Platt Plays Blinder at the Boro Hotel
Jim Platt rolled the back the years as he gave members of Middlesbrough’s TOFY Club an insight into his years playing between the posts for the Boro.
The Northern Ireland international talked about the managers and players that he played for and against during a star studded career. This would be the end of an era for the venue, the Longlands Hotel.
You will probably know the Longlands Hotel, the John Hickton sign outside sets it apart. Step inside and it is every Boro fan’s dream, a museum and shrine all rolled into one, stuffed to the (Gary) Gills with Boro memorabilia, from turnstiles to signed photos. Or rather it was.
This turned out to be the final talk held in the Longlands Hotel, before manager John Culley decided to retire and take down his Middlesbrough memorabilia from the walls.
Jim Platt is the latest of a line of entertaining former players and personalities that have addressed the Over 50s men, including Bernie Slaven, Gary Pallister and referee Jeff Winter.
Jim is pictured (right) with former referee and question master, Dave Connor.
Platty told of his tales of playing as the last line of defence in possibly the greatest defence in Boro’s history. Charlton’s Champions were built around the firm foundations of the telepathic twins Maddren and captain Boam, flanked by the steel of Craggs and Spraggon, with the ever dependable Jim Platt behind.
Jim’s team mate John Hickton said he was honoured to unveil that hotel sign outside. He was the target man for the Boro side that featured Graeme Souness and a player Jim heaped praise on the late, great Bobby Murdoch. Jim was gushing with praise for the pass master.
The former keeper had less to say about Big Mal Allison, the flamboyant manager that was once based over the road from the Longlands at the Baltimore Hotel. Malcolm Allison finally ended Jim Platt’s Boro days, calling time on a Middlesbrough career totalling 481 appearances.
So, an interesting morning then, recounting memories of Ayresome Boro, surrounded by photographic reminders on the walls. Jim also was able to voice his opinion on current custodian, Victor Valdez and Aitor’s side. It was good to have one international number one’s perspective on another. Jim of course is one of only a handful of Boro players to have played in a World Cup. Always a gent, Jim is nearing retirement now but he still looks too young to be one of the over 50s club to me.
Ageing Better Middlesbrough, a Big Lottery Funded programme, is working with TOFY Club to reduce loneliness and social isolation for people 50 and over in our town.
If you’d like to join as a member to find out about activities and groups in your area call 01642 257034, email info@ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk or visit our website to join us www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk
Jim Platt rolled the back the years as he gave members of Middlesbrough’s TOFY Club an insight into his years playing between the posts for the Boro.
The Northern Ireland international talked about the managers and players that he played for and against during a star studded career. This would be the end of an era for the venue, the Longlands Hotel.You will probably know the Longlands Hotel, the John Hickton sign outside sets it apart. Step inside and it is every Boro fan’s dream, a museum and shrine all rolled into one, stuffed to the (Gary) Gills with Boro memorabilia, from turnstiles to signed photos. Or rather it was.
This turned out to be the final talk held in the Longlands Hotel, before manager John Culley decided to retire and take down his Middlesbrough memorabilia from the walls.
Jim Platt is the latest of a line of entertaining former players and personalities that have addressed the Over 50s men, including Bernie Slaven, Gary Pallister and referee Jeff Winter.
Jim is pictured (right) with former referee and question master, Dave Connor.
Platty told of his tales of playing as the last line of defence in possibly the greatest defence in Boro’s history. Charlton’s Champions were built around the firm foundations of the telepathic twins Maddren and captain Boam, flanked by the steel of Craggs and Spraggon, with the ever dependable Jim Platt behind.
Jim’s team mate John Hickton said he was honoured to unveil that hotel sign outside. He was the target man for the Boro side that featured Graeme Souness and a player Jim heaped praise on the late, great Bobby Murdoch. Jim was gushing with praise for the pass master.
The former keeper had less to say about Big Mal Allison, the flamboyant manager that was once based over the road from the Longlands at the Baltimore Hotel. Malcolm Allison finally ended Jim Platt’s Boro days, calling time on a Middlesbrough career totalling 481 appearances.
So, an interesting morning then, recounting memories of Ayresome Boro, surrounded by photographic reminders on the walls. Jim also was able to voice his opinion on current custodian, Victor Valdez and Aitor’s side. It was good to have one international number one’s perspective on another. Jim of course is one of only a handful of Boro players to have played in a World Cup. Always a gent, Jim is nearing retirement now but he still looks too young to be one of the over 50s club to me.
Ageing Better Middlesbrough, a Big Lottery Funded programme, is working with TOFY Club to reduce loneliness and social isolation for people 50 and over in our town.
If you’d like to join as a member to find out about activities and groups in your area call 01642 257034, email info@ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk or visit our website to join us www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk