Gary Sprake

[arana peligrosa]

Former Leeds United and Welsh goal keeper Gary Sprake sadly passed away a short time ago. Not a name all will recognize, but this player was the weak link in a very robust Leeds squad of the late 1960's / early 1970's.

Responsible for a number of high-profile errors at critical times - and Leeds would have surely won more than they did if not for Sprake in goal - but thankfully the abilities of other departments within that team of the time enabled them to challenge.

Nonetheless I was sorry to learn of today's news and pass on condolences to his immediate family and friends within the club.

[marko69]

Hope this ^^^ obituary isn't read at the funeral.

[Charnwood]

By his own admission he did commit at least half a dozen howlers including the most famous incident in 1967 when he threw the ball into his own net in front of 30000 fans at Anfield. I guess this was one of those that led to his biography being titled "Careless Hands".

On a more positive note he did play more than 400 games at the highest level which suggests he was also a very talented goalkeeper.

RIP and condolences to your family and close friends.

[herforder]

I remember him well from those far off days. RIP Gary, and sincere condolences to your friends and family.

[Andym]

He was a bit of a David James type. A good goalkeeper but made a number of bad mistakes.

[Bluemike]

Wasn't it David Harvey who emerged just after Sprakes time ?

[Watership Down]

Sad to see another player passing. Unfortunately when a goalkeeper makes a mistake it usually ends up in the net, not always so with other team members. If thwey make a mistake they have the goalkeeper as the last resort

[Shed on tour]

Wasn't it David Harvey who emerged just after Sprakes time ?

Yes Harvey played in the 72 Cup Final when leeds beat Arsenal and then became their No 1.
This thread has reminded me of some of the keepers from the past such as Pat Jennings, Gordon Banks, Ron Springett.

[Bluemike]

Wasn't it David Harvey who emerged just after Sprakes time ?

Yes Harvey played in the 72 Cup Final when leeds beat Arsenal and then became their No 1.
This thread has reminded me of some of the keepers from the past such as Pat Jennings, Gordon Banks, Ron Springett.

Peter Shilton, Joe Corrigan, Jimmy Rimmer, Peter Bonetti, Bob Wilson, Alex Stepney, the list ius endless, now we get tits like Joe Hart.

[number 9]

For me, Gordon Banks is the greatest goalie. I didn't realize he is still alive; he turns 79 in Dec.

[Bluemike]

It was always Shilton for me.

[Shed on tour]

Wasn't it David Harvey who emerged just after Sprakes time ?

Yes Harvey played in the 72 Cup Final when leeds beat Arsenal and then became their No 1.
This thread has reminded me of some of the keepers from the past such as Pat Jennings, Gordon Banks, Ron Springett.

Peter Shilton, Joe Corrigan, Jimmy Rimmer, Peter Bonetti, Bob Wilson, Alex Stepney, the list ius endless, now we get tits like Joe Hart.

Unfortunately for Bonetti he will always be remembered for that quarter-final against West Germany in Mexico 70.

[arana peligrosa]

I always vote in favor of Lev Yashin as greatest goal keeper ever. And to be picked ahead of names such as Clemence, Southall, Banks, Schmichael etc, you got to go some. Believe he may have been the only Soviet sportsman to receive the Order of Lenin, and that alone is an honor to behold.

One further mention of Sprake following his untimely demise, and it's no secret that Leeds should have been the first English team to win the treble (league championship, FA Cup, European Cup) in season 1969 /70, but Sprake himself played a significant role in that the West Yorkshire team ended with zero achievement.

In retrospect, playing Celtic in the semi-finals of the latter competition may have cleared Sprake of all responsibility, such was the talent the Scots team had their disposal of that time. (Even Yashin, Banks and Clemence in goal together would have been largely ineffective against the might of opposition)

Condolences once again to his immediate family on learning of yesterday's news.

[marko69]

That semi final v Leeds United American Saint Judy with suspenders on speaks about....., the second leg at Hampden had a 136,500 attendance. Got to forgive Sprake for any mistake that night. Having that amount of proper Glaswegian 'Tic fans surrounding you, he'd have been sh*tting bricks every time ball came across the halfway line.

[hallamblue]

Have you ever been to an old firm Derby marko? I reckon the atmosphere would be awesome.....doubt I'd ever get the chance to go to one, but would love too.

[hallamblue]

Wasn't it David Harvey who emerged just after Sprakes time ?

Yes Harvey played in the 72 Cup Final when leeds beat Arsenal and then became their No 1.
This thread has reminded me of some of the keepers from the past such as Pat Jennings, Gordon Banks, Ron Springett.

Peter Shilton, Joe Corrigan, Jimmy Rimmer, Peter Bonetti, Bob Wilson, Alex Stepney, the list ius endless, now we get tits like Joe Hart.

Unfortunately for Bonetti he will always be remembered for that quarter-final against West Germany in Mexico 70.[/quote]

ah The Cat.. PB was a great GK.

[arana peligrosa]

Have you ever been to an old firm Derby marko? I reckon the atmosphere would be awesome.....doubt I'd ever get the chance to go to one, but would love too.

The one today was a boisterous encounter and Strathclyde Police were there in numbers to carry out relevant duties, they were not disappointed.

Just for the record : Celtic beat Rangers by one goal to zero to claim a place in the Final event.

Found a comprehensive article regards the 1970 game with Leeds incidentally, and truth is, the goal keeper did not see out the entirety of the game owing to injury while involved and David Harvey took over in his place. Either had not realized this or over time, had simply faded from memory. The below piece is a very good read.

http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/matches/19700415.htm

[marko69]

Have you ever been to an old firm Derby marko? I reckon the atmosphere would be awesome.....doubt I'd ever get the chance to go to one, but would love too.

Never been to one, Hallam.

[hallamblue]

expect they're not for the light hearted marko.

[marko69]

Way more satisfying smashing a Jambos face in at Edinburgh derbies. No smiley required.

[marko69]

Great way to kill off a thread! ^^^

I was joking by the way. We all meet in the Diggers after derbies and discuss the finer points of the encounter in great detail over beverages and bar food.

God, I wish I could stop talking sh*t.