ORGANISERS of an exhibition celebrating black football in Sheffield are hoping some photos from 30 years ago might just turn up and take centre stage.
The photos were taken when former England international Laurie Cunningham met young members of Caribbean FC and the Hub African Caribbean Youth project after his debut for England Under-21s against Scotland at Bramall Lane in 1977.
People remember that photos were taken and Hub youth worker Ishaaq Heywood said: "So far we've been unable to locate any and one really is the Holy Grail as far as this exhibition goes."
Cunningham was the first black player to represent England at any level.
The Hub and fellow organisers Football Unites Racism Divides (FURD), also based in Sharrow, are appealing for photos of any black footballers, local or professional, for the exhibition which will be part of the Black History Month celebrations.
The exhibition starts with the story of Arthur Wharton, considered to be the first black professional player in the world and the first in the Football League.
A goalkeeper, he played for Rotherham Town (Rotherham United's forerunners) in the early 1890s and Sheffield United in 1894 and 1895.
FURD coordinator Howard Holmes said: "Long-forgotten pictures do turn up; only last week a picture of Arthur Wharton playing for Darlington in 1887 suddenly surfaced when someone was clearing out a loft."
Anyone able to help should contact Howard on 01142 553156 or Ishaaq at The Hub on 0114 2553538.
The two Sharrow-based organisations are also planning a star-studded Laurie Cunningham Memorial Dinner in April next year.
Meanwhile, you half-expected a smile and wink. Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't even have to dive to get penalties now, it seems.
Particularly if Rob Styles is the ref!
Considering it was the most hesitant, reluctant and unconvincing signal I can remember in a long time by a ref awarding a penalty, Styles must have been clouded in doubt at the instinctive moment he decided a perfectly fair tackle warranted a penalty.
This was the same Rob Styles who, Sheffield United fans will recall, somehow managed not to give a far more blatant penalty at Old Trafford - that was the one when Luton Shelton was brought down by Gabriel Heinze during the Blades' Premiership campaign two seasons ago.
And Chris Morgan still shakes his head over the penalty decision Styles awarded Liverpool on the opening day of that same season - the ref later cited it was for 'intent'.
At least Styles apologised to Bolton. The Blades are still waiting for one - or should that be two?
* It all adds up now. Although I didn't think anything at the time.
The day after Wednesday's win over Forest on Tuesday, I saw the photo of the three Indian businessmen watching the game from the directors' box amid further speculation about a takeover.
At half-time in the Hillsborough Press room alongside the sandwiches were ... onion bhajis, pakoras and some tasty chicken on sticks.
I reckon Geoff Sheard has no chance. He might want to try it on with Lancashire hot-pot and a few Eccles cakes but he looks to be on a loser.
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