Death of a legend

The death has been announced of York City legend Sid Storey, who was a member of the famous ‘Happy Wanderers’ side that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1954-55. He was 90 years-old.

Widely regarded as the best-ever ball-playing inside-forward to play for the club, Haxby-based Storey made 354 appearances and scored 42 goals for York between 1947 and 1956.

Born in Darfield, South Yorkshire, on Christmas Day 1919, Storey was a coal miner and played early football for Ardsley Welfare and Grimethorpe Athletic. He also managed some wartime games for Huddersfield Town before joining Wombwell Athletic and, in turn, York for the sum of £100 in May 1947.

For nine seasons he was a regular at Bootham Crescent and played a massive role in York’s famous run to the FA Cup semi-final, scoring vital goals at Blackpool and Bishop Auckland. But he missed the original semi-final against Newcastle United at Hillsbrough through injury, although he did play in the replay.

He was given a benefit by the club in 1955, but released at the end of the following season, and later played for Barnsley, Accrington Stanley and Bradford Park Avenue. A return to York in 1960 then saw him complete three years as trainer-coach.

But it will be for his jinking skills and sweet left foot that he will always be remembered, as he helped to write probably the most glorious ever chapter in the history of York City FC.