Brian Smith

“I went to Leavesden Green Primary School and was a member of the school football team that won the Wix Trophy in 1960 against Manland Primary School. I scored three goals in our 5-0 result, which was the first time the school had reached the final.

“I also equalled the Watford Schools 80 yard sprint record in 1961.

“I left Leavesden in 1961 and went to Leggatts Way School for Boys where I was appointed Head Boy in 1965/6.

“I was invited to play football with the West Herts School team during a tour of Holland in 1963, played the first two games but then became injured and was unable to play the final games – the last being against the under-16s of Ajax, which we drew.

“I played cricket for Watford and Hertfordshire schools in 1965/6, where during a school match in 1965, I achieved six wickets in one over against Rickmansworth Grammar School.

“I played for Hertfordshire Youth and Boys Clubs in 1968 while playing in the undefeated Woodside under-18 Boys Club, winning the league and five other competitions including winning the Watford FC Medal Competition 5-0 against Holywell Boys Club at Vicarage Road, scoring over 200 goals during the season.

“I left Leggatts Way in 1966 working as an Engineering Apprentice at Wild Barfield, studying at George Stephenson College and in 1970, Watford College of Technology.

“I joined Wealdstone and then Hayes in 1968/9, playing alongside Dave Bassett who at the time was an amateur footballer with Hayes, then moving to Sun Sports in the County League. I unfortunately had a cartilage operation and retired at the age of 21 due to injury.

“During this time I played Sunday League football for Hills and Watford Sports, the latter at one time managed by Dave Bassett during his days at Hayes prior to moving to Wimbledon and then into the professional ranks.