Class of ’83
Bluebirds fans joined nine ex-City stars to celebrate the club’s promotion to the then Second Division 30 years ago.
Jimmy Mullen, who was City captain in 1983, brothers Dave and Gary Bennett, Roger Gibbins, Jeff Hemmerman, Phil Dwyer, John Lewis, Linden Jones and Paul Giles came together for the Trust-organised anniversary bash at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Players travelled from far and near with Gary Bennett flying in from the north-east, Dave Bennett came from the Midlands while Jimmy Mullen headed from Shrewsbury to join the locally-based ex-players.
BBC Wales’ soccer correspondent Rob Phillips asked the questions during the evening and former manager, Jimmy Goodfellow, was also in attendance.
Dave Bennett signs an autograph
Players from the class of ’83 talked about the tough regime of a pre-season at St Athan, the games and goals which led to promotion, including unsavoury side of football at Millwall, and the Bluebirds’ current bid for promotion to the Premier League.
Gary Bennett spoke of his fond memories of Cardiff City, despite a wonderful career at Sunderland, as the club gave him his league debut.
Jeff Hemmerman with Jimmy Mullen and Rob Phillips
Players also reminisced about the superb bond between the players and the close relationship they had with fans.
The event, which was a huge success, was the result of an enormous amount of hard-work by the Trust’s membership committee, whoferried Gary Bennett between Cardiff and Bristol Airport. Thanks also to Roger Gibbins for his tremendous help and support on the event.
Plans are being made for another spectacular event in May. Those non-members who attended the event can join the Trust for just £7 and that will entitle them to free entry for the next ex-players’ evening.
Rob Phillips with Paul Giles and Dave and Gary Bennett
Photographs by Trust board member Brian Mertens