Ex-Hartlepool United and Nottingham Forest player John McGovern opens up his photo album ahead of tribute night

A two-time European cup winning footballer from Hartlepool has opened his scrapbooks ahead of a tribute night later this month.
By Mark Payne
Published 4th Mar 2024, 14:47 BST

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Former Hartlepool player John McGovern who went on to lift the European Cup as captain for Nottingham Forest – not once but twice in 1979 and 1980 will be the special guest of radio presenter Paul “Goffy” Gough at the town’s Rovers Quoit Club on Good Friday.

He has opened up some of his favourite photograph albums which have been compiled into video compilations to be shown on the night on March 29.

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They include him putting pen to paper to become the first apprentice for Hartlepools United, as the cub was then called in 1966.

Highlights from John McGovern's photo album ahead of his tribute evening in Hartlepool later this month.Highlights from John McGovern's photo album ahead of his tribute evening in Hartlepool later this month.
Highlights from John McGovern's photo album ahead of his tribute evening in Hartlepool later this month.

Others show John with a young Brian Clough, who he followed from Hartlepool to Derby and Forest, and celebrating Pools’ first ever promotion in 1968.

He said: “I am thrilled that Goffy has taken the lead to organise a look back at my career in town. It is coming up on 60 years since my first training sessions at Hartlepools United so it’s a touch overdue.

“It will be a magical night on Good Friday and I’m told that there will be a few surprises in store.

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“I was so lucky to be part of the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor European domination as their captain and all that it brought."

Radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough is hosting the evening with John McGovern on March 29.Radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough is hosting the evening with John McGovern on March 29.
Radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough is hosting the evening with John McGovern on March 29.
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John moved with his family to Hartlepool from Montrose in Scotland aged seven and attended Henry Smiths school.

He added: “I lived on the Central Estate and loved it there, riding my bike through the docks to the Vic.”

John, now 74, made his first team debut in 1966 and together with other players was drafted in by Clough to attend fundraisers to help keep the club afloat.

A young John McGovern, floral shirt, celebrates promotion with his Pools team mates in 1968.A young John McGovern, floral shirt, celebrates promotion with his Pools team mates in 1968.
A young John McGovern, floral shirt, celebrates promotion with his Pools team mates in 1968.
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He said: “I hear that sons are bringing dads to the event to recall the Clough and Taylor stories. Names such as Brian Drysdale, Bobby Cummings, George Smith, Jimmy Mulvaney and Ernie Phythian are wonderful teammates form the past at HUFC and I feel sure we will be highlighting those names and more too.”

A John McGovern Celebration Evening at the Rovers Quoit Club, Easington Road, starts at 8.15pm.

Tickets are priced at £20 from the club or online at www.wegottickets.com/event/607368

Related topics:HartlepoolNottingham ForestBrian Clough