As this is titled "Whitehawk Football" I'll tell my story.
I was born and raised in Sadler Way,a ten minute walk from the Enclosed Ground at East Brighton Park. Home since the early 60's of Whitehawk FC. As a youngster I used to go with my mates and bunk in round the back to watch Whitehawk play in the County League. Ray Allcorn was their goalie at the time and he used to chat to us kids behind the goal and he quickly became my hero. In 1973 I went along with a neighbour to train with the team. Although I was only 13 years old, established players like (my hero) Ray Allcorn, Frankie Tribe, John Ansbro and Brendon Quirke made me really welcome. I wanted to be an outfield player really, but was playing in goal for Brighton Boys Under 14's at the time. I sort of kept that a secret and was playing in "Hoppy" Burtenshaw's team as a right winger until I got busted when Brighton Boys played a Cup Final at East Brighton Park, and of course I was in goal. Ray Allcorn then persuaded me that I really should be training properly as a keeper and took me under his wing. I played my first game in the first team aged 14. Something I doubt would be allowed to happen now. Subsequently I got noticed by a few Pro clubs and ended up signing for Brighton in 1977 after being on schoolboy forms for a couple of years.
I was a bit small for a keeper,had a couple of bad injuries and a real attitude.LOL.I did the non league circuit and ended up back at Whitehawk as coach to Butch Reeves. Butch left and I went on to be manager during some tough times. Once we stayed up in Division One with the last kick of the last game of the season. We did win the Brighton Charity Cup three times though.
I had some great times at Whitehawk Football Club and met some lovely people. I now live in Spain where I have been for five years and work as a PE Teacher in a private school.