Ivor Allchurch

Infobox Football biography
playername = Ivor Allchurch


fullname = Ivor John Allchurch
dateofbirth = October 16, 1929
cityofbirth = Swansea
countryofbirth = Wales
dateofdeath = death date and age|1997|7|10|1929|10|16
height = 5'10"
nickname = "Golden Boy"
position = Inside forward
years = 1947-1958 1958-1962 1962-1965 1965-1968
clubs = Swansea Town Newcastle United Cardiff City Swansea Town Career
caps(goals) = 327 (124) 143 0(46) 103 0(39) 118 0(40) 691 (249)
nationalyears =
nationalteam = Wales
nationalcaps(goals) = 68 (23)

Ivor John Allchurch MBE (October 16, 1929 - July 10, 1997) was a Welsh footballer.

During his professional career he played for Swansea Town, Newcastle United and Cardiff City, where he amassed 691 games scoring 249 goals. His record of 68 caps stood until 1986, when it was exceeded by Joey Jones total of 72 caps. Ivor also held the record amount of goals scored for Wales, 23, which was eventually broken by Ian Rush scoring 28. His talents were only recognised on a global scale after his superb performances for Wales during the 1958 World Cup, in which he helped them to reach the quarter finals.

He is known as 'The Golden Boy' of Welsh football.

Biography

Early life

Ivor Allchurch was born on October 16 1929 in Swansea City, what was then known as Swansea Town. Ivor was first spotted playing football on a playing field called Cwm Level, in the Plasmarl area of Swansea, which was also were he lived at the time. Joe Sykes, the club's scout and a former player of Swansea Town, was there to watch another player but as soon as he saw Ivor's first touch, he knew he'd 'unearthed a gem of great quality'. After gaining Ivor's father's permission, Mr Sykes, as he was known by the players, took Ivor to meet the then manager of Swansea Town, Haydn Green. So began the career of one of Wales' greatest ever footballer's and sportsmen.

Playing career

Ivor started his career at his home town side Swansea Town in 1947 for whom he made 445 appearances and scored 164 goals. Although he did not make his league debut until the 1950-51 season due to his obligation, to what was recognised as the only peacetime conscription in the history of the UK; this was more commonly known as National Service.

He joined Newcastle United in 1958 for a fee in the region of £28,000, and became a firm favourite with the Geordie fans. He later played for rivals Cardiff City and returned for a second spell at Swansea, at the age of 35. He was released by Swansea at the end of the 67/68 season and signed for Worcester City. He later had a spell as player manager of Haverfordwest County and ended his career at Pontardawe Athletic at the age of 50. Allchurch played 691 league games and scored 249 goals in his professional career.

He made his international debut against England in 1951 and played his final game for his country against Chile in 1966. In all, Allchurch scored 23 goals for Wales (a record until 1986) in 68 appearances (also a record until 1986). He was also a key component of the Welsh squad that played in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden.

Playing Style & Character

A similar player to Northern Ireland's Peter Doherty, Ivor was an exceptional talent, able to move past players with ease and with a beautiful, skillful grace. His overall game was unhurried, consisting of pinpoint passes which he would perform every single game with ease. His shot could be ferocious but very accurate, scoring most of his goals from outside of the box. On and off the pitch Ivor has been described as 'a gentleman', with a quiet unassuming manner, something that is rarely seen in the modern game.

Ivor Allchurch died in 1997, aged 67, at his home in his much loved City of Swansea. His funeral was service was held at the city's Morriston crematorium, it was attended by hundreds of people including many famous footballers.

Famous Quotes About Ivor

Below are just a few of the words of praise for Ivor's footballing ability and his modest character.

"Ivor never needed a number on his back for identification. His polish, his class could not be missed. He vies with the greatest of all time, yet he has a modesty that becomes him"

Sir Matt Busby - Manchester United Manager

"He was a great player, with footballing presence and charisma"

Sir Bobby Charlton - England and Manchester United Midfielder

"One of the best inside-forwards I have ever played against"

Bobby Moore OBE - England and West Ham Defender

Recognition of Achievements

To celebrate Ivor's achievements for his local club, it was originally decided that money should be raised for a Bust (sculpture) of him. Such was the generosity and love for Ivor from the Swansea City fans, that enough money was raised for a statue.

There is now a statue in honour of him outside Swansea City AFC Liberty Stadium. His brother, Len, was also a footballer.

In 1966, he was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to football and is also a member of the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.