Terry Donovan

[Chris Jameson]

Spent the evening in Cleethorpes watching Grimsby Town v Kidderminster Harriers in the company of a few ex Grimsby players last night. Amongst them was Terry Donovan, when he learned I am a Villa supporter he was happily giving me memories of his time at Villa, he still loves the club and said he was invited to the Sunderland match and couldn't believe how well the club looked after him and treated him.

It was fantastic listening to stories of being around the club during such a period, his best mate at the club was Nigel Spink. He told so many brilliant stories but think my favourite was about Eamonn Deacy against Juventus, evidently he clattered into Paolo Rossi and being such a nice bloke had walked over to him as he was writhing in agony and said 'I'm terribly sorry about that Mr Rossi, I hope you're okay'.

Never thought I'd say it but I had a brilliant evening in Cleethorpes watching Grimsby Town. Terry Donovan is an absolute gentleman.

[Pat McMahon]

He used to attend the church we were frogmarched to in Great Barr and he was happy to chat to people and sign for the little uns. Always smiley and friendly and I can believe everything you have written about him Chris.

[dave shelley]

Which church would that be Pat?

[Pat McMahon]

Holy Name at the Scott Arms, Dave

[Chris Jameson]

Terry's daughter is our local weather girl on the BBC. That was a Terry Donovan trivia fact!

[dave shelley]

Thought so, my kids went to school there before we left for Ireland.  When our daughter was a baby, Tony "Bomber" Brown and his Mrs used to sit behind us at Mass and took a great shine to her.  I've liked him ever since.  That was back in the day when I was a good Catlick.

[Pat McMahon]

Thought so, my kids went to school there before we left for Ireland.  When our daughter was a baby, Tony "Bomber" Brown and his Mrs used to sit behind us at Mass and took a great shine to her.  I've liked him ever since.  That was back in the day when I was a good Catlick.

I was going to say that Bomber Brown used to go there. Given the location he was often mobbed on the way out but I remember him always being happy to sign autographs.

What year did your kids go to school there? I only went there for one year.

[dave shelley]

1980 to 1986, 1979 if you count nursery.  I know they enjoyed their time there and were always happy.  It's funny but, our son had his first boy baptised there despite living in Lye at the time.

I can't ever remember seeing Terry Donovan though, probably due to my rush to escape.

Miss Lucas was the headmistress there at the time IIRC.

[Darlo Dave]

Terry's daughter is our local weather girl on the BBC. That was a Terry Donovan trivia fact!

She's an absolute stunner too! She does North East weather on Thursday and Friday (the only days I watch the regional news!)

[Pat McMahon]

1980 to 1986, 1979 if you count nursery.  I know they enjoyed their time there and were always happy.  It's funny but, our son had his first boy baptised there despite living in Lye at the time.

I can't ever remember seeing Terry Donovan though, probably due to my rush to escape.

Miss Lucas was the headmistress there at the time IIRC.

Maybe he liked a drink and was a Sunday morning hangover merchant  as I used to see him at the Sunday 5pm mass - lurking in the standing area at the back with the others who didn't really want to be there.

[dave shelley]

Great stuff Pat.  I used to try and upset one or the other of my kids so that I could use it as an excuse to take them out so as not to annoy people.  Took Mrs S a long time to suss me.

[Simon Ward]

Terry's daughter is our local weather girl on the BBC. That was a Terry Donovan trivia fact!

And a looker she is too Chris.

Mind you I am upset at you mentioning Terry as it makes me feel very old!

[Pat McMahon]

Re Terry Donovan I remember his brace against Valur at Villa Park as well as a goal in the FA Cup at Cambridge in 1980. That was the smallest ground I had been to in my life at that stage and I remember the special took 4 hours to get us back to Brum.

Off the top of my head I can't remember his other goals for us.

[Chris Jameson]

I could have listened to Terry and his mates all night, they had some great stories and it was lovely to see how highly they are all thought of by the Grimsby support. It's like going back in time when you go into the inner sanctum of the old main stand at Blundell Park, I wasn't surprised to learn nothing had changed since the seventies!

[Pat McMahon]

Chris, re your original post I remember Eamonn Deacy clattering Claudio Gentile against Juventus too. He had kicked Morley a few times that night - at that time he was the dirtiest bugger in Europe so I was chuffed Eamonn caught him good and proper.