Former Ipswich and England legend offers backing to boost the Blues
PUBLISHED: 09:22 09 March 2018 | UPDATED: 09:22 09 March 2018
The Sporting Memories group launches at Lowestoft Library. Terry Beamish, director of Lowestoft Town FC, Terry Butcher and Travis Cole, Lowestoft Town FC. Pictures; Mick Howes
Archant
It is a town which holds fond memories for a former England football captain.
In the 1960s Terry Butcher would head down to Crown Meadow with his father to watch a “very good” Lowestoft Town side dominate the Eastern Counties Football League.
He recalled: “My dad was a season ticket holder and I learned about football there – I always used to play football behind the goal on the far side as there was always a game going on – that’s where I learnt my football.”
The 59-year-old, who would go onto captain his country, make 77 appearance for England and play more than 270 times for Ipswich Town, as well as starring in a trophy laden spell at Rangers, fondly recalls his time in Lowestoft.
Returning to his hometown yesterday to launch a new Sporting Memories group at Lowestoft Library, Mr Butcher said: “Coming back here brings back a lot of memories.
“It is nice to come back here, my parents both still live here, my father in law lives in south Lowestoft and I have family here. Its just like coming home – this is home to me.
“Crown Meadow, Lowestoft Grammar School, Ashley boys club, Fen Park, Normanston park pitch one – this is where I learnt my football, and it was a great place.”
Admitting he was “sad” to have heard about the financial plight of Lowestoft, Mr Butcher said: “It does break my heart. I remember watching the likes of Mick Tooley and Roy Stephenson in the 1960s and although I did not play for Lowestoft because I was at Ipswich when I was 17, a lot of guys I know used to play for Lowestoft.
“Its a great club and this is just sad, really sad. I always look out for their results and I wish Dale all the best. Hopefully I can help them out, and I would love to do something to raise a few pounds to help them.”
Lowestoft Town defender and academy manager Travis Cole and club director Terry Beamish spoke with Mr Butcher yesterday – and hopes are high that a future fundraising event will be arranged.
Mr Cole, who previously played for Ipswich, said: “Terry was a massive role model to me and it is great to have had the chance to speak with him and raise the profile of the club.”
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