TRIBUTE TO UNITED

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33995, 8 November 1975, Page 4

TRIBUTE TO UNITED

Christchurch United has so often been the pace-setter in Canterbury and New Zealand soccer that its faithful must often ask: “Where do we go from here”? That is the question asked in the final article, on the final page, of “The Christchurch United Story”, a 36-page commemorative booklet that United, with typical and zealous attention to its own cause, has produced in fond and recent memory of its great 1975 season. It is a handsome publication, measuring 21cm by 27cm, glossy pages, plenty of high-quality photographs, interesting and concise articles — some by “foreigners” such as rival coaches, Ken Armstrong and Bert Ormond — and the only regret is that high

costs obviously mitigated against colour. A splash of United’s blue on the cover is the only relief. But this little booklet, edited by one of the club’s two founding fathers, Derrick Mansbridge, stands up quite well without the luxury of colour. There are stories of the three Chatham Cup successes; a history of the club and its early beginnings, only nine years ago; a breakdown of performances in the six-year history of the Rothmans national league which concludes that “Christchurch United is number one”; and sundry facts and figures, which may be trivia as the editor says, but will undoubtedly interest many. There is a generous I strain of back-slapping, I which is only to be ex- I pected from a club which I has reason for pride in its efforts. But the enemy

Aucklanders, Armstrong and Ormond, are lavish in their praise too, and Armstrong considers United has fashioned a record “second to none”. Other contributions are from the club’s present captain, lan Park; its assistant coach and guide of the youth team, Terry Mann; Terry Conley, coach for five of the six years; and Ken Roberts, secretary of the United Supporters’ Club since its inception. Printed by Bascand Ltd. the publication bears no price tag — but we are assured it is not free even to the faithful. — R.M.C.