Football Poets

Ron Greenwood R.I.P.

The ‘appy ‘ammers
Not so joyful now
And the rest of football
Takes a respectful bow

For today we’ve lost
One of life’s Gentlemen
Even the Fourth Estate, wouldn’t berate
With their judgemental pen

To Ron’s family
We extend our sorrow
His guiding hand from Heaven
Could yet shape England’s tomorrow

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From BBC.co.uk :
Former England and West Ham manager Ron Greenwood has died, aged 84, following a long illness.

Greenwood, who managed the national team between 1977 and 1982, died at his Suffolk home.

World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst said: “It would not be overstating the case to say that Ron was the single most influential figure in my career.

“He opened the door to the world of modern football and I consider it a privilege to play for him.”

Greenwood was West Ham manager from 1961 to 1974 and continued as general manager at Upton Park until 1977.

During that time, the club won the FA Cup for the first time in 1964 and won the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following season.

He took over as England boss after Don Revie’s surprise move to the Middle East and led the team to the 1980 European Championships and The 1982 World Cup in Spain.

As a player, he had spells at Chelsea, where he played in the 1955 Championship-winning side, Bradford Park Avenue, Brentford and Fulham.

He leaves a widow, Lucy, two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren

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Ron Greenwood, affectionately remembered by so many in football.

I remember him as one of the more enlightened England managers.

I don’t remeber him (because I wasn’t born then) – but as a Chelsea fan fully respect the fact that he captained us to our first League Championship win in 1955.

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