Tonks55 Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 I know we have had plenty of 'Dicks' playing for City over the years (including a manager who was one by name only and not by nature!), but seeing the thread on Dickie Down reminded me of another Dickie - Dickie Rooks. He was signed by Alan Dicks in 1969 for the princely sum of £17000 from Middlesborough. He was a centre half of relatively small stature but, if I remember right, was as solid as a brick outhouse. He would be 80, if still alive, and I would guess is living in the Sunderland area. Perhaps someone might know? 'You may enjoy the article here about the man. http://www.shaunkeogh.co.uk/admin_area/videos/pdfs/86ModulePDF24.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Very interesting arrived a couple of years after I did, remember his short shorts and shorter hair. Cannot remember in truth him doing much unlike others from that around that time, Kellard, Gow, Galley, Gibbo, Garland, Par, Skirton, Fear, Sharpe Tainton, Merrick etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 22 minutes ago, Tonks55 said: I know we have had plenty of 'Dicks' playing for City over the years (including a manager who was one by name only and not by nature!), but seeing the thread on Dickie Down reminded me of another Dickie - Dickie Rooks. He was signed by Alan Dicks in 1969 for the princely sum of £17000 from Middlesborough. He was a centre half of relatively small stature but, if I remember right, was as solid as a brick outhouse. He would be 80, if still alive, and I would guess is living in the Sunderland area. Perhaps someone might know? 'You may enjoy the article here about the man. http://www.shaunkeogh.co.uk/admin_area/videos/pdfs/86ModulePDF24.pdf He is a bit confused about a "replay"....it was the second leg, so no money was due. Funny how we fans sometimes remember more than the players ! But a great center half, remember his epic battles with John Hickton, legendary stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyredredrobin Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 I think, if I remember rightly, Dickie Rooks was bought to replace Jack Connor when he retired. Both were excellent centre halfs back in the day when a team only had one, rather than the two or three centre-backs that we have today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniro Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 41 minutes ago, Tonks55 said: I know we have had plenty of 'Dicks' playing for City over the years (including a manager who was one by name only and not by nature!), but seeing the thread on Dickie Down reminded me of another Dickie - Dickie Rooks. He was signed by Alan Dicks in 1969 for the princely sum of £17000 from Middlesborough. He was a centre half of relatively small stature but, if I remember right, was as solid as a brick outhouse. He would be 80, if still alive, and I would guess is living in the Sunderland area. Perhaps someone might know? 'You may enjoy the article here about the man. http://www.shaunkeogh.co.uk/admin_area/videos/pdfs/86ModulePDF24.pdf That thread reminded me of Dickie Rooks too!! He was a heroic figure to little old me back then when he became captain - blonde hair with a bit of a Bobby Charlton combover going on! Great days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aberdeen Pete's Dad Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Rooks was good. Very good ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 50 minutes ago, wendyredredrobin said: I think, if I remember rightly, Dickie Rooks was bought to replace Jack Connor when he retired. Both were excellent centre halfs back in the day when a team only had one, rather than the two or three centre-backs that we have today. Am I right in thinking Jack was never booked while playing for us? Unlike Rooks who I think was booked every couple of games? Or am I completely wrong? (Again) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobintheRed Red Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Solid centre back hard as nails it was a yes for me . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downendcity Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 1 hour ago, Daniro said: That thread reminded me of Dickie Rooks too!! He was a heroic figure to little old me back then when he became captain - blonde hair with a bit of a Bobby Charlton combover going on! Great days. I thought just the same Daniro. Im sure I saw DR playing at AG for Boro before he moved here. Very blond, very short shorts and, as others have mentioned, not very tall but built like the proverbial brick outhouse and hard as nails - as were many in the City team of that era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheltons Army Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 If I had a picture of my first memory of City , it would be of Dickie Rooks ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Said Red Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 12 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said: If I had a picture of my first memory of City , it would be of Dickie Rooks ! I agree, I remember Jack Connor by name, but there was something about Dickie Rooks fair hair that made him stand out when I was a 7 year old fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheltons Army Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Just now, Port Said Red said: I agree, I remember Jack Connor by name, but there was something about Dickie Rooks fair hair that made him stand out when I was a 7 year old fan. Yes - I was just thinking that and think the same reason for me And as I settled in , Garland became my first hero / idol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leveller Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 1 hour ago, wendyredredrobin said: I think, if I remember rightly, Dickie Rooks was bought to replace Jack Connor when he retired. Both were excellent centre halfs back in the day when a team only had one, rather than the two or three centre-backs that we have today. I feel pretty sure that a back four was the norm by then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Geoff Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Him and John Galley my favourite City players as a wee lad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 1 hour ago, Countryfile said: Am I right in thinking Jack was never booked while playing for us? Unlike Rooks who I think was booked every couple of games? Or am I completely wrong? (Again) I’m not sure about Jack Connor never being booked, but he did play as centre forward for one match because the manager, Fred Ford, said he was the best centre forward at the club. This must have been after Atyeo retired. It wasn’t a success as he was never picked as a forward again. It was a bit like playing Flint as a centre forward. He looks good when he joins the attack for a few minutes, but it’s totally different playing there for 90 minutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 I remember over Easter 1970(?) we were away at QPR, we drew 2-2 thanks to a last minute pen save from Jock Mahoney (making a rare appearance). We hung around after the game and the players came out and DR was still berating "Speedy" who gave it away. He came over to me (randomly) and said "Look, you don't tackle in the box like this" he proceeded to demonstrate on me, he sent me flying across the car park ! He had hands like hams, knees like trees . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonks55 Posted February 1, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 25 minutes ago, pongo88 said: I’m not sure about Jack Connor never being booked, but he did play as centre forward for one match because the manager, Fred Ford, said he was the best centre forward at the club. This must have been after Atyeo retired. It wasn’t a success as he was never picked as a forward again. It was a bit like playing Flint as a centre forward. He looks good when he joins the attack for a few minutes, but it’s totally different playing there for 90 minutes If my memory serves me well (and often it doesn't!), it was at a time when we were having trouble scoring goals (things never change!) and a series of players were tried at centre forward, most unsuccessfully. Terry Bush was another who was tried at centre forward with a little more success, but hardly a galloping success. My memory is less sure on this but didn't we 'give up on trying to find a centre forward internally but bought John Galley instead? Now Terry Bush had a terrific shot on him and was more successful as a wing half. For some reason he reminded me of Rob Newman, probably because both were 'utility' players that could play in most positions. There was a thread on Terry Bush some two years ago when he passed away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denbury Red Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 He scored in one of the great games of that era - we were 2-0 down at half time - I think it may have been Notts County - both of their goals scored at the old open end. We scored 3 in the second half and I know Dickie Rooks scored either the first or second - Chris Garland may have got the other two! My memory can remember the game but not sure on all the scorers - we were stood the Dolman side of the goal at the front! A great memory ... and game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonks55 Posted February 1, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 4 minutes ago, Tonks55 said: If my memory serves me well (and often it doesn't!), it was at a time when we were having trouble scoring goals (things never change!) and a series of players were tried at centre forward, most unsuccessfully. Terry Bush was another who was tried at centre forward with a little more success, but hardly a galloping success. My memory is less sure on this but didn't we 'give up on trying to find a centre forward internally but bought John Galley instead? Now Terry Bush had a terrific shot on him and was more successful as a wing half. For some reason he reminded me of Rob Newman, probably because both were 'utility' players that could play in most positions. There was a thread on Terry Bush some two years ago when he passed away. ...or perhaps it was Hugh McIlmoyle?!! Perhaps someone with a better memory than me can clarify? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 21 minutes ago, Denbury Red said: He scored in one of the great games of that era - we were 2-0 down at half time - I think it may have been Notts County - both of their goals scored at the old open end. We scored 3 in the second half and I know Dickie Rooks scored either the first or second - Chris Garland may have got the other two! My memory can remember the game but not sure on all the scorers - we were stood the Dolman side of the goal at the front! A great memory ... and game! No, it was high flying Luton Malcom Macdonald and all, I remember the pitch was a mud bath, the only one who mastered the conditions was debutant Les Wilson ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 1 hour ago, pongo88 said: I’m not sure about Jack Connor never being booked, but he did play as centre forward for one match because the manager, Fred Ford, said he was the best centre forward at the club. This must have been after Atyeo retired. It wasn’t a success as he was never picked as a forward again. It was a bit like playing Flint as a centre forward. He looks good when he joins the attack for a few minutes, but it’s totally different playing there for 90 minutes Must have been 66-67, I was still at school and my mate who had a season ticket (almost unheard of in those days ) refused to go.............he went on strike through lack of a center forward ! I believe the game finished 0-0 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert tann Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 4 hours ago, Tonks55 said: I know we have had plenty of 'Dicks' playing for City over the years (including a manager who was one by name only and not by nature!), but seeing the thread on Dickie Down reminded me of another Dickie - Dickie Rooks. He was signed by Alan Dicks in 1969 for the princely sum of £17000 from Middlesborough. He was a centre half of relatively small stature but, if I remember right, was as solid as a brick outhouse. He would be 80, if still alive, and I would guess is living in the Sunderland area. Perhaps someone might know? 'You may enjoy the article here about the man. http://www.shaunkeogh.co.uk/admin_area/videos/pdfs/86ModulePDF24.pdf Dickie Dido must be getting on a bit now as well. I'll never forget that beard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTRFTG Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 My first superhero in a red shirt. Absolutely loved the bloke, hence the avatar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sglosbcfc Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Interesting to read the Boro fans hammering the manager via letters back in the late 60s after being unbeaten at home all season . Just goes to show fickle fans are not a new thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swanker Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 My memories of him are his sliding tackles with thick set legs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downendcity Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Ive heard of players with dodgy knees, iffy ankles and suspect hamstrings, but never dickie rooks. What part of the body is a rook? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22A Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 6 hours ago, Aberdeen Pete's Dad said: Rooks was good. Very good ! As posted earlier, Dickie was short in stature, but I remember him outjumping Big John Toshack when Cardiff visited and kept him under control for the entire match. I passed him in Broadmead one day. Although just shopping, he was wearing a club blazer and looked very smart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Shadow Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 I recall a game where we were 2-1 down at home to Orient at half time. Can remember Rooks scoring with a header at the East End. We won 5-3 I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handsofclay Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 7 hours ago, BTRFTG said: My first superhero in a red shirt. Absolutely loved the bloke, hence the avatar. Same here. My second game at the Gate was v Carlisle in 1970 on my 8th birthday. I had an all red City kit for my birthday with a number 5 on the back for Dickie Rooks. Wore it to the game. City won 2-1 and Rooks was pictured in an action shot on the front cover of the programme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myol'man Posted February 1, 2021 Report Share Posted February 1, 2021 Can I remember Dickie Rooks scoring 2 own goals in one game once? Vs Huddersfield perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.