Tributes paid to 'legendary' Poppies goalkeeper who has died aged 79

Gordon made 315 appearances for the Poppies between 1964 and 1977 – keeping 91 clean sheets, a record that still stands to this day.

A former professional footballer, he played in goal in the Football League for Wrexham, Chester and Hartlepool, Weymouth, Nuneaton Borough, Leamington and Scarborough.

Paying tribute to the keeper, a spokesman for The Poppies said: “Renowned for his powerful kicking, Gordon’s ability to launch a goal kick deep into the opposition penalty area was legendary.

"Former teammate and number nine Jim Conde fondly recalled how Gordon would deliver the ball straight into the box, creating scoring opportunities time and again.

“Off the pitch, Gordon was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and was known among teammates for his sharp wit and sense of humour.

“When receiving the Kettering Town Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year in 1974, he famously remarked ‘I must thank the rest of the defence because they’ve helped me to win it – and I must thank the forward line because they’ve been so bad that I had a lot to do’.”

One of the original ‘Dougan boys’ – who played in the history-making Kettering Tyres strip, he proudly wore his replica shirt at the anniversary event in January.

Born in Keighley, Gordon grew up in Kettering, playing for the Poppies as a teenager where he was recommended to Wrexham. Standing at 5ft 10 the keeper was known for his agility and very powerful kicking.

Livsey suffered a broken leg in his first trial match, but was invited back the following summer and earned a professional contract in September 1967.

He established himself as Wrexham’s number one for the next two seasons.

Away from football, he was known in Wrexham for being a cornet player in the local Salvation Army band and was voted among the best looking footballers in the country in the ‘Football League Review’.

From 1969 he continued to play regularly for the reserves – as well as the first team that won promotion in 1969.

In 1971, Gordon signed first for Chester, was briefly player-manager of Workington AFC in 1977 for 28 games before he returned home to Kettering Town.

He made 315 first class appearances between 1964 to 1977, keeping 91 clean sheets, a club record. His club debut was against Corby Town FC in 1964. His league debut was made against Trowbridge Town in 1965 finally bowing out against Chelmsford City in 1977. He was also part of Ron Atkinson’s set-up at Rockingham Road.

Fans have paid their tributes on social media, expressing their sadness.

Describing Gordon as a ‘true giant in the pantheon of Poppies legends’ one fan said: “Desperately saddened to see this news. Gordon was a terrific keeper, possibly our best in my time of watching Poppies, but also a really great guy.

"After he retired from keeping, he played for a short time in Geddington’s Saturday Amateur League side as sweeper, as I recall. No big spuds from him at all, just friendly encouragement and camaraderie and lots of light hearted fun.

"He could hit a cricket ball bloody hard too!”

Another said: “I seem to recall that when Gordon made his debut for us it was a controversial decision. He was replacing Ted Smethurst a diminutive but brilliant keeper who had played hundreds of games and played in many big games in cup and championship winning teams. The decision was justified later though as he went on to play in the Football League.”

Recently Gordon saw his grandson Harry wear the Poppies colours as part of the victorious KTFC’s trophy-winning U15’s side getting to hold the silverware.

A minute’s applause was held by Kettering Town FC in tribute to the goalie.

The spokesman added: “Gordon will be greatly missed by all at Kettering Town, and we thank him for his outstanding service to the club.”

Gordon Livsey’s funeral will be held at The Edgar Newman Chapel, Kettering Crematorium at 1pm on Thursday, May 7, with a celebration of his life at Latimer Park, Burton Latimer in The Poppies Bar.