Fidler in the Hood: Footballers Never Die: They Just Fade Away
Johnny was indeed a leading footballer in the heady days of the old NFL, when crowds of up to 40 000 attended a match.
GREETINGS. Still in winter wonderland here with a bit of a nip in the air, but not long now and we will be ‘hot under the collar’ once more.
Memorable luncheon
Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Ex-Pro businessmen’s lunch at Margate Bowling Club.
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Guest speaker was the legendary Graeme Pollock, one of South Africa’s greatest cricketers, if not the finest. It was certainly one of the best occasions your scribe has attended since living here. I was welcomed by Johnny Louch who made me feel at home and by the end of the lunch, my social diary was filling up nicely. Thanking Johnny for the excellent lunch, we agreed to meet soon.
Halcyon days
No sooner said than done, Louchy called by to tell me a little about himself. Johnny is a major player with Ex-Pro, a charity organisation which has raised much-needed funds for people in need during these tough economic times in SA.
Johnny was indeed a leading footballer in the heady days of the old NFL, when crowds of up to 40 000 attended a match. Not unsurprisingly, I was familiar with many of the footballers mentioned: Les Salton, Budgie Byrne, Johnny Haynes, Charlie Gough, Freddie Kalk, Tony Macedo, Jackie Plenderleith and Bobby Braithwaite. Halcyon days indeed for South African football.
Worthy charity
He commented that many ‘star’ players had not made it in the working world and fell on hard times after their careers were over.
Ex-Pro started small to help sportsmen in difficulties and has grown into an organisation that does all its own fund-raising. The charity has widened its purpose and now helps children in need.
Last year Ex-Pro raised over R2-million for deserving causes. Johnny says it makes him happy knowing that deserving children wake up to presents on Christmas morning.
Giving back
Durban-born Johnny was fortunate to make it ‘big time’ in the NFL, but never forgot his old teammates. Since then, Johnny has become something of an institution with the charity organisation. He sincerely believes in giving something back to society and to his footballing ‘band of brothers’. I mentioned that I once played for Droylsden United in the old Cheshire League. The Droylsden team was coached by ex-Manchester United winger Harry McShane (father of actor Ian McShane of ‘Dallas’ fame).
Sir Alec
One memorable highlight of Johnny’s was having famous Manchester United manager Sir Alec Ferguson as guest speaker in Johannesburg about eight years ago. Despite time constraints to his busy schedule, ‘Fergie’ kept his word and arrived on the dot at the Ex-Pro lunch in Turffontein. Johnny added “Sir Alec is true to his word. When he makes a promise or commitment, he will be there.”
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Small world
Johnny and I continued recalling those footballers who graced the old NFL in the 60s and 70s. I was a bit of a Cape Town City fan (a poor substitute for my beloved Manchester City, I know), but football is football anywhere in the world. Those were the days of Roger Coetzee, Richard Allen and Fernando Custodio (Hellenic). I mentioned previously working with a Cape Town City player Dennis Cunningham, a book-binder by trade. Johnny exclaimed “Dennis Cunningham? I know him. He’s still in Cape Town. I’ll get his contact number for you.” Within half an hour of leaving, Johnny phoned through the number. I made a tentative call and incredibly Dennis still remembered me, half a century later. It could only happen here in SA. Strangers at first, good friends ten minutes later. Johnny, it was a real pleasure meeting you and to know of the wonderful charity work you do.
Once a ‘Blue’
The English football season kicked off last weekend with my Beloved Manchester City continuing where they left off: winning. ‘Come and join us; come and join us: we’re marching to the Promised Land!’ Heaven can wait. Once a Blue, always a Blue!
See you, Rob.
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