Roger meets up with his Borough hero
●● Roger Hindle, Brent Peters and John Simkin LOCAL sports author and historian Roger Hindle picked up a surprise message on his answerphone recently – from one of his footballing heroes.
Retired deputy headteacher and former feared striker for Bacup Borough in the early 1970s, John Simkin had discovered Roger’s first book, ‘The History of Bacup Football Club’, and eventually found his number and made contact.
After a few conversations and emails, Bacup manager Brent Peters invited the pair back to the ground to share their stories and memories of the games in the 1970s.
Now aged 70, Simkin had collected various photos and press clippings of his time at Bacup when in season 1974/75 they reached the final of the Lancashire Junior Cup. It was giant killing at its best as Bacup defeated Northern Premier League sides – Wigan Athletic, South Liverpool and Morecambe along the way. Simkin scored all five goals in the 5-3 extra time win at South Liverpool as well as the two goals in the 2-1 away semi final win at Morecambe.
Bacup lost the final against Lancaster City.
Simkin was a strong, well built striker and hard to shake off the ball. His trademark was direct free kicks which he always hit ●● hard – more often the ball as well as the keeper would end up in the net!
He also holds the record with his fellow strike partner Brian Robinson in 1972/73 when between themselves they contributed a total of 76 of the 113 league and cup goals – 38 each!
Starting as a youth player at Blackburn Rovers before being released he went on to play for Buxton, Stalybridge and Darwen before arriving at Bacup.
Simkin played for Bacup for five seasons from 1972 to1976 – a back injury forced the PE teacher to retire from the game. He played more than 150 games for Bacup scoring over 70 goals.
“Its great to be back at the ground again after all these years,” said Bolton-based Simkin. “I have many happy memories of playing at Bacup – back then the pitch was far heavier than it is today.”
Bacup manager Peters said: “I always welcome back former players to the club – they are very much a part of its long history. I remember John playing for Bacup when I was involved at Rossendale United.”
John added: “I’ve lost contact with the other players from those special days in the 1970s and would love to get back in contact with them.”