Hartlepool United’s 1968 promotion squad receive medals

The initiative began last Easter during a 60th anniversary event in Hartlepool, when club legend John McGovern returned to the town.

Alan Goad (Image: GOFFY MEDIA) The celebration was organised by his long-time friend Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough of Goffy Media, and celebrated all things Hartlepools United, as they were known back then.

McGovern, who went on to captain Nottingham Forest to two European Cup triumphs under Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, began his professional career at Central Park in Hartlepool in 1964.

Speaking at the event, he revealed that he and his teammates had never received medals for their promotion from the old Fourth Division in the 1967–68 season—a memory that had always left him disheartened.

John McGovern with Goffy (Image: GOFFY MEDIA) “I’d spoken with John many times and could tell how much it bothered him,” said Mr Gough.

“He was just a teenager when it happened, and there was nothing to show for it. That needed to change.”

Mr Gough took it upon himself to track down surviving players and the families of those who had passed away, presenting long-overdue medals in honour of their contribution to the club’s history.

Hartlepools United clinch promotion at Swansea in May 1968 and celebrate with a crate of Orange Tango (Image: GOFFY MEDIA) Over the 56 years since promotion, several players had died, including George Smith, Ken Simpkins, Tony Parry, Terry Bell, Bobby Cummings, Cliff Wright, Wilson Hepplewhite, Jimmy Mulvaney, Ernie Phythian, Dennis White, manager Gus McLean, assistant John Simpson, and physio Tommy Johnson.

Mr Gough located many of their relatives to deliver posthumous medals in recognition of the players’ achievement.

“Some of the surviving players are now in care homes, and a couple are battling dementia,” said Mr Gough.

Brian Drysdale with Goffy (Image: GOFFY MEDIA) “It was emotional meeting them and their families, but also incredibly rewarding.”

McLean, who took over as manager from Clough and Taylor in 1967, was a driving force behind the club’s promotion.

Though he had a short tenure in league management, his impact was significant.

“Gus wasn’t always credited properly for his work,” said Mr Gough.

Centre half John Gill (Image: GOFFY MEDIA) “When he was sacked a few years later, he told the players through tears. It hit them hard—he had been such a strong figure.”

Among the many stories rediscovered during the medal presentations was one involving then-chairman John Curry, a local tailor, who had the squad fitted for new black suits during their promotion campaign.

However, the players were later shocked to find £35 deducted from their first wage packet of the following season to cover the cost—an incident that dampened morale ahead of a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation.

Tony Bircumshaw (Image: GOFFY MEDIA) Photos and memories from the era also revealed a more innocent time in football. Celebrations after clinching promotion at Swansea in May 1968 involved orange Tango in plastic cups rather than champagne.

Gough said many players recalled the close-knit spirit of the squad, often reconnecting with former teammates through his outreach.

“There was a powerful bond among them—young and old, unwanted and untried.

“They gave their all and the fans adored them,” Mr Gough said.

“It was moving to see the friendships rekindled and memories come flooding back.”

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The squad fondly remembered the vibrant local scene, from coffee shops on Lynn Street to nights out at the Fiesta in Norton and Hartlepool’s Riviera Nightclub, where they were regular guests of owner John Collins.

Many had to take summer jobs as their football contracts only covered the season.

Today, the surviving players still keep an eye on Hartlepool United’s fortunes and hope the club can return to league football.

“They still care deeply,” said Mr Gough.

“And they all hope the current uncertainty over the club’s ownership ends with a bright future.”

The belated medals have not only offered overdue recognition but also brought closure and connection for a team whose legacy still resonates with Hartlepool fans.