The "Wee Barra"


daveyblue45

Central Defender
Reading the posts from the "Is Leeds a derby" thread, I took the time to read the excellent Roker Report article shared by Hank Williams (cheers mate it was a splendid read!) regarding the somewhat bitter rivalry (in the sixties at least) between Leeds and SAFC. One of the biggest reasons for the bad feeling between the clubs was the shocking "tackle" (?!?!) on Willie McPheat by Bobby Collins. Now Collins came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic in 1958. He stood all of 5'4" and wore size four boots! The guy was idolised by Evertonians, a pocket dynamo and a "general". In Glasgow he got the nickname "The Wee Barra'"
In the four years that he was with us, I have no recollection of him being a "dirty" player..... ALL ACTION? Yes! Tough as old boots! For someone of his size he was a wonderful footballer! It broke my heart when he was sold to Leeds in 1962, he was our skipper and a dynamic little player.

The next time I saw the wee man he was captaining Leeds United at Elland Road against Everton in a 4th round FA Cup tie. The way that he, Bremner and Giles were "putting themselves about" took me aback! We had a couple of (ahem) "dubious characters" Tony Kay, Roy Vernon and Jimmy Gabriel........ but these Leeds blokes were NASTY! I didnt recognize Bobby Collins from the player I loved so much!

I was there in November 1964 for the infamous "Battle of Goodison" between Leeds United and Everton. It was a bloody disgrace! BOTH sides were ordered from the field after some of the most violent assaults by fellow-professionals on each other! HEY! we played our part in it, I'm not holding us up as a beacon of "fairplay"........ But I was an eyewitness to WHO started it all! AND it wasn't US!!!

I often ponder on how Bobby Collins became such a "sniper" once he signed for Leeds, The influence of Revie? The "culture" at the joint? Watch the 1965 FA Cup Final and you'll see Collins throw himself at Liverpool left back Gerry Byrne, this resulted in Gerry breaking his collar bone! Yet he played on for the 90 minutes and extra time, laying on the cross for winning goal by Ian St John! KARMA!!!

I personally, detest the "Leeds culture" I have nothing but contempt for Revie, who in my opinion was an inferior manager to Harry Catterick. Say what you like about Harry, regarding his somewhat dour manner, the bloke produced Everton sides in the 1960s that played super football! I'm just saddened to see one of my idols as a kid, become a cynical and dirty little twat! I guess thats the "Leeds effect".................................................................................................................. Other folk may disagree of course!
 
Last edited:
Reading the posts from the "Is Leeds a derby" thread, I took the time to read the excellent Roker Report article shared by Hank Williams (cheers mate it was a splendid read!) regarding the somewhat bitter rivalry (in the sixties at least) between Leeds and SAFC. One of the biggest reasons for the bad feeling between the clubs was the shocking "tackle" (?!?!) on Willie McPheat by Bobby Collins. Now Collins came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic in 1958. He stood all of 5'4" and wore size four boots! The guy was idolised by Evertonians, a pocket dynamo and a "general". In Glasgow he got the nickname "The Wee Barra'"
In the four years that he was with us, I have no recollection of him being a "dirty" player..... ALL ACTION? Yes! Tough as old boots! For someone of his size he was a wonderful footballer! It broke my heart when he was sold to Leeds in 1962, he was our skipper and a dynamic little player.

The next time I saw the wee man he was captaining Leeds United at Elland Road against Everton in a 4th round FA Cup tie. The way that he, Bremner and Giles were "putting themselves about" took me aback! We had a couple of (ahem) "dubious characters" Tony Kay, Roy Vernon and Jimmy Gabriel........ but these Leeds blokes were NASTY! I didnt recognize Bobby Collins from the player I loved so much!

I was there in November 1964 for the infamous "Battle of Goodison" between Leeds United and Everton. It was a bloody disgrace! BOTH sides were ordered from the field after some of the most violent assaults by fellow-professionals on each other! HEY! we played our part in it, I'm not holding us up as a beacon of "fairplay"........ But I was an eyewitness to WHO started it all! AND it wasn't US!!!

I often ponder on how Bobby Collins became such a "sniper" once he signed for Leeds, The influence of Revie? The "culture" at the joint? Watch the 1965 FA Cup Final and you'll see Collins throw himself at Liverpool left back Gerry Byrne, this resulted in Gerry breaking his collar bone! Yet he played on for the 90 minutes and extra time, laying on the cross for winning goal by Ian St John! KARMA!!!

I personally, detest the "Leeds culture" I have nothing but contempt for Revie, who in my opinion was an inferior manager to Harry Catterick. Say what you like about Harry, regarding his somewhat dour manner, the bloke produced Everton sides in the 1960s that played super football! I'm just saddened to see one of my idols as a kid, become a cynical and dirty little twat! I guess thats the "Leeds effect".................................................................................................................. Other folk may disagree of course!
Well before my time mate but just wanted to say you sound a good lad and best of luck for rest of season 👍
 
Reading the posts from the "Is Leeds a derby" thread, I took the time to read the excellent Roker Report article shared by Hank Williams (cheers mate it was a splendid read!) regarding the somewhat bitter rivalry (in the sixties at least) between Leeds and SAFC. One of the biggest reasons for the bad feeling between the clubs was the shocking "tackle" (?!?!) on Willie McPheat by Bobby Collins. Now Collins came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic in 1958. He stood all of 5'4" and wore size four boots! The guy was idolised by Evertonians, a pocket dynamo and a "general". In Glasgow he got the nickname "The Wee Barra'"
In the four years that he was with us, I have no recollection of him being a "dirty" player..... ALL ACTION? Yes! Tough as old boots! For someone of his size he was a wonderful footballer! It broke my heart when he was sold to Leeds in 1962, he was our skipper and a dynamic little player.

The next time I saw the wee man he was captaining Leeds United at Elland Road against Everton in a 4th round FA Cup tie. The way that he, Bremner and Giles were "putting themselves about" took me aback! We had a couple of (ahem) "dubious characters" Tony Kay, Roy Vernon and Jimmy Gabriel........ but these Leeds blokes were NASTY! I didnt recognize Bobby Collins from the player I loved so much!

I was there in November 1964 for the infamous "Battle of Goodison" between Leeds United and Everton. It was a bloody disgrace! BOTH sides were ordered from the field after some of the most violent assaults by fellow-professionals on each other! HEY! we played our part in it, I'm not holding us up as a beacon of "fairplay"........ But I was an eyewitness to WHO started it all! AND it wasn't US!!!

I often ponder on how Bobby Collins became such a "sniper" once he signed for Leeds, The influence of Revie? The "culture" at the joint? Watch the 1965 FA Cup Final and you'll see Collins throw himself at Liverpool left back Gerry Byrne, this resulted in Gerry breaking his collar bone! Yet he played on for the 90 minutes and extra time, laying on the cross for winning goal by Ian St John! KARMA!!!

I personally, detest the "Leeds culture" I have nothing but contempt for Revie, who in my opinion was an inferior manager to Harry Catterick. Say what you like about Harry, regarding his somewhat dour manner, the bloke produced Everton sides in the 1960s that played super football! I'm just saddened to see one of my idols as a kid, become a cynical and dirty little twat! I guess thats the "Leeds effect".................................................................................................................. Other folk may disagree of course!
There was quite a lot of beef between SAFC and Leeds.

As well as McPheat, Bobby Kerr suffered a leg break against them iirc.

Plus Bob Stokoe despised Revie and accused him of cheating iirc.

1973 was a colossal revenge act for our players and staff.

Edit: probably all covered in the article that you read.
 
Last edited:
Great read.
Gee mate, these "Roker Report" articles are a MUST for anyone who is interested in a great era for Sunderland! (despite me being on the wrong end of a couple of results!)
Well before my time mate but just wanted to say you sound a good lad and best of luck for rest of season 👍
Awww thats such a nice thing to say lucky! Cheers me owld 'tater! I absolutely LOVE Everton Football Club, but my passion and loyalty for my club does NOT make me blind or uninterested in other clubs...... I simply LOVE the game marra!!!
 
Last edited:
Reading the posts from the "Is Leeds a derby" thread, I took the time to read the excellent Roker Report article shared by Hank Williams (cheers mate it was a splendid read!) regarding the somewhat bitter rivalry (in the sixties at least) between Leeds and SAFC. One of the biggest reasons for the bad feeling between the clubs was the shocking "tackle" (?!?!) on Willie McPheat by Bobby Collins. Now Collins came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic in 1958. He stood all of 5'4" and wore size four boots! The guy was idolised by Evertonians, a pocket dynamo and a "general". In Glasgow he got the nickname "The Wee Barra'"
In the four years that he was with us, I have no recollection of him being a "dirty" player..... ALL ACTION? Yes! Tough as old boots! For someone of his size he was a wonderful footballer! It broke my heart when he was sold to Leeds in 1962, he was our skipper and a dynamic little player.

The next time I saw the wee man he was captaining Leeds United at Elland Road against Everton in a 4th round FA Cup tie. The way that he, Bremner and Giles were "putting themselves about" took me aback! We had a couple of (ahem) "dubious characters" Tony Kay, Roy Vernon and Jimmy Gabriel........ but these Leeds blokes were NASTY! I didnt recognize Bobby Collins from the player I loved so much!

I was there in November 1964 for the infamous "Battle of Goodison" between Leeds United and Everton. It was a bloody disgrace! BOTH sides were ordered from the field after some of the most violent assaults by fellow-professionals on each other! HEY! we played our part in it, I'm not holding us up as a beacon of "fairplay"........ But I was an eyewitness to WHO started it all! AND it wasn't US!!!

I often ponder on how Bobby Collins became such a "sniper" once he signed for Leeds, The influence of Revie? The "culture" at the joint? Watch the 1965 FA Cup Final and you'll see Collins throw himself at Liverpool left back Gerry Byrne, this resulted in Gerry breaking his collar bone! Yet he played on for the 90 minutes and extra time, laying on the cross for winning goal by Ian St John! KARMA!!!

I personally, detest the "Leeds culture" I have nothing but contempt for Revie, who in my opinion was an inferior manager to Harry Catterick. Say what you like about Harry, regarding his somewhat dour manner, the bloke produced Everton sides in the 1960s that played super football! I'm just saddened to see one of my idols as a kid, become a cynical and dirty little twat! I guess thats the "Leeds effect".................................................................................................................. Other folk may disagree of course!

Are you forgetting that Everton are the Scouse Mackems, a tiny club in the shadow of Liverpool, who have never won anything?

Or was football in Liverpool invented before 1992?
 
There was quite a lot of beef between SAFC and Leeds.

As well as McPheat, Bobby Kerr suffered a leg break against them iirc.

Plus Bob Stokoe despised Revie and accused him of cheating iirc.

1973 was a colossal revenge act for our players and staff.

Edit: probably all covered in the article that you read.
'73! Me and Carol had been married two years! Our Louise was 7 months old. I was working me balls off doing as much overtime as I could...including sarradee! The print shop where I worked was an hour away from home, so on Cup Final day I developed a "tactical migraine" and got off early! I raced like "a mad whore" to get home... my darling companion had made me ham butties and had a couple of cans ready for me!! I sat there and (like the rest of the country) celebrated with the Mackems!! One of the happiest days of me life!!!
Are you forgetting that Everton are the Scouse Mackems, a tiny club in the shadow of Liverpool, who have never won anything?

Or was football in Liverpool invented before 1992?
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW you can't teach THIS Evertonian?Scouse Mackem much about humility mate! I celebrate the good times, cope with the bad times, and try always to keep a sense of PERSPECTIVE!

Incidentally, I'll wear the tag of "Scouse Mackem" with more than a little pride!!
 
Last edited:
Are you forgetting that Everton are the Scouse Mackems, a tiny club in the shadow of Liverpool, who have never won anything?

Or was football in Liverpool invented before 1992?
On a serious note, if you look at the history of English football, Everton were way ahead of Liverpool and man united until the late 1960s. Even the 1970s if you exclude 1968 European cup for MUFC.
'73! Me and Carol had been married two years! Our Louise was 7 months old. I was working me balls off doing as much overtime as I could...including sarradee! The print shop where I worked was an hour away from home, so on Cup Final day I developed a "tactical migraine" and got off early! I raced like "a mad whore" to get home... my darling companion had made me ham butties and had a couple of cans ready for me!! I sat there and (like the rest of the country) celebrated with the Mackems!! One of the happiest days of me life!!!

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW you can't teach THIS Evertonian?Scouse Mackem much about humility mate! I celebrate the good times, cope with the bad times, and try always to keep a sense of PERSPECTIVE!

Incidentally, I'll wear the tag of "Scouse Mackem" with more than a little pride!!
You have a very good memory!
 
Last edited:
I remember a midweek game against Leeds, a cup replay if I'm not mistaken. Leeds were in yellow and blue and it was a feisty affair to say the least and I'm probably wrong here but I'm sure one of our players got hurt.
For all they had Bremner who everyone knew was a little shit Giles was worse, proper sly individual
 
Gee mate, these "Roker Report" articles are a MUST for anyone who is interested in a great era for Sunderland! (despite me being on the wrong end of a couple of results!)

Awww thats such a nice thing to say lucky! Cheers me owld 'tater! I absolutely LOVE Everton Football Club, but my passion and loyalty for my club does NOT make me blind or uninterested in other clubs...... I simply LOVE the game marra!!!

Since 1958 I have lots of good memories regarding games v The Toffees.
Home and away.
Win lose or draw I always felt that we played a proper club with proper fans
Good banter and getting right behind the teams.

If I remember rightly
Everton were the last team to win the top league with only English players in 1970.
Im not sure if yr Scottish keeper Dandy Clark got a game.

My recollections aren't the best these days
😂😂
 
'73! Me and Carol had been married two years! Our Louise was 7 months old. I was working me balls off doing as much overtime as I could...including sarradee! The print shop where I worked was an hour away from home, so on Cup Final day I developed a "tactical migraine" and got off early! I raced like "a mad whore" to get home... my darling companion had made me ham butties and had a couple of cans ready for me!! I sat there and (like the rest of the country) celebrated with the Mackems!! One of the happiest days of me life!!!

Pease Pudding in ya Ham Butties and you would have been in Heaven Kidda..............All the Best Sunna :cool:

Sounds like a Canny Lass our Carol...
 
Reading the posts from the "Is Leeds a derby" thread, I took the time to read the excellent Roker Report article shared by Hank Williams (cheers mate it was a splendid read!) regarding the somewhat bitter rivalry (in the sixties at least) between Leeds and SAFC. One of the biggest reasons for the bad feeling between the clubs was the shocking "tackle" (?!?!) on Willie McPheat by Bobby Collins. Now Collins came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic in 1958. He stood all of 5'4" and wore size four boots! The guy was idolised by Evertonians, a pocket dynamo and a "general". In Glasgow he got the nickname "The Wee Barra'"
In the four years that he was with us, I have no recollection of him being a "dirty" player..... ALL ACTION? Yes! Tough as old boots! For someone of his size he was a wonderful footballer! It broke my heart when he was sold to Leeds in 1962, he was our skipper and a dynamic little player.

The next time I saw the wee man he was captaining Leeds United at Elland Road against Everton in a 4th round FA Cup tie. The way that he, Bremner and Giles were "putting themselves about" took me aback! We had a couple of (ahem) "dubious characters" Tony Kay, Roy Vernon and Jimmy Gabriel........ but these Leeds blokes were NASTY! I didnt recognize Bobby Collins from the player I loved so much!

I was there in November 1964 for the infamous "Battle of Goodison" between Leeds United and Everton. It was a bloody disgrace! BOTH sides were ordered from the field after some of the most violent assaults by fellow-professionals on each other! HEY! we played our part in it, I'm not holding us up as a beacon of "fairplay"........ But I was an eyewitness to WHO started it all! AND it wasn't US!!!

I often ponder on how Bobby Collins became such a "sniper" once he signed for Leeds, The influence of Revie? The "culture" at the joint? Watch the 1965 FA Cup Final and you'll see Collins throw himself at Liverpool left back Gerry Byrne, this resulted in Gerry breaking his collar bone! Yet he played on for the 90 minutes and extra time, laying on the cross for winning goal by Ian St John! KARMA!!!

I personally, detest the "Leeds culture" I have nothing but contempt for Revie, who in my opinion was an inferior manager to Harry Catterick. Say what you like about Harry, regarding his somewhat dour manner, the bloke produced Everton sides in the 1960s that played super football! I'm just saddened to see one of my idols as a kid, become a cynical and dirty little twat! I guess thats the "Leeds effect".................................................................................................................. Other folk may disagree of course!
That Roker Report article is one of the best I've read on there for ages

By a guest writer I think as well

Hope he has more stuff they ask him to write about
 
Reading the posts from the "Is Leeds a derby" thread, I took the time to read the excellent Roker Report article shared by Hank Williams (cheers mate it was a splendid read!) regarding the somewhat bitter rivalry (in the sixties at least) between Leeds and SAFC. One of the biggest reasons for the bad feeling between the clubs was the shocking "tackle" (?!?!) on Willie McPheat by Bobby Collins. Now Collins came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic in 1958. He stood all of 5'4" and wore size four boots! The guy was idolised by Evertonians, a pocket dynamo and a "general". In Glasgow he got the nickname "The Wee Barra'"
In the four years that he was with us, I have no recollection of him being a "dirty" player..... ALL ACTION? Yes! Tough as old boots! For someone of his size he was a wonderful footballer! It broke my heart when he was sold to Leeds in 1962, he was our skipper and a dynamic little player.

The next time I saw the wee man he was captaining Leeds United at Elland Road against Everton in a 4th round FA Cup tie. The way that he, Bremner and Giles were "putting themselves about" took me aback! We had a couple of (ahem) "dubious characters" Tony Kay, Roy Vernon and Jimmy Gabriel........ but these Leeds blokes were NASTY! I didnt recognize Bobby Collins from the player I loved so much!

I was there in November 1964 for the infamous "Battle of Goodison" between Leeds United and Everton. It was a bloody disgrace! BOTH sides were ordered from the field after some of the most violent assaults by fellow-professionals on each other! HEY! we played our part in it, I'm not holding us up as a beacon of "fairplay"........ But I was an eyewitness to WHO started it all! AND it wasn't US!!!

I often ponder on how Bobby Collins became such a "sniper" once he signed for Leeds, The influence of Revie? The "culture" at the joint? Watch the 1965 FA Cup Final and you'll see Collins throw himself at Liverpool left back Gerry Byrne, this resulted in Gerry breaking his collar bone! Yet he played on for the 90 minutes and extra time, laying on the cross for winning goal by Ian St John! KARMA!!!

I personally, detest the "Leeds culture" I have nothing but contempt for Revie, who in my opinion was an inferior manager to Harry Catterick. Say what you like about Harry, regarding his somewhat dour manner, the bloke produced Everton sides in the 1960s that played super football! I'm just saddened to see one of my idols as a kid, become a cynical and dirty little twat! I guess thats the "Leeds effect".................................................................................................................. Other folk may disagree of course!
Yes the Leeds team was full of filthy foulers. Remember playing Leeds in the sixties Second Division match, Sharkey chases a ball down but Sprake the Leeds keeper got there first, he kicked the ball out then proceeded to kick Sharkey in the back of the leg as he was about to turn and run upfield.
Loved every minute of the 73 Final down Wembley. Can't remember how we made it back to the coach at midnight.😝
 
There was quite a lot of beef between SAFC and Leeds.

As well as McPheat, Bobby Kerr suffered a leg break against them iirc.

Plus Bob Stokoe despised Revie and accused him of cheating iirc.

1973 was a colossal revenge act for our players and staff.

Edit: probably all covered in the article that you read.
Stokoe accused Revie of bribery revie appeantly approached Stokoe & offered an amount of money if Sunderland took it easy for a game they played dirty Leeds well documented
 
The ‘BIG 5’ in the 80s (as you probably know) were:
Liverpool, Everton
Arsenal, Spurs
Man united
Harry Catterick ( a Darlington boy ) was a super manager. That era produced fabulous football contests! Shankly (God rest his sweet soul) Busby, Catterick and Revie were vying for top spot!
ooooooh sorry! I'm still in the 60s pal!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Alan Brown was no mug either!
Stokoe accused Revie of bribery revie appeantly approached Stokoe & offered an amount of money if Sunderland took it easy for a game they played dirty Leeds well documented
Revie, shifty bastard!
 

Back
Top