The King is dead - long live the King

By Dave Shepherd

I was beginning to think my Blog Comments were more like an Obituary Column, but I couldn't help this one.

I refer to the true King of the 'Beautiful Game', the Worlds Greatest Sportsman  - Pele, whom I had the fortune to come across on 4 occasions.

The first was as a schoolboy when England played Brazil at Wembley in the 60's. Back then England played Friendlies at Wembley on a Wednesday afternoon, and me and a few mates used to bunk of school to got to these games.

Unfortunately Pele didn't play on this occasion, but at least we got to see BRAZIL live. After the game we waited for their bus to exit the stadium and ran alongside all the way down Wembley Way. Just at the very bottom of the 'Way', the team Masseur sitting next to Pele, leaned out the bus window and grabbed a handful of Pics us kids had and Pele signed a few including 2 of mine. One lad shouted to me 'he's signing yours' and as they all came tumbling out of the window, we all retrieved our treasured 'bounty'. What a day.

The true King of the 'Beautiful Game', the Worlds Greatest Sportsman  - Pele, whom I had the fortune to come across on 4 occasions.

Years later I attended a Soccer Convention sponsored by Umbro in the USA (whom I was a guest of). Umbro arranged for a dozen of us to meet him in a private room for a chat and a signing - me 4 signed pics - all Best Wishes to David, plus a white Umbro Pique shirt - I've still got treasured to this day.

Two other notable occasions were when I organised the National Veterans Finals at Wembley and I sat alongside none other than Pele himself with Martin Prothero - UMBRO President. I was sat with him - small talking about the final we were watching together.

When I organised the National Veterans Finals at Wembley, I sat alongside none other than Pele himself with Martin Prothero - UMBRO President. I was sat with him - small talking about the final we were watching together.

And finally I was asked by the Thai FA to go to Brazil and arrange some Friendly games for the Thai National Team against several Brazilian Clubs plus the Brazilian u21 National Team. My connection there was none other than Professor Mircea - Pele's mentor. They spoke to each other everyday. I spent around 4 days in Sao Paulo including visiting Santos. I spoke with Pele over the phone and he said if I'd been there a day earlier he would have taken me to their new training Ground for its official opening, which he himself had bought for the club. He was really proud of it and urged me to go over and see it which I did.

There were 6 beautiful grass fields, but the changing rooms were still wooden shacks like a horses stables - just row upon row. However everyone agreed this facility was one of the best in Brazil, and a plaque was in place inscribed of Pele's contribution by donating this facility.

I was struck by its simplicity, and just wished I'd been there the day before. Apparently Santos played a game behind close doors and his son also played in goal for Santos. Pele turned out too for part of the game. What a special occasion that would have been!!

So lucky.

Treasured memories - Pele 1940 - 2022