Readers’ memories of Wigmore Athletic

A number of readers responded to Mr S. Phillips’ request for help in naming some Wigmore Athletic players from the 1950s.
Wigmore AthleticWigmore Athletic
Wigmore Athletic

Louise Spong wrote in to identify her father, Mike Palmer, as the man second from right on the back row.

Louise said: “He still talks very fondly about his footballing days and can remember all the players.”

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Terry Lamb, front right in the photo, also wrote in to identify Mike, but also named Roger Jupp as the footballer on the far left of the back row.

John Cocozza, of Keymer Crescent, the brother of Ron and Don, far left and third left on the front row, also identified Roger and Mike.

Ryan Mero wrote in to share his grandfather, Den Horner’s memories. Den named Roger and Mike, and also recalled that Alan Fowler was a brilliant goalkeeper.

Laurie Claydon, of Melrose Avenue, also wrote in to name the missing players, but also shared more information about Wigmore Athletic.

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Laurie said: “The photo appeared in the Gazette or Herald following Wigmore’s Sussex County League match away to Shoreham, which they lost 2-0, on Saturday, October 27, 1956.

“Wigmore’s 1st XI played in the Worthing League from 1948 until 1952, and on entering the Sussex County League, became the first champions of the league’s new Division 2 in 1952-53.

“The club attracted huge support in their early days and in October, 1952, in the FA Amateur Cup, entertained town club Worthing at Hill Barn Lane, with an attendance reported as 3,100, but they were beaten 1-0.

“Despite having senior status as a County League club, Wigmore (who subsequently became Worthing United) continued playing at Hill Barn Lane until moving to their own (first) ground, in Harrison Road, in 1964.”

The full team line-up is as follows:

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Back row, from left to right – Roger Jupp; Dave Burtenshaw; Roley Fuller; Alan Fowler; Mike Palmer; John Lambourne.

Front row – Ron Cocozza; Dick Skelt; Don Cocozza; Den Horner; Terry Lamb.

If you have any sporting photos and memories of your own which you would like to share, please get in touch.

• Send your memories and photos to James Connaughton, via email to [email protected], send them by post or pop into Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA. Telephone 01903 282351.

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