Heroes and Villains - Gordon Hill and Wayne Rooney by Patrick Silke

Heroes and Villains - Gordon Hill and Wayne Rooney by Patrick Silke @JFKKPOD

On the evening of the 31st April 1976, I looked up and on my bedroom wall and there was a 'Shoot' magazine photo of Manchester United player Gordon Hill. As all young kids at that time we all tried to copy our favourite players and for me I tried to do the same with Gordon Hill. 

Gordon Hill who played for Manchester United from 1975 until 1978 was a fan's favourite having been brought in to the club by Tommy Docherty from Millwall for £70,000. His left wing displays were legendary and his partnership with Steve Coppell was top class. 

I shall never forget his two goals in that 1976 semi-final against Derby with two trademark free kick goals. The final was obviously disappointing and if we had taken our early chances we would have indeed beaten Southampton. 

Dave Sexton was the new manager that came in after the untimely sacking of Docherty. 

Gordon Hill left Manchester United for Derby County for £250,000 in 1978, with his sale by Dave Sexton he deeply became unpopular with the United supporters. At the time of his sale, Hill was United's top scorer and a favourite among fans.

As I look back now to that sale of Gordon Hill which upset me greatly and most fans at that time, and now the saga of Wayne Rooney which most fans want sold because of his attitude and lack of great performances at times when we needed it. Gordon Hill came through with great performances at times when we needed his class and goals.