Wolves Vice-President and FPA Chairman John Richards was among many of Gary Pierce’s former Wolves team-mates who attended the memorial service to pay their respects to the former goalkeeper – and 1974 League Cup Final hero.
Here, in his own words. John looks back on a fitting tribute.
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It was inevitable, I suppose, that the ‘Bloody Big Nobody from Bury’ would leave us with broad smiles on our faces.
Almost 200 mourners attended the public service in the magnificent Parish Church slap bang in the centre of this historic town.
Gary had a big family, and they were all there to say their farewells to this larger than life Lancashire lad. They were joined by his friends – almost as numerous -plus neighbours and a good sprinkling of his former playing colleagues.
A fitting turnout.
The sun shone and, following a warm and very personal service, the family and close friends went on to a private ceremony at the local crematorium.
It was here, in the garden area, after the short committal, that the some of the stories of Gary’s varied life and career were shared.
Some mourners also took the opportunity to enjoy a soothing cigarette – another reminder of Gary and his legacy.
The wake was in the Knowsley pub, less than 200 yards from the church, and Gary’s local for the last three years. The landlord was quick to point out that he’d only found out about Gary’s footballing background about 18 months ago.
The venue did him proud, and the TV screens in the room were showing the 1974 League Cup Final in full, with plenty of cheers when Gary was performing heroics with saves from the likes of Dennis Law, Rodney Marsh and Franny Lee.
There was the expected boo when Colin Bell got the equaliser but, overall, it was a lovely atmosphere, and the memories weren’t lying – Gary was terrific.
At Wolves, we remember Gary as an unassuming, humble goalkeeper who seemed to be surprised at how good he was and, at times, not quite believing that he was actually playing in the Wolves first team at Molineux.
Even as recent as last year, at our 50th anniversary celebration, he was apologetic about his appearance in the 1974 League Cup Final. He was uncomfortable with the fact that he had taken over the mantle from his mentor and great friend Phil Parkes. He always believed that it should have been Phil standing between those posts at Wembley.
However, as footballers, we know that the game can be cruel and kind in equal measures, and some things are out of our control. As was Phil’s broken ankle which gave Gary the opportunity to play at Wembley.
It could just as easily have been a poisoned chalice, but it turned out to be his moment of fame and, in the eyes of Wolves supporters of that generation, he became a legend.
May he rest in peace.
Why did we leave with broad smile on our faces? Gary’s final choice of music, as we were exiting the family and friends service at the crematorium, was Freddie Mercury singing The Great Pretender.
Brilliant, and typical of Gary – humility, humour and magnificent to the very last. A great lad.
