RIP Rodney Fern
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Blaarev
Well-Known Member
Have just seen that Rodney Fern has died - he played in the first City game I ever saw
RIP
Motown Fox
Well-Known Member
I was a great fan of Rodney, as I was at nearly every home game he played in.
Always gave his best and was I think the original "he's here, he's there he's every....." chant.
Big and a Legend up here in Rotherham too. When I've spoken to older Millers fans they always remember him.
http://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/view,millers-legend-rodney-fern-dies_25262.htm
Always gave his best and was I think the original "he's here, he's there he's every....." chant.
Big and a Legend up here in Rotherham too. When I've spoken to older Millers fans they always remember him.
http://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/view,millers-legend-rodney-fern-dies_25262.htm
Ike O'Noclassed
Well-Known Member
Scorer of the most incredible goal I have ever witnessed, a bicycle kick from a full-blooded cross by Lenny Glover in our first game after relegation in the old 2nd Division against Brum in 1969,
Fantastic on his day, and there were many of them.
Though I don't think the Birmingham goal and the FA Cup replay win over Man City in 1968 survive on film, theres an improbably long Youtube set of MOTD against Leeds which was his league debut.
Fantastic on his day, and there were many of them.
Though I don't think the Birmingham goal and the FA Cup replay win over Man City in 1968 survive on film, theres an improbably long Youtube set of MOTD against Leeds which was his league debut.
Yep - I saw that bicycle kick goal too - never forgotten it. RIP Rodney
Red Leicester
Active Member
I think your right about the chant
Volpone
Well-Known Member
Worrying that he had dementia given the recent death of Jeff Astle. Hopefully the footballs being so much lighter these days, current players won't be so much affected in later years.
As a kid before being old enough to go to Filbert Street on my own, I used to watch Brush Sports, later named Loughborough United at their Brown's Lane ground.
They had a centre half called Stan Hodges. Often when he headed the ball he would knock himself out.
Once, on a rainy day, when the ball went out of play I went to kick it back and thought I had broken my foot. It was like concrete!
As a kid before being old enough to go to Filbert Street on my own, I used to watch Brush Sports, later named Loughborough United at their Brown's Lane ground.
They had a centre half called Stan Hodges. Often when he headed the ball he would knock himself out.
Once, on a rainy day, when the ball went out of play I went to kick it back and thought I had broken my foot. It was like concrete!
David Gwilliam
Well-Known Member
Rodney Fern was a victim of his own success. Like John Farrington and Bobby Kellard he had been important in winning promotion from the Second Division (Championship) but was deemed not good enough for the First Division.
Jimmy Bloomfield believed probably rightly that the attack that had gained promotion would not trouble First Division defences. The board backed the manager financially and Bloomfield spent the money wisely – Sammels, Birchenall, Weller and Worthington. In those days you had a team rather than a squad and Rodney Fern was not as good as the Bloomfield Four.
By Second Division standards Rodney Fern had an excellent first touch. He was brave and hard working. However, he could lose the ball far too easily. Younger readers will remember Paul Gallagher who could be brilliant one moment and dire the next. Rodney Fern was like that – although in fairness Fern was better than Gallagher and nobody ever doubted his courage.
Rodney Fern always gave the impression that he enjoyed playing football and those who watched him were entertained and will remember him with affection.
Jimmy Bloomfield believed probably rightly that the attack that had gained promotion would not trouble First Division defences. The board backed the manager financially and Bloomfield spent the money wisely – Sammels, Birchenall, Weller and Worthington. In those days you had a team rather than a squad and Rodney Fern was not as good as the Bloomfield Four.
By Second Division standards Rodney Fern had an excellent first touch. He was brave and hard working. However, he could lose the ball far too easily. Younger readers will remember Paul Gallagher who could be brilliant one moment and dire the next. Rodney Fern was like that – although in fairness Fern was better than Gallagher and nobody ever doubted his courage.
Rodney Fern always gave the impression that he enjoyed playing football and those who watched him were entertained and will remember him with affection.
Kettering Pete
Member
Sad news. Saw him play many times. RIP Rodney.
Ike O'Noclassed
Well-Known Member
He even combs his hair...
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