Tom Ritchie

[cider head]

Tom Ritchie

Always a fan favourite, Tom Ritchie enjoyed two succesful spells at Ashton Gate. As one of the club's many Scottish recruits, he began life as a midfielder but ended up spearheading the attack alongside Paul Cheesley as the club won promotion to the top flight in 1976. Tom's tireless workrate and resilience belied his spindly frame

- once after having a goal disallowed for handball, team-mates remarked that the ref probably mistook his thin legs for arms! Although not widely recognised for his aerial ability, Tom had the knack of ghosting in to power home some great headed goals. After a brief spell with Sunderland, Tom returned to Ashton Gate in 1982, where his experience eventually helped the club gain promotion to Division Three.

In January 1981, Sunderland stepped in to buy Tom Ritchie. His final game for the club was in a cup replay against Carlisle. He played his heart out and scored twice in a 5-0 romp. A four nil win over Mansfield kicked off the 1983/84 season. The team had been strengthened now and a surprise signing was Tom Ritchie, who was a free transfer from Carlisle. He had moved there from Sunderland and became Captain on his return until he retired a few years later. City and York vied for the top spot early in the season and over 10,000 turned up one October night when York visited, to see Ritchie score the only goal and put City top of division four.

Tom is the clubs 2nd all time top goal scorer which is only bettered by john atyeo.