Hartlepool United, Pools fans and even TV star Jeff Stelling help club legend John Gill celebrate 80th birthday

Man-mountain central defender John Gill was a key member of the Pools side that secured promotion for the first time in the club’s history in 1968.

“Big John Gill”, as he was known, made more than 200 appearances in six years and is still fondly remembered at Victoria Park half a century later.

Like many people, John has found lockdown difficult at times, which prompted son Tim to reach out to BBC Radio Tees presenter Paul “Goffy” Gough to see if he could help make his dad’s milestone birthday extra special.

Dozens of birthday cards, letters, old photographs and press cuttings from fans soon arrived at his home near Walsall, in the West Midlands, as well as a personalised framed Pools shirt from club owner Raj Singh.

Ardent supporter Jeff Stelling also gave him a mention on his Sky Sports television show and John is now back in touch with former teammate John McGovern, who went on to captain European Cup winners Nottingham Forest, for the first time in 50 years.

A grateful John, who celebrated his birthday on February 3, said afterwards: “I’m totally overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone.

“It is just lovely to be remembered by the club and the fans on my special birthday.

“I am a big fan of Raj Singh as he jumped in to save our club and we should never forget that. The framed shirt will certainly be given pride of place in my living room.

“Jeff Stelling made my celebrations complete when he started to talk about me on Sky Sports about the unforgettable squad that made history in the 1967-68 season.

“Goffy has been a friend of the family for a long time and clearly worked his magic to make my big day so special, which even included linking me up with John McGovern for the first time in 50 years.

“To all the fans who got in touch, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Tim, who lives near his dad, said: “Dad has very fond memories of his time at Hartlepool and it is always the first result he looks out for.

“I cannot thank the fans and the club enough for all of their help and dad’s special birthday is something we’ll never ever forget.”

Goffy, a lifelong fan himself, said: “John Gill was a key member of the famous 1967-68 promotion-winning side and over 50 years on, fans still talk about him.

“I’m so pleased that he had such a memorable birthday and it would be great to see him and his family back again for a game at the Vic once fans are allowed back.”

Hartlepools United, as they were then known, clinched promotion from Division Four with a 2-0 evening win at Swansea.

In an era before the internet and even local radio coverage, fans waited anxiously outside the Hartlepool Mail’s offices for staff at the paper to confirm the full-time result.

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