Fifty years ago this month, John Still was a history-maker for Bishop’s Stortford, writes Neal Harrington.
The commanding centre-half, who turns 74 next Wednesday (April 24), was helping steer the Blues to their first Wembley triumph in the last FA Amateur Cup final.
Saturday April 20, 1974 will always shine like a landmark beacon in the club’s 150-year history - the day the Blues beat Ilford 4-1 at Wembley in their centenary year thanks to goals from Dave Lawrence, Dennis Murphy, Peter Leakey and Martin Smith.
Still, who went on to achieve further fame by becoming the only manager to lead three different clubs - Maidstone United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Luton Town - from non-League to the Football League, has magical memories of 1974.
“I don’t know where the time has gone,” he said. “It’s a great memory.”
West Ham-born Still suffered a knee injury during his one and only Football League appearance for Leyton Orient as a 17-year-old in a Third Division home encounter against Torquay in August 1967. This left him struggling to train every day and moving into non-League football.
Still, who is now head of football at Vanarama National League side Southend United, arrived at Stortford with manager Ted Hardy from Dagenham in 1971. In a little over three years, the railway mechanic racked up more than 200 appearances for the Blues.
He left in October 1974 and the Blues were back at Wembley in May 1981 to lift the FA Trophy.
Still well-remembers two hard-fought encounters against holders Walton & Hersham in a FA Amateur Cup third-round tie during February 1974. Stortford triumphed 1-0 after extra time in a replay at Rhodes Avenue after forcing a 0-0 away draw.
“I bumped into former Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett the other day and he was playing for Walton & Hersham at the time. We talked about the games,” said Still.
“They were decent, in fact there were lots of good players in those teams. It was a really tough tie.”
Northern giants Blyth Spartans were beaten 3-1 in a quarter-final clash at Rhodes Avenue before the Blues locked horns with Ashington in a semi-final tie at Sunderland’s Roker Park. Stortford grabbed a 0-0 draw before beating Ashington 3-0 in the replay at Brentford’s Griffin Park.
“Roker Park was another tough battle, but we had a really strong team,” said Still. “We had a team of men - no shrinking violets.”
It was then on to fellow Isthmian League side Ilford in the Wembley showpiece.
“We all knew each other,” said Still.
“I remember there was a confidence about the team. I went on a walk with some team-mates on the morning of the final and had a feeling it would be our day.
“There was an incredible atmosphere at Wembley, immense support. Once we went ahead, I felt we were in control. On our day, we could beat anyone.
“Winning the Amateur Cup was a great thing for the football club. I loved playing at Rhodes Avenue, there was a great atmosphere.”