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October 2001 News

This is the latest news of all the players who appeared in the 1970-71

FKS Publishers Ltd Wonderful World of Soccer Stars Album

15 October

Best Update

A visit to Crewe Alexandria's website no less, shows that Georgie Best looks to have a syndicated column starting up on the Net. The first one states that when he was a boy he was a big fan of Wolverhampton Wanderers, which will shock all but any 50 + year old Wolverhampton fans, who will point out that the 1950s Wolves team was the Man Utd of its day. With Billy Wright, the England captain at its helm they were Champions three times, runners-up three more, and had FA Cup wins either side of the decade.

Things generally are very busy for George. He has a new video out called, ' Genius, Maverick, Legend', and a new book, called 'Blessed'. Both of which he's been promoting like crazy. There's been interviews for the 'The Times', 'UTV' in Ireland, Sky TV, and 'FourFourTwo'. George is also to be on ITV's 'Rich and Famous', in which the house is nosied around by Carol Keating.

George's interview in 'FourFourTwo' is now available (November 2001, no. 87), and is one of those articles where readers get to ask the questions. From it he says he won't ever get on with Tommy Docherty (FC Porto) because he reportedly lied about the circumstances of George's departure from Man U, but George says never did hate Sir Bobby Charlton - they just had different lives in the Sixties.

There's also lots of pictures of George both from his heyday (7, incl 4 different women!), and now. George has prepared well for his public appearances and has lost a stone or two in weight. According to his website he did this whilst on holiday with Alex in Marbella.

But the excitement doesn't stop here ... George is also set to receive an honoury doctorate from Owen's University in Belfast, and Freedom of the the Borough of Castlereigh'.

So it's all happening and it is well worth checking out George's website at georgebestofficial.com The Genius himself

Also see Crewe Alexandra Football Club - Best

10 October

Webb Resigns

David Webb (Chelsea) has resigned as manager of Southend United. David had been exactly one year at the club and was in his third spell as their manager. David said he had decided to leave some weeks ago, and that the officials had been attempting to persuade him to stay.The club is currently 16th in Division 3 after 12 games.

David describes having had a health scare, which led him to re-evaluate his future. Now 56 years of age, David said he has not celebrated Christmas at home since he was 15 due to his career in football.

Southend have a number of behind the scene problems, which David said he would not be able to solve, nor would any successor. The club are due to move grounds in 2 years time.

David said that his he may stay in the Southend area as his 18 year old son, Daniel, has signed professional terms with the club.

There is an excellent interview on Southend's official site at Southend United Football Club.

See also Crewe Alexandra Football Club - Best

8 October

Todd Returns

19th placed Derby County followed Leicester City, the only team below them in the League, by making the most of the natrual break in the season and sacked removed their manager, Jim Smith (Boston United). Jim was offered the Director of Football post, but chose to leave altogether.

Unlike Leicester, Derby have taken the step of immediately announcing a replacement, and it is 'World of Soccer Stars' player, Colin Todd. Colin only recently joined the Derby County staff as assistant manager, and is, of course, an ex-player. It is a return to management having previously been a successful manager of Bolton Wanderers and Swindon Town.

This the third 'World of Soccer Stars' player to manage Derby County following the 70-71 manager, Brian Clough. Dave Mackay took over from Brian in 1973 and stayed till 1976, and the current Torquay United manager, Roy McFarland (Derby County) had two spells: 1984 and 1993-95.

Colin was actually a Sunderland player in the Soccer Stars album, and moved to Derby County during the 70-71 season itself in February (see February 1971 News). The 170,000 pounds fee that Derby County paid was a UK record at the time.

DCFC Web Site - the official Derby County website reports :

Colin Todd - Derby County manager

Colin Todd has talked of his personal pride at becoming Derby boss but says people shouldn't get too carried away because of the legendary status he holds from his playing days.

Todd, who is regarded as a Derby legend having made 371 appearances (10 goals) for the Rams from 1971-78, said: "It is a delight for me to land this job, a big thrill.

"I am looking forward to the challenge but what I did or achieved during my playing days has nothing to do with the job in hand now."

One of Todd's first managerial tasks is to sit down and decide which way his team is going to play as they bid to shift themselves from the foot of the table.

He told the official website: "I have got to sit down now and look at which is the best formation for the side, 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. Of course there will be times when we have to adapt and play either but I need to decide how I think I can get the best out of the players.

"Maybe you can have too many voices at a football club and sometimes I wasn't party to some of Jim's decisions - he had the final say. Now there is one voice and hopefully I can trigger a good response."

Also see DCFC Web Site - Jim Smith

Shilts Supports Smith

Sky Sports - Peter Shilton on Jim Smith reports

Ex-Rams goalkeeper Peter Shilton hopes that Jim Smith will bounce back from this set back. He told Sky Sports News: "Hopefully he won't be lost. You can never tell in football and names are always thrown around of people in the game.

"Clubs sometimes go for someone who's got experience so you can never say never."

Shilton believes there was never any prospect of Smith accepting a role as director of football at Pride Park. "I think maybe it was a pride thing. He has been at the club long enough," he added.

"Knowing him he would like to get involved in the game and doesn't want to sit down behind a desk and take a back-seat role. It is a tough job being a manager of any football club. It's a challenge and you need certain attitudes. Certain people have got it and you get well paid to do it.

"I've got great respect for (Derby chairman) Lionel Pickering, he's one of the best chairmen around and he stuck by Jim through thick and thin. I've got some great memories of the club, the fans are pretty genuine and they give people a chance but like all fans they want success.

"I think Jim got a fair crack of the whip, and did well with not vast amounts of money. Young (Malcolm) Christie was a bargain and has made a lot of money for the club but it's all about results and a fresh face will obviously help that."

Smith Returns

No Jim Smith hasn't walked into another job, this story is about Denis Smith (Stoke City), who has been appointed manager of Wrexham following the recent departure of Bryan Flynn - the club's manager for the past 12 years.

Denis has been manager of York City, Sunderland,Bristol City, Oxford United (twice) and West Bromwich Albion. An excellent profile of his managerial career has been produced by the official website. See Where are they now ?

Also see Wrexham Football Club - Denis Smith

See more October 2001 news at the following ...

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