A new (offsite) series:

Football and Music: Song Of The Day on Twitter

As the title says these songs will only be posted (and be available to download) via the F&M Twitter*
  http://www.twitter.com/football_music

*This first one today will be also posted here, but as mentioned all future songs can only be found via our Twitter feed. Keep a look out for [F&M SoTD].

[See post to listen to audio] » Slade – Give Us A Goal

I remember seeing Bobby Zamora playing – and scoring often – at Brighton. I thought at the time that he was a good future prospect.

He went there at first on loan from Bristol Rovers and in his 6 games he scored 6 goals. After this Brighton were quick to sign him permanently. Zamora spent a further three seasons with them and in his 186 appearances he scored 70 goals.

This sort of form obviously gets you noticed by the bigger clubs and one came knocking in the form of Glenn Hoddle and Spurs, but the big move wasn’t a good one for Bobby. He failed to settle and in January 2004 he was sold to West Ham, a club which he is a lifelong fan.

This move seemed to be the one. He spent four years there and in 2006 with the future looking bright Bobby signed an extended contract with the Hammers, keeping him there until 2011.
He said at the time:

“I’m delighted to have extended my contract and I’m now looking forward to spending my long-term future at Upton Park. I’ve been here for almost three years now, and there is really no other place I would rather be. This is my club and wearing a claret and blue shirt is all I have ever wanted to do.”

Everything and everybody was happy, including one musical fan who recorded a re-worded classic song, first sung about him by some Brighton fans a few years before…

[See post to listen to audio] » Mark Adams – That’s Zamora

But sadly these happy moments wouldn’t last. In December of 2008 there was speculation linking him to a move to Fulham. At the time Curbs (the then manager) said that he wouldn’t sell. Seven months later. He was gone.

Extra Time: The original:

[See post to listen to audio]
» Dean Martin – That’s Amore

But some gutter rats from The News of the Screws visited the living comedy legend and found out he’s actually happy there. (There’s a video that accompanies that article you have to watch).

Again like the mention of Bentine the other day, if you’ve not heard of him. Look him up. Lee Evans owes his whole act to Sir Norman.

I’ve got a story about when our paths crossed briefly. I may tell it at the end. All depends on how this post goes.

Some things I recently found out about him:

» He used to post and corresponded with people via the forum on his IMDB profile.

(These from Wikipedia)
» Wisdom is a lifelong supporter and a former board member of Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.

» In 1995, he visited the post-Stalinist Albania, where to his surprise he was greeted by many appreciative fans including the president. His fondness for Brighton & Hove Albion is renowned in Albania and consequently there are many ‘Seagulls’ fans there.

» On a visit in 2001 which coincided with the England football team playing Albania in Tirana, his presence at the training ground even eclipsed that of David Beckham.

The Wikipedia entry for Brighton has him listed with their other famous supporters. With the additional info: “Norman Wisdom, the comedian who was once a director of the club and who wrote new words for the club’s song “Sussex by the Sea”.

I don’t have that, but what I do have is a song recorded for their FA Cup Final appearance in 1983.

This final was memorable because of something said by the commentator right at the crucial moment:

“…and Smith must score !”

But unfortunately, like when Brian Moore asked Keegan as England were taking the pens, the commentator’s prophetic words were a curse to striker Gordon Smith. He hesitated and Gary Bailey saved it.

The match finished 2-All and in the replay they were gubbed 4-nil.

That Final appearance seemed to be their top flight swansong, after that things went downhill and after skirting with relegation from the football leagues all together, are (at the moment) 6th place in the old Division Three.

There is still an ongoing drama with their ground. But I’ll save that story for another day…

So in time for this year’s FA Cup 1st Round Proper …

» The 1983 Brighton & Hove FA Cup Final Squad – The Boys In Old Brighton Blue