“So if Gordon had been a bit younger, I could’ve been a wag!”
When Gordon Colquhoun signed up for Guiseley in the late 1950’s, it would be a safe to say him and his wife Christine had no idea what experiences were ahead of them. Christine sat down with Joe Priestley to discuss Gordon’s time playing with The Lions.
“He was fast as you can get and good with it at his feet” – Michael Stocks on Gordon.
Gordon was arguably one of the most talented players in the team that won challenge cups and topped the West Yorkshire League. However, the team was about more than their “119 goals in 26 games” seasons, and it was the community that surrounded the team that really left a lasting impression on Christine. With the catering still to this day handled by willing volunteers.
But Gordon’s success within the team wasn’t the only thing that was being taken notice of in the wider region, with their quashing of local rivals Rawdon Old Boys amongst others, came wider attention. Which for Gordon meant attention from the county’s greatest ever side. Don Revie began attending Gordon’s games and soon became very interested.
Christine went on to tell me “He really wanted to sign him” and for a while it really looked as if Gordon was on his way to the big time however Christine told me “he (Revie) thought Gordon was 23 or 24 not 27 so he was too old”. But, instead of recounting what could’ve been Christine simply grinned and replied “So if Gordon had been a bit younger, I could’ve been a wag! Like Colleen Rooney!”.
Gordon currently resides in a care home where he receives help following a diagnosis with dementia. However, with the help of good local people such as his wonderful wife Christine, it is assured the tales of the legends that made Guiseley AFC what it is today are never forgotten.
The men are named as: standing left to right, Brian Nettleton, Colin Lister, Michael Stocks, Albert Glaister, John France,Ronnie Lawson, Denis Rhodes, George Stocks, Eric Waite.
Seated left to right: Douglas Withy (Trainer), Mahoney, Brian “Nipper” Davies, Kitson, Gordon Colquhoun, Alan “Bangy” Wright, John Kilvington.
Team photo and names courtesy of Aireborough Historical Society.
