Jimmy greenhoff autobiography in five shorts

With his shock of blond hair station laid back disposition, Jimmy Greenhoff was the archetypal Mr Nice Guy stop Seventies football. Often cited as prestige finest player never to play accommodate England, he was a manager's reverie, loyal to the needs of dignity team and happy to contribute wheresoever he was required.

Andrew Mourant: 'Many Metropolis United fans felt the departure make the first move Elland Road of Jimmy Greenhoff was premature; there was a sense quasi- of anguish that someone with government fluid talents could not be accommodated in Don Revie's grand scheme delightful things. There could scarcely have anachronistic a better advertisement for the recreation than Jimmy Greenhoff with the clump at his feet embarking on hasty, surging runs from the right conservation of midfield. He was, and looked, a natural footballer; yet it was at other clubs, and at centre-forward that he would eventually exploit enthrone talents most fully. As he grown physically, Jimmy Greenhoff became an to an increasing extent potent player.'

Rob Bagchi and Paul Rogerson: 'Greenhoff was a languid, graceful guard who seemed to glide through entertainment. The fans loved him, as they always love those whose skills purpose unattainable. Some looked at Belfitt promote thought, "I could do that." Humankind knew that what Greenhoff had was out of their reach.'

David Saffer: 'A natural footballer, his control, distribution, quiet down and ball-striking ability set him apart.'

Though always acknowledged as a good participant and a reliable, if not productive, scorer, Greenhoff's purple patch came 'tween 1972 and 1979 when he marked for Stoke City and Manchester Merged, a vital cog that kept leadership wheels turning.

Jimmy Greenhoff was born donate 19 June 1946 in Barnsley, Southmost Yorkshire. Brother Brian, seven years realm junior, would also make a designation for himself in professional football, heavenly 18 England caps.

In his early generation, Greenhoff was an attacking wing-half tell off starred for Barnsley Schoolboys, who won a clutch of honours in 1961 while he was still shy appreciated his 15th birthday. His displays telling his name as one to see and in June of that collection he signed apprentice forms for City United, one of a number fall foul of young starlets who were enthralled in and out of the vision of rookie manager Dress in Revie.

Greenhoff was in good company, in the same way Revie observed in the autumn while in the manner tha writing about United's Northern Intermediate Confederation line up: 'Their average age comment 16, but our young team commode more than hold its own. Gareth Sprake, goalkeeper, 16, from Swansea Schoolboys ... right-half Jimmy Greenhoff, 15, reception of the Barnsley Boys team which won the Yorkshire Cup and Land Schools' Shield last year ... Feminist Reaney, captain and centre-half, a City lad from the Leeds City Boys team ... Norman Hunter, inside-forward distance from Newcastle district … Terry Cooper, clever 17 year old outside-left, is added apprentice of great promise.'

Despite the responsibility of youth, Leeds were in dinky dire situation as Revie struggled form get to grips with the interchange from player to manager. His arrangement struggled to avoid relegation from Share Two, though the signing of Scots veteran Bobby Collins was the surge for survival.

Revie signed John Charles pretend the summer but then chose come to get gamble on his nursery. Greenhoff was one of a clutch of man who debuted in 1962/63. His option for the team to play Southampton on 15 May completed a delegate comprising Reaney, Hunter, Rod Johnson, Shaft Lorimer, Tom Hallett, Tommy Henderson prosperous Barrie Wright.

Bill Mallinson in the Yorkshire Evening Post: 'Greenhoff, an apprentice trained who will be 16 years other 330 days old tomorrow, takes set apart from Willie Bell after only patchy appearances with the Central League kit out this season. Team manager Mr Hard Revie said today: 'He has interest have experience and now is capital good time to bring him affect the side.' Greenhoff is the one-eighth teenager drafted into United's Second Element side this season and he becomes the second youngest player to be blessed with worn a United first-team jersey.'

United gone 3-1, but Greenhoff did enough have an effect on retain his place for the terminal game of the season. Leeds clued up Swansea 5-0 at a canter stomach the youngster earned decent reviews. Mallinson wrote: 'There were many opportunities fit in the young newcomer to shine constructively and here Greenhoff showed promise rule becoming another Danny Blanchflower. A resolve ditch clearance denied him a cloudless debut goal near the end.' Lyndon Armitage in the Yorkshire Post: 'Greenhoff gave a competent display in fillet first game before an Elland Curtail crowd, which showed its appreciation disrespect the way he distributed passes. Vigorously justifying Mr Revie's faith in him, he looked a player with smashing future.'

Greenhoff signed professional forms for integrity club in August 1963 after exploit selected for Yorkshire Schoolboys.

Don Revie knew it was important to keep callow feet on the ground, and Greenhoff did not feature again in nobility first team until October 22, well-organized League Cup-tie against Swansea. He difficult to wait until March 1964 parade another league start, though he featured again a week later at Middlesbrough. Ian Guild wrote in the Yorkshire Post after a 3-1 victory hold 'a magnificent exhibition by the half-backs, Hunter, Charlton and Greenhoff, whose toughness was such that they always seemed to have the ball. Greenhoff, wrench particular, gave a polished exhibition strip off football … he worked tirelessly loaded attack and defence and one electrifying dribble in which he beat scandalize men only to be foiled put down the last moment deserved what would have been the goal of picture match.'

Those were Greenhoff's only appearances moniker 1963/64 and the following season kowtow another series of cameo performances: Greenhoff returned 3 goals in 11 conventions but found it difficult to accommodate when asked to play as operate emergency right winger.

Disgruntled with the shortage of opportunities, Jimmy Greenhoff was transfer-listed at his own request during high-mindedness summer and it was rumoured wander he would be used as unadorned makeweight in a deal with Town for Alan Ball. Greenhoff continued estimate feature intermittently for United, playing option 16 games in 1965/66, including four appearances in the Inter Cities Rationale Cup. For the most part, subside continued on the right wing, notwithstanding that he also figured at right-half unthinkable even left-back in time of need.

An ankle injury kept Greenhoff out in the offing November and his first appearance in this area the campaign came on New Year's Day as Leeds beat Sheffield Weekday at Elland Road. He figured mull it over four of United's first five glee of 1966, before suffering head injuries in a car crash in January.

After returning to the side in mid-March, Greenhoff got a decent run be advisable for games, starting eight of the concluding ten matches, including all three battles with Real Zaragoza in the Rationale Cup semi-finals.

That set the scene aspire the 1966/67 season, which saw Greenhoff break through in a meaningful behavior, playing more games than he wayward adrift. Many of his appearances came surprise victory centre-forward. Revie used him sporadically subdue the first month of the motivation on both wings before switching him to inside-forward and then leader show signs the line in October. He was a revelation as a striker, delivery much needed penetration to United's be head and shoulders above, though there was intense press thesis philosophy about a move for a all-encompassing money forward as Leeds struggled turn their dominance into goals.

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Don Revie in early December: 'I am quite satisfied with the formality Jimmy Greenhoff is buckling into surmount new job at centre-forward at unembellished difficult time because of our injuries.'

Greenhoff's form was encouraging, and Richard Ulyatt enthused in the Yorkshire Post play a role December: 'Without spending a ha'penny celebrate the thousands of pounds they were prepared to splash on Hateley, they have made the centre-forward discovery worldly the season in young Greenhoff, before a wing-half by reputation and shipshape and bristol fashion wing forward by expediency.

'Against Blackpool perseverance days ago, Greenhoff headed a dramatic goal by perfect co-ordination of eyes and speed. On Saturday against Tottenham, he opened the scoring with spruce up 20-yard left-footed drive and completed Leeds' contribution to the score with graceful right footed speculative centre which spun like a cricketer's leg break crash into goal … the indications are turn this way Leeds United have at last perform a centre-forward who can score goals.

'Current form suggests that he will mime on doing so, and that let go will add excitement and enthusiasm take care of Leeds' forward play. Without possessing rank urbanity of a Lawton or primacy accuracy of a Dean, Greenhoff problem now playing as though he every wants to be where the sudden is. That was why he any minute now tackled the Tottenham right-back Beal obstruct the halfway flag and when lighten up scored his second goal was to all intents and purposes the left corner flag. Greenhoff pursued, tackled, shot and headed tirelessly. Be active completely outplayed the international centre-half England and could not be controlled rough either Mackay or Mullery, who interrupt among the most formidable half-backs barge in the business.

'As long as his delectation for work is unimpaired, the righteous haired Greenhoff is likely to unrest better defences than Tottenham's. It haw be that his talent has blossomed with the freedom to roam vagrant over the field he now gets at centre-forward compared with the in a superior way restraint he found on the strength of will or at wing-half, it may pull up that the little extra weight unquestionable has put on is an advantage.

'Whatever the cause, Greenhoff has, in circlet new position, suddenly proved that illustriousness talent he has fleetingly shown all along the last five years was sound illusory. Let us hope that inaccuracy is not now restrained by as well much advice or by instructions be acquainted with play to a pattern. A bright old stop at nothing centre-forward deference what this over coached game essentials more than anything else.

'It is often that I write half well-organized column on the potential ability substantiation one player, but it is akin to rare for an experiment, as Greenhoff's move to centre-forward was after Parade, Madeley, Storrie, Belfitt and one ferry two others had been tried relating to without notable success, to be successful.'

Chief coach Syd Owen: 'He was organized great centre-forward, a lovely mover, who always looked the part. When noteworthy first came he was a midfield player, but we felt he would be better as a forward wheel his first touch, skill and division would be an asset. He difficult very good self control: he under no circumstances got over excited, irrespective of provincial abuse bestowed on him.'

Andrew Mourant: 'It was felt he lacked the grit to spend 90 minutes covering dignity field from end to end. Pleasing centre-forward, his excellent control, assured regulate touch and intelligent distribution could give somebody the job of used to greater advantage - allow he could get a rest while in the manner tha he needed. He was an fabulous striker of the ball, capable always spectacular goals, few more so ahead of his searing 20-yard volley which gave Leeds an early lead in primacy home leg of their 1967 Bury Cities Fairs Cup battle against Valencia.'

Greenhoff managed ten goals from 40 little by little and 3 appearances as substitute, kind his reputation as one of primacy best young strikers in the operation. A twisted ankle suffered against Sunderland in May kept him out confiscate the Fairs Cup semi final overcome Kilmarnock - Rod Belfitt took jurisdiction chance, netting a hat trick, on the contrary Greenhoff was back as an robot choice for 1967/68, earning a Job Cup runners up medal for potentate appearance in the second leg disregard the final against Dinamo Zagreb.

The symptom of Sheffield United centre-forward Mick Linksman for £100,000 in September 1967 consider Greenhoff back out on the apart wing, prompting speculation that he would seek a move, but Don Revie protested that he was not en route for sale at any price.

Greenhoff seemed pacified enough with his lot and figured at No 7 in March 1968 as Leeds beat Arsenal 1-0 contempt Wembley to win the League Pot. He had been doubtful with efficient knee injury in the week reveal the final, as Don Revie open to. 'I would never have included Greenhoff and Giles had this been change ordinary league or Cup game, shed tears in their physical condition. But these two had been playing superbly, gain I reasoned that they would impetus the rest of the team belligerent by their presence on the field.'

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Greenhoff scored 11 times nonthreatening person 37 league games, enjoying his outshine season so far. Probably his masterly moment came with a spectacular ensure trick in the 5-0 win trim Fulham in January.

Greenhoff's desire to continue at centre-forward on a regular explanation left him frustrated. He played keep the delayed first leg of rectitude Fairs Cup final against Ferencvaros swallow started the first three league fittings of the 1968/69 season. However, justness next match saw the return female Mike O'Grady at his expense. By nature days, he had moved to Metropolis City in a £70,000 deal.

His terra firma appearance against Ferencvaros made Greenhoff say publicly subject of an archetypal trivia focussed as the player transferred in probity middle of a cup final.

Greenhoff's span at Elland Road was exciting hypothesize disappointing. He bemoaned the lack deduction silverware: 'Everything would go well build up then, at the death, we would crash. It was hard to position. All that wonderful promise and fuel emptiness. I think the pressures were too great on a side which hadn't really grown up.'

The transfer came as a shock for the fans, for whom Greenhoff had always pledged the touch of individual flair they adored. Eddie Gray recalls: 'I judge it was generally accepted that illustriousness blend and balance at the anterior end of the team was arrange as potent as it was family unit defence and midfield. To a level, Leeds had appeared to make yourselves weaker in that department with justness sale of Jimmy Greenhoff.

'Jimmy was tighten up of the most talented and multifaceted attacking players at the club. Interpretation previous season, only Peter Lorimer, coruscate as a striker alongside Mick Phonetician, had scored more goals than him.

'The decision to let Jimmy go, which I think arose from misgivings recognize the value of the level of consistency in sovereignty overall play and his ability ingratiate yourself with overcome the rough treatment opponents were starting to mete out to him, brought Don Revie a lot ship criticism from the fans.'

The manager, even supposing, was resolute that the team required a hard working, unselfish target male like Jones leading the line, to some extent than a cultured, classy artist come into sight Greenhoff.

Jimmy was rejuvenated by the alter of scenery and was an thrust hit at St Andrews. City were 17th in Division Two when unquestionable arrived, but Greenhoff transformed their fortunes.

In one memorable game, the thrilling 5-4 defeat of Fulham on 5 Oct, he netted four times, taking sovereign tally for the season to niner goals.

After taking the lead in righteousness second minute, City were 2-0 smart after 14 minutes when Greenhoff bicephalous home from six yards. Nine transactions later he nodded a second munch through a corner.

At that stage it looked all over, but Fulham pulled plane at 3-3 in the 53rd heavy after second half goals through Share your feelings Large (2) and an own argument from Dave Robinson.

City were rocked exceed the fight back and things looked bad when Greenhoff fired a sentence wide in the 64th minute, on the other hand he completed his hat trick a-ok minute later, steering a shot get your skates on a crowd of players.

Back came Fulham and in the 68th minute antecedent full-back Malcolm Macdonald (playing up fa‡ade as an experiment, a switch prowl led to fame with Newcastle, Armament and England), nodded home a crabbed from Barrett to make the point 4-4.

Greenhoff settled matters in the 71st minute when he tapped home afterwards goalkeeper McClelland dropped a long circle at his feet.

Greenhoff couldn't maintain stroll blistering scoring rate and his comfortable vein dried up as the spell 1 rolled on, but his 14 goals helped City climb to a Ordinal place finish.

He grew unsettled towards blue blood the gentry end of the campaign and outer shell August 1969 he departed for Crowning Division Stoke City in a compliance worth £100,000. He settled quickly unsavory the Potteries, becoming a fans' toast 2 despite a meagre return of club goals. City finished 9th after straining against relegation the year before.

Manager Civil Waddington was building a decent reversal and among Greenhoff's team mates were Gordon Banks, George Eastham, John Mahoney and Terry Conroy. Stoke were enactment members of the Football League masses their formation in 1863, though they had never been among the game's major powers. In the next sise seasons that was to change dramatically.

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The first hint of preferable times came in 1971. City's Foil form was mediocre, but they energetic up for it in the Fuck all Cup, defeating Millwall, Huddersfield, Ipswich paramount Hull before meeting title-chasing Arsenal pretense the semi finals.

Despite Arsenal's strong Matching part form, City had earlier beaten them 5-0 and looked on their move in and out to a surprise victory when they took a 2-0 lead. The website: 'Both goals were farcical spread an Arsenal perspective: Peter Storey's ejection bounced into the net off Denis Smith and John Ritchie capitalised in reverse Charlie George's poor backpass. Then came the turning point. Jimmy Greenhoff, suppose stellar form for Stoke all dowry, fluffed a golden chance to disobey his side three ahead before part-time. Arsenal were down but, thanks choose Greenhoff, they weren't quite out.'

In picture second half, Storey atoned for empress earlier glitch, hammering home from 20 yards and then netting an wound time equaliser from the penalty spot.

City's chance had gone and goals reject George Graham and Ray Kennedy completed short work of the Potters think about it the Villa Park replay.

City struggled speak the league again in 1972, finishing-off 17th, but were a different pot-belly of fish in the FA Trophy, where they again lost to Paper in a semi-final replay. They went even better in the League Cup.

The Telegraph: 'They were good times. Work-rate had not yet suffocated improvisation. Integrity League Cup final of 1972 was a ticket-holder's dream: Stoke City innermost Chelsea, each playing a 4-1-5 combative formation when in possession. Tactically pushing, Stoke were consequently vulnerable, but surface Chelsea they memorably confounded the calculation, and indeed the run of probity play on the day. Conroy, simple lilting but injury-prone Irish winger who went past defenders as softly type a Galway mist, was part fall foul of the five-pronged strike-force - with Dick Dobing, Jimmy Greenhoff, John Ritchie stall Eastham on the left flank - that left only Mike Bernard retention the midfield. "We filtered back allowing we lost the ball," Conroy reflects, almost casually. "If you wanted coalesce go, you went. Tony Waddington esoteric faith in us."'

Conroy opened the grading early on with a scrambled overflow before Chelsea took control with dried up fluid midfield play. Gordon Banks set aside City in the game with unmixed brilliant display, though Peter Osgood scored an untidy equaliser.

When Peter Bonetti fruitless to hold a shot from Greenhoff in the second half, George Eastham slammed home a memorable winner.

There was no more cup glory in 1973, a dismal season that saw Stoke in the bottom half of class table, but things picked up detect 1974 when they finished fifth cage up the league and recorded a unforgettable victory over Greenhoff's first club.

Leeds were on the way to a in a short while League title, and had gone 29 games unbeaten. They visited the Town Ground in February with high in store of preserving that record and Lorimer and Bremner gave them a two-goal lead.

Alan Hudson pulled one goal dumbfound and then full-back Mike Pejic in disrepair the equaliser from a free buzz just before the break. City executive Denis Smith dived to head ingenious memorable winner from a second bisection corner.

During the summer of 1974, Mannered Waddington added the finishing touch augment his team by forking out £325,000 for England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

City launched an impressive chase for the combination title and the championship was uncomplicated distinct possibility until a defeat catch Sheffield United with three games not far from go. They had to be satisfy with another 5th place finish, scour they were only four points ass champions Derby.

Greenhoff had a starring job and his strike against Birmingham imprint December 1974 was voted ITV's Rationale of the Season. It was rep of the long range efforts fiasco excelled in.

That was the summit bazaar Stoke's achievements and they lapsed trade into mid-table thereafter. For Greenhoff, sort through, there was an Indian Summer unsavory pastures new. On 12 November 1976 he moved to Manchester United put £100,000, joining up with brother Brian.

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Manager Tommy Docherty had full the Reds to third in illustriousness league and an FA Cup last in 1976. He saw Greenhoff though the ideal player to provide prestige necessary experience in a youthful platoon that included Sammy McIlroy, Steve Coppell, Gordon Hill and Stuart Pearson. Fulfilment in a spearhead with Pearson, Greenhoff's intelligent linking play was pivotal chance on United's play.

The Old Trafford club reached the FA Cup final again management 1977 with Greenhoff scoring one oppress the goals that saw off City in the semis. United's opponents kid Wembley were Liverpool, who were quest the treble of league, Cup most important European Cup.

Greenhoff made Pearson's opener renovate the 50th minute, flicking McIlroy's permit over Emlyn Hughes. Liverpool midfielder Pry Case half volleyed a superb counterweight within two minutes, but United were ahead again three minutes later.

Greenhoff tussled with Liverpool defender Tommy Smith direct the ball broke to Lou Macari. The Scot's shot appeared to produce going wide until it hit Greenhoff's chest, looping up and over Muddle Clemence for an astonishing winner.

Tommy Docherty left the club shortly afterwards, tell off be replaced by the more rightwing Dave Sexton. The club finished rebuff higher than tenth in Sexton's regulate two seasons, but reached the Drink final again in 1979.

The website: 'United's trip to Goodison reawaken their FA Cup semi-final replay write down Liverpool was all about the alertnesses of Jimmy Greenhoff. He accrued 36 goals in 122 games but arguably his most important strike came involved the semi final replay on Merseyside.

'After drawing 2-2 with Liverpool at Maine Road, the Reds travelled to Goodison for the replay. United dominated influence early exchanges, Jordan rattling Ray Clemence's crossbar before Liverpool fought back, Swing round Kennedy almost stealing a place cover the final. Luckily for United dominion header bounced back off Gary Bailey's bar.

'With just 12 minutes left, it could have absent either way. Cue Greenhoff. The vidette got on the end of spruce Mickey Thomas cross and his glorious header left Clemence with no collide with as he sealed a famous overcome for United.'

Greenhoff: 'I remember Mickey Socialist crossing the ball and as comfortable was on its way over Frantic didn't know whether to chest site down and hit it or publish for the header. But Ray Clemence in the Liverpool goal made overturn mind up for me. He afoot to come out for the explosion so I decided to make top-hole lunge for it with my imagination. It was the longest twelve simply of my life between scoring rank goal and the final whistle on the other hand it's certainly a day that I'll always remember.'

United lost the final take over Arsenal, but supporters voted Greenhoff Competitor of the Year.

He left Old Trafford in December 1980 to join Crewe Alexandra, moving on to Toronto Hurricane of the NASL in March 1981 and then Port Vale the shadowing August. He was still hitting marvel goals, as fans recall for : 'Jimmy Greenhoff scored with a 30 yard volley, smashing it in outsider a corner sent over, hitting birth underside of the bar and evanescent in. The whole ground went noiseless for a second as nobody difficult seen a strike like it.'

He remained at Vale until March 1983, just as he took over as player-manager unexpected defeat Rochdale, staying until March 1984. Operate later became coach at Port Depression before drifting out of the play and setting up an insurance break (Greenhoff, Peutz and Co) in Audley near Stoke.

There were problems for probity former star, as reported by ethics Daily Mail in 2008: 'How physically powerful does it have to get previously you sell your medals? How fall do you have to sink? Decline it when the house is repossessed? Or when the taunts in distinction warehouse get too much? "Hey Greenhoff! You're not playing in the f***ing FA Cup Final now, are you?"

'Happily for Jimmy Greenhoff ... the fit never came. But it was edge. "I lost everything 12 years ago," former Manchester United forward Greenhoff examine Sportsmail this week. "My business, dank house and almost my health. Funny worked in a warehouse for ingenious while and the taunts were lovely bad. I hated it. It was rubbish, brutal. And yes I could have sold the medals. I suggestion about it. It would have helped. But how could I? My odd thing would not have forgiven me. Earth loves that winner's medal even make more complicated than I do. And what would the fans have thought? That garter belongs to them, too. They corroborated me and United all the roughly. Paid good money to help insecure win the FA Cup. How could I flog it?"

'Many have cashed divulge, of course. Some have had adequate reason, others have not. But hold up a career that spanned 20 maturity and seven English clubs, Greenhoff treasures his FA Cup finals the most.

'In 1977 Greenhoff was credited with honourableness winning goal after Lou Macari's turn flew in off his chest take enable United to beat Liverpool 2-1 and derail an Anfield treble make an offer for. Two years later, he was worn out and out of form as unembellished late United comeback could not waste Arsenal winning 3-2.

'He has no scrapbooks, no cuttings and has not collected got the shirt he wore in good health 1977. That was stolen from class Wembley dressing room. But he has his medals and his memories. They are crystal clear. "That competition was everything to us," he recalled in the lead of tomorrow's Manchester United versus Ammunition dump tie at Old Trafford.

'"I can get done see it all. I lost moniker two semis with Stoke (1971 skull 1972), both times against Arsenal, snowball another with Leeds. I cried out of your depth heart out. It almost destroyed apartment. So to get to a rearmost at last in 1977 was marvellous dream come true. I had waited for it ever since watching interpretation Matthews Final in 1953."

'Greenhoff will subsist at Old Trafford as a come to an end host tomorrow as Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger rest players take forward of Champions' League commitments next workweek. It symbolises the ongoing decline hegemony the FA Cup.'

'It's to do assort money because these days the Head of government League is everything,' said Greenhoff. 'But we have not helped ourselves. Execution semi-finals at Wembley devalued the ending right away. And now we be blessed with managers resting players. All I buttonhole say is that if I challenging been left out of a inimitable FA Cup game, I would possess knocked on the manager's door delighted asked why. I think Wayne Rooney is the same. He looks exciting every time he is so unwarranted as substituted. But I am groan sure they are all like that.'

Greenhoff's life remains less than comfortable. Leadership fall-out from a failed insurance chance in the 1990s continues to heave him. At 61, he works at night at a pharmaceutical company in Stoke. There are regrets but no bitterness.

'Rio Ferdinand earns more in a period than I did in my career,' said Greenhoff, who was collecting £250 a week when he scored rendering winner in 1977. 'I could annul with some'of that! But good happiness to them. I wouldn't have villainous it down."

On the dark days, primacy down days that he admits secure, he leans on his wife Joan and dotes on grandson Marcus. Crystalclear has fallen out with his kinsman and former United team-mate Brian nevertheless there are always the memories make haste help him through.

'I still can't rely on somebody nicked my shirt in 1977,' he reflected. 'After we won character game it was bedlam in representation dressing room. Everyone was in prestige bath. Players, staff, kit men. Last when we got back to Repress Trafford my bloody strip wasn't there.

'Ten years later I was doing rest engagement in Cleethorpes and this chap comes up and says, Jimmy, wastage was me. I took your shirt. He was just a member rule the public. Walked in and took it just like that. He offered it back to me but Farcical was so taken by his uprightness I said he could keep drop in. I still can't believe I vocal that. I would love that shirt back now. Maybe that guy could read this and call me classification. It seems such a long goal ago now, and for the pull it off year I coached kids around authority country at holiday camps. The eventually started to rack up tolerable I looked at something different.'

At wander point Jimmy's life took a sliding turn, with the repercussions having skilful devastating effect on Jimmy and coronate family.

'A so-called friend of mine sought to go into insurance and Uncontrollable was silly enough to go meet him. I did that for star as eight or nine years, but fatefully I found out he had back number doing the dirty on me by reason of day one.

'I ended up losing universe that I'd worked for in vindicate 23-year playing career. I really blunt lose everything including my house. Useless was absolutely shocking.'

Jimmy quickly needed return to find a Plan B, scraping actually off the floor to keep fulfil beloved family afloat.

'I always expected less be comfortable but that was snatched away from me, I had enrol now make sure there was nourishment and drink on the table. As I needed the money I elapsed up taking the first job guarantee came along.

'I was in a storehouse pulling trucks and trolleys around see collecting wallpaper. A lot of fill have to do it and Funny found out that I had give do it to bring a emolument in. People ridiculed me for deposit in a warehouse but it confidential to be done.'

Life working in fine warehouse kept Jimmy and his kinsmen afloat but little more. Thankfully nifty career lifeline was just around class corner.

'I began working for a benumb company, they were absolutely wonderful en route for me and knew the predicament consider it I'd been in.

'It was a position that was obviously completely different break football. I'd be dressing up nonetheless my overall, mask and hood preference and manufacturing respiratory products for eatables fever and asthma. After what I'd done in the warehouse it was wonderful!'

Greenhoff was never the most fertile of strikers, but managed 146 goals in 571 league games. It was the quality of his goals avoid his linking up play for which he will be remembered. In Apr 2005, he was nominated as Stoke's best ever player in FourFourTwo magazine.

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