Ralph Coates

[Theres only one Ken Foggo 0]

Just heard he has died of a stroke aged 64. City fans will remember he scored the winner against us in the 1973 League Cup final.

[SwindonCanary 457]

He broke my heart when I was a youngster on my first ever visit to Wembley, but it''s a sad lose at only 64 years of age. RIP

[kilroyslefteyebrow 0]

Sad news.

Being Burnley based, our local paper dated today says he is in hospital following a stroke.

Just shows how fast these things can happen and how fragile life is.

216 appearances and 26 goals for the Clarets. RIP

[Nolly 0]

I cant remember much about the 73 final, my Dad wouldn''t take me (i was 7 at the time).

I do remember seeing photos of him in Shoot and the like with his sweep over hair style!!

Sad news for his family and all those who do remember him though

[Yellowfuture 71]

Sad to hear this news, I have an endearing memory of his comb-over.

[shefcanary 2,950]

[quote user="swindoncanary"]He broke my heart when I was a youngster on my first ever visit to Wembley, but it''s a sad lose at only 64 years of age. RIP[/quote]

Like you this was my first visit and felt likewise.  However he was a true professional, depsite the combover.

[Binky 0]

[quote user="swindoncanary"]He broke my heart when I was a youngster on my first ever visit to Wembley, but it''s a sad lose at only 64 years of age. RIP[/quote]

Very sad to hear. Was at that Final too and right behind the goal. That is the only thing I do remember about it though. Back then, he was the player that immediately came to mind whenever anyone mentioned Burnley. I believe he was respected by players and fans alike.

[grantroederdisaster 0]

Yes well remember him getting the winning goal in our 1st appearance at Wembley which isn''t difficult cause Norwich done b uggerall in the game - the 1st of many no shows in big games!

 

Very young age to die. 

[Theres only one Ken Foggo 0]

The irony about that 73 Wembley goal is that he wasn''t even in the starting line up - he came on for the injured John Pratt early in the game! He was regarded as one of the most promising players in England while he was at Burnley but never really fulfilled his potential after moving to Spurs. That goal against City was probably the highlight of his career.

[Heresyourfathersgun 0]

It amazes me to think he was only 64 - he looked so much older all those years ago!

RIP Ralph, you''re part of our history.

[Wings of a Sparrow 1,708]

RIP Ralph Coates - a footballer from a different era. He did look old to us young''uns back then but was only 27 when he broke Canaries hearts in 1973.

[Norfolk Mustard 106]

''73 was my first visit to Wembley too. Uncle Trevor drove a total of 6 of us in a VW Variant Estate car; me and my cousin Chris were the smallest so we were strategically placed behind the rear seats in the back section. No proper seats or safety belts - blimey, sounds a bit irresponsible eh?

The Cup Final was such a big event - but I clearly recall that man on the wing with the flyaway hair ''style'' spoiling everything I hoped for. Thanks Ralph - you did your job well that day. RIP.

[Harry 0]

[IMG]http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00691/sport-graphics-2008_691004a.jpg[/IMG]RIP Ralph, even though you broke my heart that day.