Bexhill Athletic FC 1976

THESE fine young lads of Athletic FC were shown outside of Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club.
The shot was taken in January 1976 at a point when Athletic were considered to be one of the hottest contenders for the Eastbourne and Hastings League Division 1 title.
They were pictured with team coach Colin Cottam.

FORMER team captain Denis Parkinson fired off an immediate e-mail response.
Denis says: "I am pleased to be able to name all the Athletic Club Team, which I believe to be of Season 1976-77.
Back row from left to right: John Franks, Colin Bentley, Pat Naughton, Peter O’Brien, Mick Lyons (Goalie ), Ian Stanley, John Igglesden and the late Colin Cottam (manager).
Front Row from left to right: Jamie McTear, Steven Tidy, Denis Parkinson (Captain), Christopher Carey and Barry Crowhurst."
Denis, of Denis Parkinson Carpets and Furniture, says: "I remember the photo being taken outside the Front Doors of the Athletic Club, but have no recollection of it being a special occasion."

HARD on the heels of Denis Parkinson's response came one from former team-mate Pat Naughton. Pat says: "I'm not sure when the photograph was taken. Maybe we were doing well, possibly in the old Eastbourne/Hastings League 1. It was of Bexhill Athletic Club, late 70s or early 80s."
Naming the entire line-up, Pat says: "They were a great bunch of lads and most are still around Bexhill.
“I think Mick Lyons (goalie) emigrated ‘Down Under’. The coach, Colin Cottham, has sadly died but he was the best coach I played under in 32 years of playing adult football.
"He always had time for each player and did loads of work for young players. One of nature's gentlemen, sadly missed by all who knew, liked and respected him."