Potters legends back together...

STOKE City legends and their families were back in the King’s Hall, 50 years after perhaps the biggest party in the club’s history.

The last few days have been a special reunion for the Class of 1972, celebrating winning the League Cup, but also a golden era and their continued friendship.

It was obvious that bond was not just between the players on and off the pitch but also their wives and children, who were invited to a civic reception in Stoke on Friday when the side was inducted into the city’s sporting hall of fame.

Dave Ritchie, the son of John Ritchie, who died at the age of 65 in 2007, summed it up as he spoke about a great striker who scored 176 goals in 347 games.

He said: “You’ll forgive me, I’m a poor stand in for my father, who’s my hero – and a poor stand in for my mum, who’s my hero too.

“To stand in this hallowed company is a real joy and if my dad could be here, he’d be standing with his friends and people he loved. I can’t tell you what a privilege it is to be here standing with Mr Greenhoff as Ritchie should have done, up front. Every one of these players and people have made us so welcome.”

Wendy Banks, daughter of Gordon Banks, said: “I can’t believe it’s 50 years on we were there at Wembley, it feels like yesterday. Dad was so proud to be part of that whole team and it was a real team, like a family. He knew we would win it. We had discussions over tea-time as a family and he knew we would win it. He just wanted to bring it home.

“He’d be so proud. He was as proud of bringing that trophy back as he was of winning the World Cup because Stoke meant so much to him. He loved Stoke-on-trent, he loved the fans. The Boothen End had something special, those fans who he played for.”

Owen Bolton stood on behalf of his grandad Peter Dobing, who is 83 and in a care home in Stafford following a stroke and the onset of dementia – revered by those who he captained and the thousands who watched him.

He said: “The stories that I’ve heard of my grandad, it’s amazing to be around such incredible people.”

Steve Waddington, son of manager Tony Waddington, who died at the age of 69 in 1994, said: “My dad will be sitting up there now saying, ‘Ayayayayay…’ It’s brilliant to see these good friends and footballers.”