Seagull over Canaryland
Well-known member
The Albion seemed to be a bogey team for Bond so was a bit surprised that we were ever connected with him, although his teams played nice footie. He was a bit of a character and always good for a quote or two. Yes he was a traditional style of manager but don't think he was malicious like some of his contemporaries. Certainly Bond was just a bit more PC than the likes of Atkinson. Funny how current managers like Steve Evans or Di Canio now make Atkinson seem quite mellow. I certainly wouldn't put Bond in their league.
I can't recall seeing John Bond play but do recall Atkinson playing for Oxford at the Goldstone, what used to be described as 'a very no nonsense CB' which in practice meant he wasn't afraid to kick our forwards up in the air, which was deemed ok in those days. I also think it was Atkinson who unnecessarily belted one of the old style heavy footballs into the front row of the North Stand from point blank range and spectacularly knocked a young Albion fan out cold. Although there was a break in play he never bothered to say sorry even though he was only few yards away. That always made me think he was a bit of a cock years before he became a manager.
I can't recall seeing John Bond play but do recall Atkinson playing for Oxford at the Goldstone, what used to be described as 'a very no nonsense CB' which in practice meant he wasn't afraid to kick our forwards up in the air, which was deemed ok in those days. I also think it was Atkinson who unnecessarily belted one of the old style heavy footballs into the front row of the North Stand from point blank range and spectacularly knocked a young Albion fan out cold. Although there was a break in play he never bothered to say sorry even though he was only few yards away. That always made me think he was a bit of a cock years before he became a manager.