Page 156 - 368603 LP250721 AWY AWY AWY Book (238pp A5)

I hadn’t received the ticket I’d paid for, and having got a beer in I soon spotted Charlie sitting at a table signing copies of his book. I joined the queue and speculated with the lads in front of me as to who the bloke sitting next to Charlie was before the penny dropped that it must be co-author Mark Metcalf. Teresa from the London Branch was taking the money (£12.50 a pop, a saving of £5.49 on the retail price) and next thing I was saying hello to Charlie, who had a little trouble understanding my name before signing the title page and giving me a very firm handshake and a smile. Incidentally his autograph hasn’t changed in forty-four years.
I was almost the last one done before the Q and A session, hosted by Mark, began but before it could start a spontaneous chant of, “Who’s the greatest centre-half in all the world today? (x3) Charlie Hurley is his name! Charlie, Charlie, Charlie Huuuuuurley!” erupted. Charlie stood and beamed. He was wearing a smart suit and tie, and is going very thin on top and has a gut that befits a man of seventy- two but still looks strong and healthy. Inevitably such evenings become a bit of an act after a while and I know Charlie has a few more evenings to do so I won’t relate any of his gags but here’s a selection of the questions from the floor.
Who’s the best centre-forward you played against? Derek Dougan or Bobby Smith. Brian Clough had the best shot. (He said that Cloughie was very happy to sign for us
148