Gordon Duck, TUFC 1954/1955

I've had a lovely message today from Gordon Duck (jnr), son of Gordon Duck who played for Torquay United in the 1950s. Gordon reports that his dad has recently received a FA long service award.

And, in a complete surprise to everyone, Gordon senior was presented with a signed Torquay United shirt during the ceremony. Apparently a friend had written to Plainmoor and the club kindly donated the shirt. It's in the process of being framed.

The event was reported by Teesside's main papers; the website of one showing the Torquay United programme feature on Gordon Duck (as previously featured on TFF).

From the Northern Echo -
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/teesvalley/11443585.FA_recognition_for__true_gentleman__Gordon_Duck/

FA RECOGNITION FOR "TRUE GENTLEMAN" GORDON DUCK

A well-loved football man had his dedication to the sport recognised when he was awarded a long service medal by the Football Association.

Gordon Duck played as a professional for his hometown club Middlesbrough in the late 1940s before doing his two-year stint of National Service with the Green Howards.

On Friday night hundreds of people turned out to see the 81-year-old awarded a medal and badge of honour from Mike Birt, the Honorary Treasurer of the North Riding Football Association.

Mr Duck, who was the guest of honour at the Acklam Steelworks Club, was delighted to pick up the award.

Ron Gordon, who played under Mr Duck's management in the local football leagues and recommended him for the honour, said he was a well respected man around the area and no-one would have a bad word to say about him.

"You would not be able to find a nicer man," he said. "He was a gentleman on and off the pitch who knew the game inside out. During his time as a professional at Middlesbrough and then later at Torquay he was praised as a great player by the likes of Boro legends Brian Clough and Wilf Mannion."

Born in 1933, as a teenager he was on the books of Middlesbrough for two years before being called up for National Service, where his footballing prowess came to the forefront when he scored five goals in the Northern Command Cup final.

After completing his two years' of service in 1953, he returned home but was released by Middlesbrough before signing for Torquay.

With his wife pregnant with their first child, Mr Duck decided to give up on his professional football career and return home in 1954 where he continued to play amateur football for teams including Shildon.

However, it was his contribution to grassroots football that he received his long-service award.

Mr Gordon said Mr Duck created an over 35s league in the Middlesbrough area in 1984 as well as managing and playing for teams in a number of local leagues including Acklam Steelworks where his dedication was rewarded.

He said: "This award is nothing more than he deserves - he has been a true champion of amateur football for decades."



The Evening Gazette reported - www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/teesside-local-football-stalwart-gordon-7653368

TEESSIDE LOCAL FOOTBALL STALWART GORDON DUCK TO GET FA AWARD

If you were rated by Wilf Mannion, you must have been a decent player.

But Boro’s golden boy was just one of many admirers of the footballing ability of Gordon Duck, who will soon receive an FA award recognising his 50 years “plus” of service to the game.

After starring in the Middlesbrough Schools side which won the Yorkshire Shield in 1948, Gordon, who grew up in Grove Hill and attended Marsh Road School, went off to do his National Service with The Green Howards.

During his service, he bagged all five goals as a Green Howards team won the coveted Northern Command Cup, as well as representing the Army against the RAF in Suez.

On his return, Gordon - who played centre-half or centre forward - hoped to forge a footballing career with Boro. But when manager David Jack left and the team was relegated, Gordon was given a free transfer and ended up at Torquay United.

With wife Joyce reluctant to leave Teesside, Gordon came back home and got a job in the steelworks.

But football was in his blood, and over the next few decades he became a stalwart of Teesside grassroots football.

It is for that dedication he will get his FA long service award at a presentation night in the Acklam Steelworks Club on Park Road South, Middlesbrough, on Friday, August 29.

Dad-of-five Gordon is now 80 and lives at the Dalby Court care home in Coulby Newham. But according to his son, Gordon junior, he was still playing football as recently as 10 years ago.

Gordon, 57, said: “Football has been a massive part of his life. When we were growing up in Grove Hill, he was the dad who always played football in the street with the kids in the square.

“Dad can recall all the great players who were at the Boro in the 1950s, Wilf Mannion being the pick - whom he fondly remembers as Dodge.

“I remember being presented with a trophy from Wilf Mannion who, when I was introduced to him on stage, said what a good player my dad was. I felt so proud.”

Locally, Gordon was a key figure in the Middlesbrough and District League, helping run the Sycamore Social Club and Ayresome Quoit Club teams, as well as the TUC team in the Teesborough League.

In 1984, he helped form a local league for over-35s, which is still going strong today and for which, in 1994, he organised a 10th anniversary match at the Acklam Steelworks pitch featuring such Leeds United legends as Peter Lorimer and Eddie Gray.

Now it is hoped lots of Gordon’s friends and former team-mates will attend his special night.

Son Gordon said: “Dad has not sought this award, yet I and others believe he deserves this recognition.”