TT BLOG

Steve Harris – @steveharris84

Steve discusses the late Dick Edwards

Over the years, there have been many Torquay United players who have entertained the Plainmoor faithful on the pitch, but few have been as entertaining off it.

Dick Edwards was one notable exception. Having started his working life as a miner, Edwards began his footballing career with Notts County before moving on to Mansfield Town and Aston Villa, before United manager Allan Brown paid £8,000 to bring him to Plainmoor in 1970.

During his first season with the Gulls, 1970-71, Edwards faced his former club, three times (twice in the league and once in the FA Cup); remarkably United were unbeaten over the course of the three matches, which included a famous 1-0 win at Villa Park and a 3-1 victory in the FA Cup. Dick was on target with United’s third in their cup win over the Villains and he celebrated by completing somersaults. The Gulls then went on to beat Chelmsford City, Lincoln City (famously coming from behind to win 4-3 after trailing 3-0) before drawing former manager Frank O’Farrell’s Leicester City in the fourth round.

Off the field, he formed a Country and Western music duo with teammate Bruce Stuckey and the pair recorded the Torquay United anthem ‘Oh United’ – as well as becoming a regular fixture in the pubs and clubs in the area, not to mention Pontins holiday camps.

Despite United’s relegation from the ‘old’ Third Division in 1971-72 under Brown’s successor Jack Edwards, Dick was invited on a pre-season tour for Manchester United by Frank O’Farrell. He eventually left Plainmoor to return to Mansfield in 1973 after scoring seven goals in 116 appearances.

After finally hanging up his boots, he continued to appear on the Country and Western circuit, performing with his sons Dan and Matt as the Edwards Boys. He even made number two in the American Country charts in 1988.

In addition to this, he kept an eye on the Gulls’ fortunes up until his recent passing at the age of 83 and was often in attendance whenever
they played in the East Midlands. Sending our best wishes to his family and friends, RIP Dick.