Laurie Cunningham lived here


Laurie Cunningham lived here

The childhood home of footballing legend Laurie Cunningham

Location: 73 Lancaster Road, Islington

Description: Laurie Cunningham, the first ever black player to represent England at under-21 level, was born in Brookside Place, Archway, but grew up here in Lancaster Road

At a time when racism was rife at football, Cunningham was the first ever black player to represent England at under-21 level.

By the age of 14 Cunningham had been spotted by Arsenal scouts and was invited to train at Highbury twice a week and trained alongside future Gunners legend Liam Brady. However, he didnt progress beyond schoolboy and Arsenal let him go at the age of 16. He played for Highgate North Hill his manager got him a trial at Leyton Orient where manager George Petchey signed him on the spot, commenting Id never seen a 16-year-old like him before, he could do everything.

As he became sought-after, he moved to West Bromwich Albion. Then two years later in June 1979, his transfer to Real Madrid stunned the football world. He became the first Englishman to play for one of the world's biggest clubs. There he won the League and Cup Double in his first season and reached the European Cup Final in 1981 where Madrid lost to Liverpool.

Sadly Cunningham died in a car crash in Madrid in 1989, and he became only the second ever footballer to have been recognised with a blue plaque (after Bobby Moore).

Themes: SportSport Theme
Laurie Cunningham lived here

The childhood home of footballing legend Laurie Cunningham

Ranking This Month: 1859/3089

Pages Hit This Month: 4


Your Comments:

Name:
Email:
Your email will ONLY be used once, to confirm the publication of your comments. We value your contribution and privacy.

Anti-spam Security: Please enter this code:


Other places nearby:


Brockwell Lido», 8.1km

Cricketer Patsy Hendren\'s House», 8.5km

Tooting Bec Lido», 9.8km

Henry VIII's tennis court», 15.km

Henman Hill or Murray Mound?», 10.km

Cricketer CB Fry born here», 13.km

Wanstead Flats», 6.0km

Swimming prodigy Beckwith born», 5.4km

Hendon Hall», 4.8km

Crews Hill Golf Course», 7.4km

Location Pinpointed:


Open Street Maps», Google Maps»