I'm much indebted indeed to Clapton is God for unearthing this little gem!

 

 

It's funny but as the years roll by we have become so accustom to players of every colour, creed and religion pulling on the Bolton shirt that I was actually shocked to discover that George is credited as being the first black player to represent Bolton Wanderers when appearing against Wimbledon in 1984.

 

I can honestly say that I don't remember any fuss about him playing for us at the time.

 

I do remember the era when black players were racially abused at Burnden - I can even remember banana's being thrown on to the pitch to opposition coloured players - but as far as I recall the only issue we had with George was could he play. His goals answered that question for us.

 

George Oghani

In his Carlisle days!

 

George's first full season brought about twentyone goals in all competitions but he struggled to match that in the seasons that followed.

 

Chicken George (his nickname came from one of the characters from the TV programme Roots) made his debut on the 14th January 1984 versus Wimbledon (A), Division 3

 

It took George a while to notch his first goal which was on the 4th September 1984 versus Oldham Athletic (A), League Cup 1st round, 2nd leg.

 

We picked George up from non league Hyde United in October 1983, and he was with us for nearly 4 years before being sold to Burnley in June 1987.

 

George played for many clubs (both professional and non league) in his career - Bury, Hyde United, Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham (loan), Burnley, Stockport County, Hereford United, Scarborough, Evagoras (Cyprus), Carlisle United, Northwich Victoria, Guiseley.

 

If being the first black player to play for us was not enough, George even got his name into the lyrics of a song - "A lament to the best" - Chumbawumba.

 

Unfortunately - like George - the song was not a huge success!

 

Anyway - why has George's name cropped up again!?

 

Well, because of a business card!

 

Last week Mrs Clapton is God brought home a card with the following on -

 

"Mortgage & Investment Advice Centre Ltd

141 Beech Road, Chorlton,

0161 882 0066

mobile: 07973 331756

email miac@lfacom.net

 

GEORGE OGHANI

Principal"

 

Curiosity got the better of CIG and when he asked his better half had she seen Mr Oghani and what did he look like was told - "he was a man in his 40's of mixed race and very good looking!"

 

I must admit that I have not phoned up Mr O to find out if he is the one and only - but there can't be too many good looking 40 odd year olds with the same name!

 

I assume therefore they are one and the same man - so if your ever in need of some financial advise - then why not give him a bell - take or leave what he may say about the money and all that - but do ask him about his days at Burden - and then get them posted on here!

 

 

(Thanks to the Manny Road site for background info).

 

http://www.the-wanderer.co.uk/boards/viewt...p=170435#170435

 

 

EDIT - Sorry I've posted this in the wrong forum. Please could someone put it into Reebok - Thank you.

Edited October 10, 200619 yr by Sluffy

I was actually shocked to discover that George is credited as being the first black player to represent Bolton Wanderers when appearing against Wimbledon in 1984.

 

I can honestly say that I don't remember any fuss about him playing for us at the time.

 

I remember when he came on in that game a bloke sat in front of me in the Lever end, took his BWFC scarf off and threw it on the floor in disgust, stamped on it and walked out of the ground.

 

Oh how times change.

 

 

No mention of the ironing board incident i see.

Oh, where are you now George?

Now that wingers have been laid to rest

And shirts have adverts across their breast

And it's all about who's the richest

Where are you now George?

With those boots that laced up the side

And that Irish shirt that you wore with pride

And that picture of you with Mike Summerbee and bride

Oh, where are you now George?

I dreamed of you dribbling past City's back four

And leaving Joe Corrigan fumbling on the floor

And the Stretford End singing "More! Bestie! More!"

Where are you now George?

In a boutique down Carnaby Street?

Or gambling on the horses at an Aintree meet?

Oh where oh where are those magic feet?

I know where you've been

On Granada every week

I want you to come back to me

And have you seen George Oghani

And Charlie George?

Put the ironing board down, George.

Put the ironing board down.

I assume therefore they are one and the same man - so if your ever in need of some financial advise - then why not give him a bell - take or leave what he may say about the money and all that - but do ask him about his days at Burden - and then get them posted on here!

(Thanks to the Manny Road site for background info).

 

http://www.the-wanderer.co.uk/boards/viewt...p=170435#170435

EDIT - Sorry I've posted this in the wrong forum. Please could someone put it into Reebok - Thank you.

 

You assumed right. I saw him on a mortgage course earlier this year.

Im sure myself and jules 'plant pot' Darby were stood next to him in the four in hand pub, west didsbury, mcr when watching Barca v Arsenal earlier this year

No mention of the ironing board incident i see.

 

Or the ???alleged??? punch up with Derek Scott on the car park at Burnley???s training ground when George was caught helping himself to several of his team-mates car radios, which put an end to his stint there ::::::::::::::

Im sure myself and jules 'plant pot' Darby were stood next to him in the four in hand pub, west didsbury, mcr when watching Barca v Arsenal earlier this year

 

I've seen George Mahogany in the Four in Hand on a few occasions myself, so you're probably right.

Who is this Oghani bloke anyway?

I speak to George every now & then. He's now a fellow mortgage adviser working in Hyde!

I speak to George every now & then. He's now a fellow mortgage adviser working in Hyde!

 

 

Good to see George doing the half time draw against the Urinals.

 

Was he in on your invite at the Reebok last saturday then hazzy?