The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Day the Wizard showed his magic in Highland capital
● Former ball boy recalls England legend Stanley Matthews’ starring role
It was one of the most magical matches in the history of Highland football. So it’s hardly surprising that the “Wizard of the Dribble” Stanley Matthews was among the sporting legends who cast the biggest spell during a special VE celebration game in the unlikely setting of Clachnacuddin FC’s Grant Park in Inverness 75 years ago today.
George Rodgers, who was a ball boy at the once-in-alifetime occasion – which attracted a remarkable 7,500 spectators who packed into the club’s little stadium – has spoken about his memories of watching the talismanic Matthews, his England compatriot, Stan Mortensen, and Scotland’s Bill Shankly, the fabled Liverpool manager, who were all involved in the action in the Highland capital.
And the Invernessian, who was just nine when the war in Europe ended, said he had never forgotten the details of the contest, which was held on Saturday May 19 1945 between an RAF National XI and a Queen’s Park select, with the former emerging 5-1 winners.
The forces team featured several stellar luminaries, but nobody glittered more than “The Magician” who later helped Blackpool win the FA Cup with a magnificent personal performance in the socalled “Matthews Final” of 1953.
In 1956, he won the inaugural Ballon d’Or, the prize for the best European footballer every year and, despite his career being interrupted by the Second World War, amassed 54 caps for England and played in two World Cups in 1950 and 1954. Mr Rodgers, 84, said: “It was such an exciting afternoon and to be on the touchline watching Stanley Matthews was a huge thrill.
“He was quick, he could do anything with a football, and he was so quick-witted and imaginative.
“A few of the RAF lads were based up in the north of Scotland, and that helps explain why the game was held at Grant Park, but there was a wonderful atmosphere around the town. The result of the match wasn’t important, but to be there to watch Matthews, and Stan Mortensen and other big names such as Bill Shankly and (former Scotland manager) Bobby Brown was a wonderful thing for the audience.
“They packed into every corner of the ground and it wouldn’t be allowed today with the health and safety regulations. But we all watched and marvelled – and we sang and cheered every time Matthews and Mortensen were on the ball.”
Mr Rodgers, whose father, George Senior, was a distinguished footballer in his own right, parading his talents with Chelsea, was too young to have memories of blackouts and bomb shelters but recalled the “big bonfire in front of our street” on VE Day.
And by the stage the top-flight players arrived in the Highland capital, he was already passionate about the sport and might have followed in his dad’s footsteps to England if he hadn’t been so dedicated to his roots.
He added: “I grew up in and around the Clach club and, although I served with the RAF in Egypt, and was offered the chance to sign for Newcastle, I couldn’t wait to return to Inverness and I got married at 22.
“We won a lot of medals and I was made a few offers by other Highland League teams, but Clach was the club for me. I was approached by Inverness Thistle and I suppose I could have earned more in one season than I did in 15 at Grant Park. But the money wasn’t why I played football.
“And I have always cherished the time Stanley Matthews showed us just how good he was in our very own stadium.”
Read more about this story at pressandjournal. co.uk so to reach a decision to conclude the season that reflects the will of our member clubs by a clear majority, which we now have.
“To not end the season on the pitch is naturally disappointing but every league in Scotland is facing this same problem at the moment.
“For the North Caledonian FA, the fact there were so many possible winners of the league championship speaks volumes for the competitive strength of our league at present.
“Our league continues to grow, and it will continue to go from strength to strength when the new season comes around.”
Invergordon were top of the table when football was cancelled, with 33 points from 13 games, while Thurso were four points behind having played the same amount.
Golspie Sutherland in third could also claim to have had a shot at the title, finishing on 26 points from 11 games.