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Post by tonya on May 25, 2023 18:56:30 GMT
Graham Birks was a speedy, very effective full-back. He grew a thick beard during his time with us, still something of a novelty for a footballer at the time. A cup game against Derby County drew the national press down to Sealand Road, and the report in (I think) the Observer next day described him as 'bearded like the prophet'. He was generally of a fairly equable temperament, but I remember a match against Workington in what must have been 1971 when he was marking a very slightly built winger called Dave Helliwell. All was well until a period in the second half when he seemed to be sticking unusually close to his man while the ball bobbled around the rest of the pitch. When it came in their general direction he ignored it completely and stamped down hard on Helliwell in what is euphemistically called the groin area. I think on this occasion he did stay around long enough for the referee to confirm that this was in fact contrary to the laws of the game. I first read about Andy Provan's passing on a facebook thread, and i'm sure Graham Birks commented on it. I clicked on his name, and if it is the same Graham Birks he is living in Australia or New Zealand It's 'stuff' like this that makes you happy you support Chester. Has Graham a contact? I was in the process a few years ago in organising in filming 'old' players in a pub near the Clock Tower in Chester. The concept being getting players to reminisce about the old days. However it all became too costly. A very limited audience for what would be days of work. Shame.
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