Eric, in his capacity as chairman of Luton Town, was a frequent visitor at the old Baseball Ground in Derby. My father, who was appointed as director in 1947 and became chairman on a number of occasions (it was a one-year rotating role), ended as life president. In the 1950s, he made a point of going to all away matches, and took me with him; it was during one of these visits that he first met Eric and they became life-long friends. Whenever Eric was in Derby (every Christmas he appeared in panto at Derby Hippodrome for a number of years), he always made a point of coming to Derby’s home games and, after a swift phone call to Dad, he was always seated in the directors’ box as a visiting Luton Town director.
Eric with a photo of his favourite singing star! – GM
Model behaviour: Eric and a model help publicise a new shirt sponsor. – GM
At a Derby v. Arsenal game just after one Christmas, Eric was sitting behind Brian Clough and, not knowing (or caring) about Brian’s hatred of being touched, he tapped Brian on the shoulder, and then said: ‘Not taking many prisoners, are they?’ after a particular hard-tackling bit of play. He then turned to my sister and me and went through his routine of smoking the pipe upside down, glasses on upside down, and the coin in the paper-bag trick. All to cover up any embarrassment caused by Brian’s reaction!
Eric was a great man, and a wonderful character.
Author’s note: It should be stressed that Brian Clough DID love Eric!