September 1951

Back row:  Reg Holland (Coach): John Venables; Ian Pullan; Bowie Brown; Don Cutler; Ron Baker; John Ford; E.James (Vice-President).

Front row:  Laurie Trevellion; John Blainey; Bobby Lennox; George Brown; Tommy Thompson

Our thanks to Don Cutler, for sending us the above photograph. Don also says "In season 1951-52, the first team and the reserves played in separate divisions of the Southend & District League.  The league powerhouses at that time, in addition to Canvey, included Gt. Wakering Rovers and Stambridge.  I also remember spirited games against Benfleet.  We also won the Ramuz Cup that year.  The final, against Bowers United, was tied at 2-2 after 90 minutes, and required two full sessions of extra-time before we won 4-2.  Although I scored a goal, heading in a corner kick, the real stars of the game were two veteran players, Tommo Thompson and Sid Land.  I still have my medal, inscribed "Southend & District Football League Ramuz Cup Winners 1951-2

 

"For the 1952-53 Season, Canvey moved on to a higher standard of soccer, the first team playing in the Thurrock Combination and the reserve team in the Grays Thames-Side League.  While somewhat more travel was involved, the calibre of play was obviously higher.  I didn't play after this season.  As a result of the 1953 flood, I moved away from the area.

 

"I do recall some of the figures associated with the club at that time.  On the field were outstanding players like Tommo Thompson and Sid Land, plus others like the Brown brothers (George, Bowie and Ron), the Pullans ( Les, Eric and Ian), Harry Solly, Bill Horsman, Ken Verlander and so on.  Off the field, our coach was Reg Holland ( a local chiropodist and former goalkeeper of note), and I remember a former star player and enthusiast, Nippy Cripps."