RIP Mike Balson

[sidney]

Mike Balson was one of my favourite players. An uncompromising, determined and not unskilful centre back. His speciality in an attacking sense was the flick-on at corners, at which he was very effective and led to a number of goals. A very popular and admirable performer.

I was at the Wednesday match in 1968, and it was a great night. Wednesday were fourth in Division 1 ( the top flight ) at the time and were full strength. We beat them fair and square.

 

[malcolms]

A member of the team when I first saw City play....Sad news. He died "after a long battle with dementia" which seems to be a theme for a number of players from the 60's and 70's...

 

[Hants_red]

 

[Hants_red]

Incidentally Balson is listed as a number three in that programme.

 

[Greyhound]

His speciality in an attacking sense was the flick-on at corners, at which he was very effective and led to a number of goals

I remember this very well. A back-flicked near post header, directing the ball across the goalmouth for the likes of Fred Binney to score. RIP.

 

[budegrecian]

A member of the team when I first saw City play....Sad news. He died "after a long battle with dementia" which seems to be a theme for a number of players from the 60's and 70's...

Likewise, a member of the City team I first started watching.
A long battle with dementia suggests he'd been suffering with this since his mid 60's, which is tragic, but as you say; a not uncommon theme for players of that era. Shame on the PFA for their reluctance to fund the research properly.
A long term favourite player of my youth, RIP Mike.

 

[dontpassback]

RIP Mike Balson,no nonsense centre back who as well as getting stuck in,could play a bit,very sad news .

 

[Kingsman]

Mike Balson was one of my favourite players. An uncompromising, determined and not unskilful centre back. His speciality in an attacking sense was the flick-on at corners, at which he was very effective and led to a number of goals. A very popular and admirable performer.

I was at the Wednesday match in 1968, and it was a great night. Wednesday were fourth in Division 1 ( the top flight ) at the time and were full strength. We beat them fair and square.

Agree with everything you've said. Curtis's goal that night is one of the best I ever saw at St James, to me the classiest players to pull on City shirt.

 

[Sexton Blake]

Agree with everything you've said. Curtis's goal that night is one of the best I ever saw at St James, to me the classiest players to pull on City shirt.

Really sad to hear this news it does not seem that long ago when I sat with him in the OG. Cannot remember the game but do remember him as a really nice guy and very easy to talk to.

Also agree about Dermot and that particular goal. He was not your typical centre forward and certainly not in the Ted Calland, Alan Banks, Tony Kellow, or Jayden Stockley mode but a very classy player. Not one to get too involved in goal mouth scrambles but a scorer of many quality and memorable goals.

 

[Billy The Fish]

Sad news indeed. Leaves fond memories with this fan too. RIP