he a racist
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Yes racially abused and bullied Howard Gayle.
Took his frustrations out on Howard after Emlyn usurped him
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Saw these quotes earlier. Pretty disgusting.
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The club sanctioned the abuse for years, no one gave him any support apart from Souness
posted on 13/4/19
comment by GeniusGreaves (U1302)
posted 18 hours, 1 minute ago
It’s no secret that Tommy Smith and Emlyn Hughes - two of Liverpool’s greatest captains and finest servants - hated each other, but what caused the friction between ‘Crazy Horse’ and Liverpool’s ‘Iron Man’?
And make no mistake - Smith really did hate Hughes, as he stated in emphatic terms in an interview once:
"I hated scoring for Liverpool because Hughes would come up and congratulate me. I hated him".
In another interview, Smith scathed: "The only mates he had in all his time at Liverpool were straight out of a vending machine”.
We can trace the seeds of Smith’s dislike for Hughes back to 1973, when after a much publicized fallout with Bill Shankly, Smith was dumped from the role of team captain and replaced by…Emlyn Hughes.
The change allegedly led to tension in the dressing room, with the older players remaining loyal to Smith whilst expressing their dislike for Hughes's chattiness, and (according to his obituary in The Telegraph) ‘parsimony’ in the pub.
Smith was clearly angry about losing the captaincy: "It was my club. I'd been there a damn sight longer than him. Everything in my life was football, especially Liverpool, so why should I let this two-faced little so-and-so spoil my football life?”
Smith added that off the pitch, he deliberately ignored Hughes: “Away from football, I did not entertain him, or speak to him off the pitch. Never".
It seems clear that Smith was far more popular amongst the players that Hughes, something which was exemplified following Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the 1974 FA Cup Final, where several players pushed Smith to the front of the celebrations, ahead of Hughes – a powerful, symbolic gesture, emphasizing who the ‘real’ captain was.
After Shankly's unexpected retirement in the close season, Hughes – much to Smith’s chagrin - was confirmed as the captain by his successor, Bob Paisley, who was also very much aware of the tension between the two:
“Some of Emlyn’s team-mates weren’t that fond of him and one of them, Tommy Smith, absolutely hated him. Smithy and Hughes never spoke to each other.
"I had to speak to them both when all the trouble was brewing up but it never mattered to me if players got on like a house on fire or if they couldn’t stand the sight of each other, as long as they didn’t let their personal feelings spill over onto the pitch.
“Their dislike of each other was something we managed to keep within the dressing room. I certainly don’t think the fans who were watching them play alongside each other had any idea of the feud that was going on”.
Another major cause of the Smith’s dislike of Hughes seems to stem from an alleged ‘set-up’ involving Arsenal players and their apparent willingness to throw games.
Smith alleges that Hughes told him that a number of Arsenal players were 'willing to throw a match for £50 a man'.
Said Smith: "I'd take a lie-detector test. He did say that, but I thought he might have been trying to set me up. I was that disgusted I didn't tell anyone except Ian Callaghan. From then on, I disliked him that much and he disliked me that much. As a footballer, he was very good. As a person, he wasn't."
If that allegation is true, then it’s a very apt historical antecedent to the George Graham bung controversy that afflicted Arsenal in the early 90s.
It wasn’t just Smith who had a problem with Hughes; according to Chelsea legend Peter Osgood, ‘Everybody hated Emlyn’. And in an interview shortly before he died, Osgood relayed a story that that illustrated Smith’s true feelings on Hughes:
"I remember this game at Anfield once - Chopper's [Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris] done Emlyn Hughes after 15 minutes and he's gone down squealing. Tommy Smith sprints in from 20 yards away, but he sprints straight past Emlyn, his team-mate, gets to Chopper, hauls him up, and says 'I could get to like you, Harris.' Nobody hated Emlyn more than Smithy."
In another alleged incident, Liverpool were playing Leeds United in the 70s, and Hughes was clattered by Allan Clarke in a goalmouth melee. Smith took one look at Hughes on the deck with blood pouring from his nose and said: ''Maybe that Clarke's not such a bad bloke after all''.
Despite their considerable tension between them, it’s clear that Hughes and Smith were consummate professionals on the pitch, and never let their personal dislike get in the way of what was best for the team, something that Smith himself was emphatic about:
"Once we were over that white line, we were playing for Liverpool, and our personal dislike of each other did not come into it”.
Bob Paisley saw the same attitude from Hughes:
“In fairness, neither of them let their personal problems affect their games when they were playing for each other. Emlyn never, ever let his feelings overshadow his respect for his team-mates’ playing abilities, and his inspirational quality as his predecessor as club captain”.
Smith’s public comments about Hughes have always been scathing, but the same cannot be said of Hughes, who paid a glowing tribute to Smith in his autobiography:
“He is the greatest captain I have ever played under. Although I never particularly got along with him as a man, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him as a captain on the pitch. He had powerful qualities of leadership.”
Irrespective of their personal dislike of each other, one thing is for sure: Smith and Hughes were two fantastic servants for Liverpool FC. Between them, they helped the club win every major honour in the game, including league and FA Cup titles, 2 European Cups and 2 Uefa Cups.
The 1977 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach is a perfect example of Smith and Hughes playing in complete harmony with each other, putting aside personal differences and allowing their professionalism to shine through.
The game was Liverpool’s first (and arguably most special) European Cup victory, and Smith crowned his fantastic career by scoring the goal that put Liverpool 2-1 up on the night.
Hughes lifted the trophy, and in the video footage taken after the game, if you look closely, there is one instance of Smith and Hughes celebrating…together.
A rare occurrence indeed, and one that would sadly never be repeated.
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Superb post mate.
posted on 13/4/19
I wonder if Howard Gayle will attend his funeral
posted on 13/4/19
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 14 minutes ago
I wonder if Howard Gayle will attend his funeral
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Did Tommy pick on him due to colour?
Never heard this story until today.
No excuse, but different times and different strokes.
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