bh red Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Over used word in modern football, not one at City since the early 80's. Refreshing Article in the previews of tomorrow's game on a Pompey Site regarding ex City and Portsmouth's John Atyeo http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/...ge.asp?a=138951 Played For Them Too You Know! He played for us too: Bristol City - John Atyeo Chix takes a look at ex-Pompey player and Bristol City Legend John Atyeo John Atyeo - Not a name that springs to mind when talking about great players from Pompey's past. Mention him to Bristol City fans however and you will soon discover that Atyeo sits proudly on the top of their 'All Time Greats' list, in the same manner that Jimmy Dickinson sits on ours. The connection between John Atyeo and Pompey is somewhat tenuous, he only ever played twice in Pompey colours, but what he went onto achieve with Bristol City makes him a worthy candidate for this edition of 'They Played' In 1950 Atyeo was an 18 year old striker on the books of Portsmouth FC, the best team in England. Pompey had won consecutive (old) First Division titles in 1949 & 1950 and where hotly tipped to win it a third time in season 1950/1. Breaking into the first team was not easy for any player let alone a forward who had to displace one of Pompey's five man attack of Clarke, Harris, Froggatt, Phillips & Reid who between them had scored 63 goals the previous season and 89 the season prior to that. What made it even harder for Atyeo however was that he was not even on professional terms. He was registered as a part-time amateur at his own request. John Atyeo saw football as a hobby, not a career. Atyeo did play for Pompey that season however, making his debut v Charlton at Fratton Park in the November and again in another home tie against Arsenal the following March and although during both appearances he showed signs of promise he left the club in the summer and signed for Division Three South Bristol City. Again as an part-time amateur. To say Atyeo was a sensation at Ashton Gate is an understatement. In 15 seasons he made 597 Football League appearances bagging 315 goals along the way. To this day both figures stand as club records. Furthermore, of 11 players who have scored 300+ league goals, Atyeo is joint 7th on the list and only Dixie Dean (Everton) and George Camsell (Boro) could claim to have scored more goals for any one club. Older Robins fans will claim that if you count all the FA Cup, League Cup, friendlies, testimonials, Welsh and Gloucestershire cup games in which he featured, John Atyeo's statistics amount to approximately 400 goals in 700 games, and it didn't stop there! - He was never sent-off or cautioned, ever. Atyeo also played for England, netting 5 times in 6 unbeaten appearances. In fact Atyeo's England career became somewhat a bone of contention as having scored the goal that clinched qualification to the 1958 World Cup he was sensationally left at home for the finals in Sweden. The Football Association never provided a reason for their decision although it was suggested at the time that they did not think it 'professional' to allow a part-timer to lead the attack. It was also mooted that they could also never quite understand his reluctance to retain his amateur status or turn down offers from the likes of First Division Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and even Italian giants AC Milan who had come knocking on Bristol City's door. When he did briefly go full-time, his performance on the pitch did not improve. It was as if he just did not see football as a full blown career and so stayed in the West Country as a part-timer and combined football with his other job as a quantity surveyor. In May 1966 after 15 seasons with The Robins, Atyeo retired from playing. Most (including John himself) assumed, given his long and loyal service to the club, would be offered a Directorship. Instead, he was just one of a number of people approached to take a notional seat on the board. It is said that Atyeo felt affronted at this suggestion as he believed he had far more to offer. As it was John became a maths teacher in Warminster, a vocation for which he had studied during his playing days and as loyal as ever, he served the same school for over 20 years. In June 1993, at the age of 61 John Atyeo died. Having been shamefully and embarrassingly neglected by the club during his retirement, Bristol City made amends (albeit a little too late) and named the new home end at Ashton Gate after him. Since his death it is fair to say that City have begun to recognise their hero's contribution to their past and plans to erect a bronze statue commemorating their no.1 all-time great are being considered for their new stadium. I am no expert in the history of Bristol City FC but having researched Atyeo's career I doubt if they could find a more worthy candidate for this honour. As mentioned at the top of this article John Atyeo was no Pompey great, but those two appearances back in the early 50's link our famous club with a player who served his team with distinction and amassed records which will almost certainly never be surpassed by anybody wearing a red Robins shirt. In an era where footballers are celebrities and earn average annual salaries each week is it not refreshing to read an account of a player who although considered 'a great', made what today would be considered extraordinary choices in his lifestyle and career. I'm told that when asked if he regretted declining the advances of the big named clubs that could have made him the most expensive player in England, he would always say that he would do it the same way all over again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchay Red Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Thanks for that, and fair play to Pompey, a very good article. As a youngster I saw him play and score many times. Without doubt THE BCFC LEGEND. Pity he wasn't held in greater esteem after he finished playing and sad that he died at such a relatively young age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Brilliant article, especially when you consider it was written by an opposition fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whale Eye Beef Hooked Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Great artical. I have been watching city for 18 years and although he is out best ever player i never knew much about him. There should be something like that artical in the match programe every week as a pernament fixture so the younger generation can see/read what he was all about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citynut54 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Thanks for that, and fair play to Pompey, a very good article. As a youngster I saw him play and score many times. Without doubt THE BCFC LEGEND. Pity he wasn't held in greater esteem after he finished playing and sad that he died at such a relatively young age. Me too. One of my earliest City memories as a nipper was Big Johns testimonial at the Gate in september 66 (i think!!) against an England eleven. The sight of John Atyeo and Jack Charlton carrying the World Cup round Ashton Gate will live with me forever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wookey Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 What a great article - and thanks to Pompey for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDOXO Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/...ge.asp?a=138951 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punnett Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/...ge.asp?a=138951 Wonderful stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingswood red Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 What a great article - and thanks to Pompey for it Agree, wholeheartedly!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lugger Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Just out of interest has anyone got an idea of how much the atyeo statue would be as I'm sure a few tins being shook outside the ground would get most supporters digging into their pockets plus I'm sure the players would make a substantial donation if asked. Its a real eye opener into how the game has progressed and how something like this is almost fairy tale like nowadays and as such should be recognised as the values that we as a club should and do hold in high regard. If there was a commitee put together to fund raise for this I would happily put my name forward. Just seen the supporters trust meeting on another thread - happy days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatcham red Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Great article. I never knew that he was snubbed for the finals! Never booked or sent off as well. Unlikely that the combination of this, his scoring record and appearances will ever be matched. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
054123 Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Brought a lump to my throat!! For all we talk about goals, England appearences etc, legend has to mean a lot more and John Atyeo stands head and shoulders above all other candidates in the history of this proud club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketh2nd Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 I knew he was a legend but to know all the facts without having to read the book is great!! Very nice fan to notice our legend even thoguh he hardly played for them.I like how he did it part time showed he didn't want the fame just wanted to play top footy. Find my a footy player in this footy day in age who would do the same huh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdave60 Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzinio Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Great article from the Pompy fan! My nan always tells me about when she was the tea lady down the gate and how Big john was one of the nicest players at the club and was very polite! I didnt realise that he was wanted by AC Milan!! Danzinio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the frampton balti Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Over used word in modern football, not one at City since the early 80's. Refreshing Article in the previews of tomorrow's game on a Pompey Site regarding ex City and Portsmouth's John Atyeo http://www.portsmouth.vitalfootball.co.uk/...ge.asp?a=138951 Played For Them Too You Know! He played for us too: Bristol City - John Atyeo Chix takes a look at ex-Pompey player and Bristol City Legend John Atyeo John Atyeo - Not a name that springs to mind when talking about great players from Pompey's past. Mention him to Bristol City fans however and you will soon discover that Atyeo sits proudly on the top of their 'All Time Greats' list, in the same manner that Jimmy Dickinson sits on ours. The connection between John Atyeo and Pompey is somewhat tenuous, he only ever played twice in Pompey colours, but what he went onto achieve with Bristol City makes him a worthy candidate for this edition of 'They Played' In 1950 Atyeo was an 18 year old striker on the books of Portsmouth FC, the best team in England. Pompey had won consecutive (old) First Division titles in 1949 & 1950 and where hotly tipped to win it a third time in season 1950/1. Breaking into the first team was not easy for any player let alone a forward who had to displace one of Pompey's five man attack of Clarke, Harris, Froggatt, Phillips & Reid who between them had scored 63 goals the previous season and 89 the season prior to that. What made it even harder for Atyeo however was that he was not even on professional terms. He was registered as a part-time amateur at his own request. John Atyeo saw football as a hobby, not a career. Atyeo did play for Pompey that season however, making his debut v Charlton at Fratton Park in the November and again in another home tie against Arsenal the following March and although during both appearances he showed signs of promise he left the club in the summer and signed for Division Three South Bristol City. Again as an part-time amateur. To say Atyeo was a sensation at Ashton Gate is an understatement. In 15 seasons he made 597 Football League appearances bagging 315 goals along the way. To this day both figures stand as club records. Furthermore, of 11 players who have scored 300+ league goals, Atyeo is joint 7th on the list and only Dixie Dean (Everton) and George Camsell (Boro) could claim to have scored more goals for any one club. Older Robins fans will claim that if you count all the FA Cup, League Cup, friendlies, testimonials, Welsh and Gloucestershire cup games in which he featured, John Atyeo's statistics amount to approximately 400 goals in 700 games, and it didn't stop there! - He was never sent-off or cautioned, ever. Atyeo also played for England, netting 5 times in 6 unbeaten appearances. In fact Atyeo's England career became somewhat a bone of contention as having scored the goal that clinched qualification to the 1958 World Cup he was sensationally left at home for the finals in Sweden. The Football Association never provided a reason for their decision although it was suggested at the time that they did not think it 'professional' to allow a part-timer to lead the attack. It was also mooted that they could also never quite understand his reluctance to retain his amateur status or turn down offers from the likes of First Division Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and even Italian giants AC Milan who had come knocking on Bristol City's door. When he did briefly go full-time, his performance on the pitch did not improve. It was as if he just did not see football as a full blown career and so stayed in the West Country as a part-timer and combined football with his other job as a quantity surveyor. In May 1966 after 15 seasons with The Robins, Atyeo retired from playing. Most (including John himself) assumed, given his long and loyal service to the club, would be offered a Directorship. Instead, he was just one of a number of people approached to take a notional seat on the board. It is said that Atyeo felt affronted at this suggestion as he believed he had far more to offer. As it was John became a maths teacher in Warminster, a vocation for which he had studied during his playing days and as loyal as ever, he served the same school for over 20 years. In June 1993, at the age of 61 John Atyeo died. Having been shamefully and embarrassingly neglected by the club during his retirement, Bristol City made amends (albeit a little too late) and named the new home end at Ashton Gate after him. Since his death it is fair to say that City have begun to recognise their hero's contribution to their past and plans to erect a bronze statue commemorating their no.1 all-time great are being considered for their new stadium. I am no expert in the history of Bristol City FC but having researched Atyeo's career I doubt if they could find a more worthy candidate for this honour. As mentioned at the top of this article John Atyeo was no Pompey great, but those two appearances back in the early 50's link our famous club with a player who served his team with distinction and amassed records which will almost certainly never be surpassed by anybody wearing a red Robins shirt. In an era where footballers are celebrities and earn average annual salaries each week is it not refreshing to read an account of a player who although considered 'a great', made what today would be considered extraordinary choices in his lifestyle and career. I'm told that when asked if he regretted declining the advances of the big named clubs that could have made him the most expensive player in England, he would always say that he would do it the same way all over again. theres a whole heap of stuff there i did not realise about our football legend! That it comes from an opposing fan on a day like this ,is perhaps an indication that we as a club we don't appear to honour our ex players, famous and not so famous, as often as we should? Thanks to the portsmouth site for this and can anyone recommend an ayteo biography? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NiceRed Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 theres a whole heap of stuff there i did not realise about our football legend! That it comes from an opposing fan on a day like this ,is perhaps an indication that we as a club we don't appear to honour our ex players, famous and not so famous, as often as we should? Thanks to the portsmouth site for this and can anyone recommend an ayteo biography? Agreed - would also like to read more about him. I knew (roughly) his City appearance and scoring stats and the fact he had a good scoring record for England, but never realised he did all this while holding down a proper job, or that turned down all the top clubs. Just made a donation to the statue fund, which will hopefully benefit fron this thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinmabbuttshair Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Agreed - would also like to read more about him. I knew (roughly) his City appearance and scoring stats and the fact he had a good scoring record for England, but never realised he did all this while holding down a proper job, or that turned down all the top clubs. Just made a donation to the statue fund, which will hopefully benefit fron this thread. Read this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atyeo-Hero-Next-To...7793&sr=1-1 Used to be on sell in the club shop, isn't anymore but that's not too much of a shock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsontour Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Read this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atyeo-Hero-Next-To...7793&sr=1-1 Used to be on sell in the club shop, isn't anymore but that's not too much of a shock Can I also advise everyone who has an interest in City's history, and in what this game really should be about, to read this book, it's an absolute cracker. Well done Chix at Vital football for digging the info out and posting it on the Pompey Forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the frampton balti Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Read this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atyeo-Hero-Next-To...7793&sr=1-1 Used to be on sell in the club shop, isn't anymore but that's not too much of a shock Thanks kevinmabbuttshair .just had a look on amazon ; the books reduced by a penny to £17.49 special offer. Has Amazon been taken over by the city ticket price slashing departement????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT1970 Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 What a great article. Well done Pompey Chix ... great bit of journalism. I'm too young to have seen him play, but remember John down the gate doing half time draws etc and have never really known a great deal about him apart from the basic stats. What a TRUE City legend. Have just ordered a copy of the book to learn more... Come on City.. get this book in the megastore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC&T Board Members Blagdon red Posted January 13, 2009 SC&T Board Members Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Agreed - would also like to read more about him. I knew (roughly) his City appearance and scoring stats and the fact he had a good scoring record for England, but never realised he did all this while holding down a proper job, or that turned down all the top clubs. Just made a donation to the statue fund, which will hopefully benefit fron this thread. Cheers NiceRed! All other donations gratefully received via the 'Raise a Statue to Atyeo' image / link top right. The book mentioned can also be bought via the OTIB Amazon Store. Purchases made that way generate a small commission for OTIB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT1970 Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks kevinmabbuttshair .just had a look on amazon ; the books reduced by a penny to £17.49 special offer. Has Amazon been taken over by the city ticket price slashing departement????? You can get it half that price on Ebay and donate the other half to the statue fund Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SC&T Board Members Blagdon red Posted January 13, 2009 SC&T Board Members Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 You can get it half that price on Ebay and donate the other half to the statue fund Good shout, Matt. Available on ebay from £6.50 plus p&p. Use this link to see a list of the books on offer (and earn commission for OTIB if you buy): John Atyeo book on ebay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NiceRed Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Just bought the Atyeo book also - it'll be flying up the Amazon ratings..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoke_Gifford_Red Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 I can also definately recommend the Atyeo autombiography. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedUn Posted January 13, 2009 Report Share Posted January 13, 2009 Good Atyeo site ; http://www.malvholm.plus.com/bcl0203/atyeo1.htm Or indeed ... John Atyeo Factfile - <a href="http://www.johnatyeo.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.johnatyeo.co.uk</a> (keep meaning to revamp it!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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