Читать книгу To Cap It All - Kenny Sansom - Страница 5

First, going back to my terrific days at Crystal Palace, I’d like to thank the following: Peter Taylor for teaching me how to impersonate Norman Wisdom – there was so much laughter, so many jokes and wind-ups; Malcolm Allison for telling me I’d never make a left-back – you are pure class, Malcolm; Arnie Warren for spotting me – weren’t you the lucky one, Arnie? Terry Venables – the main man.

Moving on to my Highbury days, I must give Don Howe a special mention – the man who followed me everywhere. Thanks for pushing me to run, run, run – seriously, you kept me going for a while.

Thanks, Terry Neill, you were brave to do that swap with Clive Allen; or was there more to it? George Graham – thank you for all your help, for teaching me so much, and I’m just sorry I didn’t listen to you. I still remember the time when we were in Scotland for a pre-season match and after the first half you turned to Nigel Winterburn and said, ‘That’s how you play left-back.’

During my long England career I was managed by two of the best. I’d like to thank Ron Greenwood for welcoming me into the England squad and giving me my debut against Wales at Wembley when we drew 0–0. Bobby Robson – thanks for remembering my name sometimes, Bobby. Not all the time though – I was Charlie on more than one occasion. They were great times and I visited so many wonderful places with you and England.

But it all began back in south London when Joe Wilson, my very first manager, put so much work, time and dedication into us young lads. For me this was the start of something special.

I will be eternally grateful for all the PFA have done for me (and remain to do) over the years. They are a fantastic organisation.

To all my family – yes, all. We are a big family with lots of uncles, aunts, cousins and all of their children. My brothers and sisters Maureen, Midge, Peter and David and their partners. To Elaine’s family – Alice and the late Bill. Sister Sheila and brother-in-law Gordon.

As for friends – they say if you have a handful of true friends you are lucky. Well, I am lucky. They know who they are: Kevin Carlier, Brian Wells, Ray Radmore, David Mendes, Tom Watt, Eamond, James Chitty, Duncan Jelley, Carmine, Linda, Alex Amuro, John Laws, Paul Weston, Perry Groves, Karl Howman, Steve Matthews, Tony Wilkins, Tony Hoskins, Danny and the staff at Thai Pan Chinese restaurant, Ray and Pat, Ray and Lyn from Barnett, Ron and Jackie, John and Jackie Leach (Harry’s godparents), and Ian and Sophia Lasslett.

I can’t leave out Tony De Silva at the Montechoro Hotel in Portugal as he has always looked after Elaine and I so well.

And finally – well not quite, not yet anyway – Sporting Chance Clinic and all involved in this unique setup, including Tony Adams, Peter Kay, James West and Julian. Thanks, you guys.

I’d like to thank Hy Money for the excellent personal photos she has taken of me and my family over the years – they are very special. Finally, a big thanks to the co-author of my life story, psychotherapist Rita Wright. As well as being my ghost writer she has been able to help me gain a clearer understanding of myself through these difficult times.