Smile A While Interview Roy Ellam

Under the close leadership of the great Ian Greaves, Roy Ellam was the defensive backbone of a terrier like squad that relished in the fight amongst the iconic teams of our country. Ellam, a fan favourite, rubbed shoulders with England’s elite and in his flawless defensive partnership with Trevor Cherry settled old scores and new ones alike. Ellam’s industry complimented such flare further up the field, from our very own maverick of the day, Frank Worthington. The legendary win against Arsenal on the 16th of January 1971 (pictured) was commonplace for Ellam, who continued to relish in the underdog siege. 

However, such achievements wouldn’t have been possible if Huddersfield failed to win the second division championship in the previous 1969/1970 campaign. Ellam played in every game of that season which saw Town return to the topflight off the back of 24 wins and 12 draws. Huddersfield were yet again basking in the glory of former years and the old Leeds Road stadium was brimming with excitement of what this team could go on to achieve in the big time.

Huddersfield Town earned 15th place at the closing of their first season in 1970/1971 campaign in Division 1. However, Town were sadly relegated the following season. The sheer class of the teams assembled at that time saw Town fall short sadly and some would argue prematurely. Regardless, another notable win over Don Revies Leeds United would-be a keepsake that Ellam would take away for the memory box! It would take Huddersfield Town football club a monumental 45 years to return to the now Premier League under David Wagner. Many fans look back at this squad with an incredible understanding, that they were arguably the greatest Huddersfield Town squad of the 20th century.  

I spoke to Roy Ellam at his gym in Mirfield a few weeks following his 80th birthday. A man that undoubtedly still has the physical stature that he did as a player and a charm that reciprocates to all of those that he meets. As I look at the walls in the gym which are littered with framed photographs of yesteryear, a collage of grainy negatives tells a story of a positive minded man who loved every minute playing our beautiful game. 

Tell us about your memories of the manager Ian Greaves?

Ian was such great guy, a fantastic man and man manager. His achievements with Town speak for themselves. As Trevor Cherry and I had such a natural partnership and understanding, he didn’t have to manage us all that much. I worked much closer with Henry Cockburn who was the senior coach at Town. He was a great player himself (formerly of Manchester United) and I learned a lot from him. 

The squad you played in was knitted tightly together and saw thread of success through comrade and skill. How difficult was the second season and relegation, knowing that you would likely not play together again? 

We had a good team; a really good team and the relegation was tough on all of us. However, we had to be proud of how far we had come together. I was fortunate that Trevor Cherry and I would continue to play in partnership at Leeds United and this was a positive thing. Trevor went on to do great things with Leeds and the other players such as Frank Worthington did the same with top level clubs (Bolton/Leicester). It was inevitable that we would have to move into a new era. 

You always played for Yorkshire clubs. Was this due to convenience or local pride?

I had interest from QPR early on (before signing with Bradford City) and went down to London for trials and to meet the staff. I couldn’t see myself living down there and decided against it. I guess it’s just how my moves worked out, but it wasn’t planned that way. 

You gained a huge singing to Leeds United after Town, following the injury of the great Jack Charlton. How did you anticipate this move and what were your thoughts joining our local rivals?

I had a superb time at Leeds, and it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss, however much the rivalry was in the back of my mind. They had a world beating squad at the time with the likes of Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles driving them forward. It was interesting to see Jack Charlton’s face when I first walked in at Elland Road, we were both quietly in competition given I was there to possibly replace him. The season prior Huddersfield beat Leeds in the Yorkshire derby at Leeds Road. Charlton scored their only goal and I scored the winner. After the match Charlton refused to shake my hand, he was very bitter which led on to a bust up off the pitch in which I won again! Thankfully this was forgotten when I joined them and we went on to be good friends and team mates. Charlton being the man he was, returned swiftly from injury which meant my time at Leeds was a short one. I was happy to take away my winner’s medal for the Division one title. 

Did you ever see yourself playing for England?

I didn’t think about England that much if I’m honest, I was very focussed on my domestic duties. Ian Greaves had different ideas though. Ian spoke publicly on his opinion that I should be giving the opportunity to play for the national team. Sir Alf Ramsey did come and watch a few Huddersfield games at the time. Ian Greaves famously quoted “Ellam is playing as well as any other centre half in the country’’. It all goes back to Jack Charlton again, who was always tipped ahead of me. There were some very good players in the 70’s. In another decade, I would have played for England. 

Following on, like many of your counterparts in the 1970’s you decided to play football in the USA and signed for the Philadelphia Atoms in 1975 and Washington Diplomats in 1976. How was this experience and what were the highs?

The landscape at Huddersfield during my second spell was completely different following the relegations down the football league. This was a difficult adjustment and I still felt that I had another adventure to explore football at a good level. It was all happening in America at the time, and I decided to give it a go. My proudest achievement must be playing against Pele over two seasons. Pele played for the New York cosmos. This by far beats anything I ever won in England, he was an incredible player and a fantastic person to go with it. 

Frank Worthington had a loan at Philadelphia Fury a few seasons later. Was there any link?

What was the pull? Knowing Frank, women would have usually had something to do with it! George Best went over also, the heat and the money seemed hard to resist! 

What other memories do you have at Huddersfield Town and your achievements?

I have so many great memories with Huddersfield Town past and present. I’m proud of it all. It’s sad to see some of the old squad have started to pass away. I kept in close touch with Frank Worthington and Ray Wilson all the way. Geoff Hutt still calls into the gym to say hello, Something I haven’t mentioned is that throughout my career (which includes over 200 appearances for Town) I never received one red card. To think about how much tougher the game was back then, this is remarkable! Presently, I was ecstatic when Huddersfield got back up to the premier league again. I still watch most of Huddersfield matches at home, thanks to Boothy who ensures I have a VIP pass on match days. Huddersfield will always be my club. 

How was your transition away from football. Did you ever think about coaching or management?

Not many people know, I flew back out to America in the late 1970’s to explore the possibility of a new league that was going to be created. I was ready to sell my house and make the move where I would be a forerunning coach. I stayed out there with Cal Rockefeller Junior who was funding the project. It was a real experience; he had a private helicopter and a glimpse into another world. Unfortunately, the league fell through, and I returned home. I joined Gainsborough where I was manager and enjoyed that transition. I didn’t manage or coach another club after that but felt it was an opportunity missed, however I have no regrets.