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Post by Tangerine Sherlock on Jun 11, 2012 8:47:16 GMT 1
Former Blackpool goalkeeper Gordon West has died at the age of 69.
West, who also had spells at Everton and Tranmere, had been battling a long illness and passed away peacefully today.
He made his debut for Blackpool at the age of 17 and went on to play 33 League games.
After becoming Everton boss Harry Catterick’s first signing from Blackpool in 1962 for £27,000 - a then-record fee for a goalkeeper - West made 402 appearances and was capped three times by England.
West helped the side to the First Division title in 1963 and 1970 as well as the FA Cup in 1966.
He retired from football in 1973 only to make a comeback three years later with Tranmere.
When he hung up the gloves three years later, West went into security, working at RAF Woodvale in Southport before retiring.
Fellow Everton favourite Graeme Sharp told the club’s official website upon hearing of West’s passing: “It’s dreadfully sad. I met Gordon many times and he was a real larger-than-life character who loved Everton.
“All Evertonians will be distressed at this news and my thoughts are with his family.”
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Post by yeoldetangerine on Jun 11, 2012 12:08:46 GMT 1
RIP Gordon, saw him when I first went to watch at Bloomfield Road all these years ago. Missed him at Woodvale, went there with ATC, 72 to 77
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Post by sandgrown'un on Jun 11, 2012 12:36:36 GMT 1
Really sad to hear the news of Gordon West.
He was particular hero of mine as I was a budding goalkeeper back in the day and I used to love being on the Kop behind the goal watching him. He had a quirk in his kicking that made his non kicking foot go over on itself, it used to make us cringe.
Gosh, where do all the years go eh?
RIP Mr West and thanks for the memories.
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