Dave I have signed biographies from most Nottingham Forest players, but the most interesting (often alarming!) was by Larry Lloyd, born and bred in Bristol, first played for the club he supported as a kid, Bristol Rovers. Went on to play for Liverpool, then restarted his career at Forest, where he won so much including the European Cup. Twice.
One of the really interesting parts of his life is that his dad was born blind, and was Larry’s hero. His dad met his mum at a blind person’s club in Bristol. His mum wasn’t blind, but her parents both were, which meant that Larry had a blind father and two blind maternal grandparents.
I actually met him first in Ilfracombe on holiday: I was going back to my guest house from the beach at dusk when this big bloke loomed out of the gloom, with a child on each shoulder. I had a long conversation with him. Years later, I met him several times at Forest Supporters Club functions. He always had time for us fans and he never lost his accent. He is still a fans’ hero in Nottingham and has a show on local radio. A very nice, polite guy, who became a monster on a football pitch!
“Larry Lloyd – Hard Man, Hard Game” is much more interesting than the title suggests. Meeting the man reinforces that, he is intelligent and very, very funny.
When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.
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