Last night I came downstairs to the news from R5's Jonathan Agnew saying how the world of cricket would miss the man, who having had the misfortune to bag a pair against the fearsome Michael Holding inspired West Indies Tour of 1975, went on to become a test umpire. He did mention he was the last of a breed to also play football with his clubs including Huddersfield, Carlisle and Queen of the South. Without crediting him as the first 'tv replay umpire', which I thought was the classic quiz question.
I remember a man who signed my autograph book several times, just before leading the team out, under the stand between the changing room and the 'warm-up' 5-a-side' gym. Each time, and there were many, he did so with an affectionate pat on the head to a boy wearing the full team kit, who genuinely believed he would play, given an injury, or a non appearance ! My understanding and appreciation of how football should be played was fashioned by my dad pointing out Baldie as a 'football player', defined by his ability to put the ball on a winger's foot from 60 yards. His football brain and passing ability was widely acknowledged (Bill Shankly said he would've signed him, if he'd been a yard faster.
On the most ambitious family holiday from Carlisle (strangely not repeated) in 1975, nightmare roads thru Exeter were encountered, I thought ice-cream & paper sellers were great entertainment alongside stationary traffic, (my Dad strangely had a different view) on reaching Torquay, when crossing a road, the car stopping at the red light in front of us was driven by Baldie, and his wave of acknowledgement was a definite sign of recognition, as far as I was concerned. (even the old man was convinced!)
We went to Anfield when, around 1975, in the F.A.Cup, we were the only team to prevent that 'great' Liverpool team scoring at home. Baldie clipped the top of the bar from at least 25 yards.
I'm sure this is one of many reflections on Carlisle's true gentleman footballer.
Reid Gillespie
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