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Tributes: Terry Bly was a top player and a lovely bloke
Peterborough United is a club in mourning today after the passing of legendary goalscorer Terry Bly.
Peterborough United is a club in mourning today after the passing of legendary goalscorer Terry Bly.Bly suffered a heart attack at his home in Normanton, near Grantham on Thursday evening. He leaves a widow Glenda, two daughters, two grandaughters and a grandson.
Bly will always be remembered for his record-breaking exploits in the all-conquering Posh side from the 1960-61 season, the club's first-ever campaign in the Football League.
The bustling centre-forward claimed 52 Fourth Division goals as Posh romped to the title. It's a club and divisional record unlikely to ever be broken.
Posh team-mate Peter McNamee said: "Terry was not just a great footballer, he was a lovely bloke admired and liked by everyone involved with the club at that time.
"I doubt that anyone who knew him would have a bad word to say about him. He was one of the nicest guys I've ever known.
"He came to us from Norwich in time for the start of the 1960-61 season and fitted in really well. There were other players we had like George Hudson who were better footballers, but Terry was keen, enthusiastic and very brave.
"In fact he used to moan all the time at me because I was a bit laid-back when I played. He used to tell me that he would have played for England regularly if he had my ability.
"That was a great team to play in. We used to create so many chances I would tell Terry that he should have scored 102 goals that season not 52, but he was a superb finisher.
"He used to score all sorts of goals, with his head, either foot and even his knees, because he knew instinctively where the ball would fall in the penalty area.
"We enjoyed some great banter with him as he was so serious and so dedicated about his football. I remember one night we were playing on a real muddy pitch when the plate holding my teeth fell out of my mouth.
"He wanted me to take a corner but I was busy looking for my plate so he started shouting that I was a vain so and so for delaying the match.
"Even in the summer he was competitive. Our wages used to drop out of season so me, Terry, Ellis Stafford and Billy Hails used to pick beet for a farmer in Deeping.
"Three of us would take our time, but Terry used to work at a frantic pace and leave us standing. By lunch-time he would be half a field ahead of us because he was so honest and determined to do a good job for whoever employed him."
Bly helped Norwich City to an FA Cup semi-final before making a surprise move to London Road in June 1960 for a nominal fee.
He scored in the club's first ever Football League match, a 3-0 home win over Wrexham, and never stopped scoring in the next eight months.
As well as the 52 Fourth Division goals he claimed two cup goals. He bagged five hat-tricks and twice scored four goals in a game in that one season!
Bly slowed down the following season in Division Three when he managed a mere 29 goals, plus four in the cups. To the dismay of the club's fans, Posh accepted an offer of 10,000 from Coventry City manager Jimmy Hill at the end of the 1961-62 campaign.
Another team-mate from the title-winning 1960-61 squad, Jim Walker added: "Terry's records will stand for ever. They will be the perfect tribute to him.
"I last saw him and a few of the other lads at a re-union last year and he was in great form. The news of his passing is very sad."
Bly was prolific for Coventry before finishing his career at Notts County. He retired in 1964 to play and manage Grantham Town, a post he held for 15 years while running a sports shop in the town.
He was inducted into the Peterborough Independent Supporters Association Hall of Fame three years ago and into the club's own hall of fame last season.
Bly received an ovation from Posh fans when appearing on the London Road pitch ahead of the League One clash with Colchester last year.
In an eight-season professional career, Bly scored 162 goals in 203 games, an astonishing record of a goal in every one and a quarter matches he played.
Next page: Posh fans and Evening Telegraph readers quick to offer their tributesPosh fans and Evening Telegraph readers quick to offer their tributes
POSH fans have been quick to pay their own tributes to one of the club's all-time great players.
RIP not just to Posh legend, but a true football legend. He was before my time, but without the likes of
Terry we may not have what we have today.What he achieved was remarkable.
I would like to think the club would name a stand in the new ground after him. He deserves it as much as anyone
THE FOOL ON THE HILL
A TRUE legend and a great man who never forgot the fans. He always had time for them
It was a privilege for me to see him play during our first season in the Football League. He will never be forgotten and condolences to all his family.
POSH4EVER
TERRY Bly... a truly great player. A person whose memory his family can be proud of. May he rest in peace.
DONB
THE word 'legend' was created for players likeTerry. He was one of 11 of them who played in the greatest team that ever graced London Road, which included the likes of Emery, Mcnamee, Rigby, Hails etc. RIP Terry, thanks for memories that will live with us forever.
PETER BORIAN
THE man may have died but the legend lives on. RIP and condolences to family and friends
ROGER LECHAT
TERRY Bly was a great footballer and it was always a pleasure to watch him play. He always gave 110 per cent while playing for Posh.
Condolences to his family.
WENDY NICHOLS
GREAT guy, always very sad when somebody passes on. Condolences to family and friends
SONNYJIM
TERRY will be sadly missed! Not only a fantastic footballer at Peterborough United, Norwich City and Notts County, but also a great manager at Grantham Town and a true gent who always had a smile on his face.
DAVE PHILPOTTS
BLY'S CAREER STATS
Years Club Apps Goals
1956-60 Norwich City 57 31
1960-62 Posh 87 101
1962-63 Coventry 32 26
1963-64 Notts County 2 94
POSH will remember Bly ahead of Tuesday's Championship match with Plymouth at London Road. The Football League have given permission for a minute's silence or a minute's applause.
A club statement said: "On Thursday evening the football club were informed of the very sad news of the passing of Posh Hall of Fame legend Terry Bly.
"Terry, of course, will be particularly remembered for his remarkable record of scoring 52 League goals during our first season in the Football League in 1960-61. The record will surely never be beaten.
"A great player and a wonderful, modest man who will sadly missed by all. We offer our sincere condolences to Terry's family."
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