R.I.P Chris Garland.

[smudger63]

Garland came to us during our poor 74/75 season, and his goals arguably saved us from getting relegated that season.

I have a little story from that time, that maybe gives an insight into what a good guy he was.

Garland came in and immediatly started scoring goals, including a hat trick against Wolves in our 3-2 win at home.

One of the midlands tv channels, came to the City training ground, to do a spotlight piece on Garland to talk about his good form, and the impact he was having one Friday during training.

Well my brother and his mate were also at the training ground collecting the players autographs at the time.

Upon seeing the camera man and interviewer setting up to do the interview with Garland, they decided they would stand behind Garland while he was being interviewed, in order to get on the tv, which they knew would be shown during the sport section of that evenings midlands news.

Well the interviewer wasnt happy, and basically told them to sod off, but then Garland piped up, and told the interviewer, that unless the lads were allowed to stand behind him during the interview, then he wouldnt do the interview. 

So thanks to Garland they were allowed to stand behind him, and did indeed make it on to the tv that evening.

 

 

[TrentFox]

Extremely sad news. Proper player. Proper shirt colour. 👍

Edited 13 July 2023 by TrentFox

[st albans fox]

Had a lot of issues with gambling addiction and several failed business’ and bankruptcies 

 

terrific player and quite a character 

 

He scored three goals at the start of the 1976–77season, but broke Jeff Blockley's cheekbone after punching him during training for what Garland believed was Blockley's rough treatment of the club's apprentices. Garland placed four transfer requests, and was eventually sold back to his hometown club.

 

 

[Brizzle Fox]

Lovely little thread here. Absolute legend down these parts, not just as a player but one of the Ashton Gate 8 who helped save the club many years ago.

 

RIP

 

 

 

Edited 13 July 2023 by Brizzle Fox

[The whole world smiles]

Never heard of him, not remotely my eara but always enjoy reading these threads learning about some of our player from days yonder. 

 

Great little anecdote from the thread starter. 

 

Rip Christopher Garland. 

[majaco]

...

Edited 13 July 2023 by majaco
Uncertainty

[PAULCFC]

Bit before my time,but heard the name......RIP

[String fellow]

He played in City's 'W' team, which included Wallington, Whitworth, Woollett, Weller and Worthington.

[Supergray22]

18 minutes ago, String fellow said:

He played in City's 'W' team, which included Wallington, Whitworth, Woollett, Weller and Worthington.

That was the team my dad first took me to see under Jimmy Bloomfield as little kid. Obviously I have special memories as a kid but I thought they were a great team. Garland wasn’t the star but I do remember him as a very good player so to hear of his passing is sad. RIP

[SemperEadem]

9 hours ago, smudger63 said:

Garland came to us during our poor 74/75 season, and his goals arguably saved us from getting relegated that season.

I have a little story from that time, that maybe gives an insight into what a good guy he was.

Garland came in and immediatly started scoring goals, including a hat trick against Wolves in our 3-2 win at home.

One of the midlands tv channels, came to the City training ground, to do a spotlight piece on Garland to talk about his good form, and the impact he was having one Friday during training.

Well my brother and his mate were also at the training ground collecting the players autographs at the time.

Upon seeing the camera man and interviewer setting up to do the interview with Garland, they decided they would stand behind Garland while he was being interviewed, in order to get on the tv, which they knew would be shown during the sport section of that evenings midlands news.

Well the interviewer wasnt happy, and basically told them to sod off, but then Garland piped up, and told the interviewer, that unless the lads were allowed to stand behind him during the interview, then he wouldnt do the interview. 

So thanks to Garland they were allowed to stand behind him, and did indeed make it on to the tv that evening.

 

 

Weller makes it look so easy.

[davieG]

Always liked him had talent and commitment. 

 

RIP Chris

[smudger63]

57 minutes ago, SemperEadem said:

Weller makes it look so easy.

He was a truly superb player. 

[Supergray22]

1 hour ago, SemperEadem said:

Weller makes it look so easy.

He was pure class. Just as I remember him in that clip. Worthing withworth rofe Earle Samels wollett blockley etc were also special. Just shows that great teams come and go. Should give the young ones hope for the future in this difficult period. The constant being the club, its culture and the support of the fans. 

Edited 14 July 2023 by Supergray22

[Foxdiamond]

11 hours ago, smudger63 said:

Garland came to us during our poor 74/75 season, and his goals arguably saved us from getting relegated that season.

I have a little story from that time, that maybe gives an insight into what a good guy he was.

Garland came in and immediatly started scoring goals, including a hat trick against Wolves in our 3-2 win at home.

One of the midlands tv channels, came to the City training ground, to do a spotlight piece on Garland to talk about his good form, and the impact he was having one Friday during training.

Well my brother and his mate were also at the training ground collecting the players autographs at the time.

Upon seeing the camera man and interviewer setting up to do the interview with Garland, they decided they would stand behind Garland while he was being interviewed, in order to get on the tv, which they knew would be shown during the sport section of that evenings midlands news.

Well the interviewer wasnt happy, and basically told them to sod off, but then Garland piped up, and told the interviewer, that unless the lads were allowed to stand behind him during the interview, then he wouldnt do the interview. 

So thanks to Garland they were allowed to stand behind him, and did indeed make it on to the tv that evening.

 

 

Always remember being grateful for those vital goals

[mozartfox]

Great player.  Really liked him back in the day. RIP Chris - at least you brought joy to people in your life.

[mozartfox]

3 hours ago, String fellow said:

He played in City's 'W' team, which included Wallington, Whitworth, Woollett, Weller and Worthington.

Those ‘W’ s were much better than 11 ‘W’s we had representing our Club most weeks under Fraudgers. 

[weller54]

13 hours ago, smudger63 said:

Garland came to us during our poor 74/75 season, and his goals arguably saved us from getting relegated that season.

I have a little story from that time, that maybe gives an insight into what a good guy he was.

Garland came in and immediatly started scoring goals, including a hat trick against Wolves in our 3-2 win at home.

One of the midlands tv channels, came to the City training ground, to do a spotlight piece on Garland to talk about his good form, and the impact he was having one Friday during training.

Well my brother and his mate were also at the training ground collecting the players autographs at the time.

Upon seeing the camera man and interviewer setting up to do the interview with Garland, they decided they would stand behind Garland while he was being interviewed, in order to get on the tv, which they knew would be shown during the sport section of that evenings midlands news.

Well the interviewer wasnt happy, and basically told them to sod off, but then Garland piped up, and told the interviewer, that unless the lads were allowed to stand behind him during the interview, then he wouldnt do the interview. 

So thanks to Garland they were allowed to stand behind him, and did indeed make it on to the tv that evening.

 

 

My favourite era.. 

Proper football and so lucky to have grown up and witnessed this time. 

RIP Chris Garland. 

[String fellow]

His last full season at City (75/76) was another 'great escape' (or perhaps more accurately 'great recovery') season in the top flight. Having failed to win a single league game until the second week of November and looking like strong relegation candidates, somehow we managed to finish 7th. out of 22. Chris Garland and Frank Worthington seemed to swap no.9 and no.11 shirts quite regularly that season. Sadly, both are now gone.

[foxgas]

Proper player, fond memories R.I.P. Chris.

[sylofox]

6 hours ago, SemperEadem said:

Weller makes it look so easy.

 

5 hours ago, smudger63 said:

He was a truly superb player. 

What would you pay for a 26yo Weller now?

[oxford blue]

Smudger63

Thanks for your post - I remember the players featured in the video posted. It's very sad when very good players you watched in their time at City pass away. Chris Garland certainly scored some important goals when we played some fantastic football in the 70's.

 

(The 5 minute clip does show how good Weller (one of the most talented players to play for City), Whitworth and Rofe ( his 'no nonsense' tackling was second to none) - all were.)

[KP Fox]

Yes. Sad news. Great player and was a good mate of The Birch from their Chelsea days but Garland kept him out of the team when he arrived. I remember him getting sent off in a match at Filbert Street in the mid seventies. 

[fuchsntf]

That era the W team & actually suprise but welcome buy with Chris Garland,my real late teens early 20s era.

That hat trick the crowd were delirious.

Fond fond memories. Knew the players had some pleasant relax  time & fond memories with more than a few.

Another player I was sad to see leave.

 

We all reach that age where aquaintances,friends,relations depart,rather quickly,but it's those small often great memories they leave behind

Like Chris the W team left a Garland of them behind..Probably the best individuals we ever had,but like always in sport on perspectives that leaves us

with many debate..

Godbless Chris..

 

[Weller Wing]

One of the 1st players I saw at Filbo.

 

Dad used to bribe mum with a days shopping in Leicester, so he had an excuse to drive up from Bedford.

 

I went with dad to a match and mum went round to city centre and market for a few hours, so everyone was happy(apart from when we lost😄)

 

Thanks for the memories Chris ,along with so many other iconic City players from that era, that are no longer with us 🥺

 

And the colour of that shirt😍😍

[smudger63]

1 hour ago, oxford blue said:

Smudger63

Thanks for your post - I remember the players featured in the video posted. It's very sad when very good players you watched in their time at City pass away. Chris Garland certainly scored some important goals when we played some fantastic football in the 70's.

 

(The 5 minute clip does show how good Weller (one of the most talented players to play for City), Whitworth and Rofe ( his 'no nonsense' tackling was second to none) - all were.)

Whitworth was almost like a modern full back, the way he marauded forward. Rofe was a proper solid full back who was underrated, not by the city fans though. We had some great players back then. I think our 73/74 team was when we was at our best under Bloomfield. Even though our highest position under him was 75/76. 

Some of the football we played under Bloomfield at times was just a joy to watch.