Tommy Casey, Northern Irish international become a City favourite , one of the few purchases made by Peter Doherty that was appreciated by supporters.
Ashton Legends 11.
Tommy Casey was a tough tackling but constructive wing half who played under the managership of Peter Doherty for both Bristol City and Northern Ireland. His distinctive arm flapping movements must have been a distraction to his opponents as he enjoyed a thirteen year career in the Football League.
Born in Belfast on 11th. March 1930, Tommy played for Belfast YMCA and Bangor before signing for Leeds United in May 1949. In August 1950 he moved on to Bournemouth and, two years later, Newcastle United paid £7,000 for his services.
Tommy’s career blossomed at St. James’ Park, becoming a first team regular, playing in the 1955 F.A Cup Final victory over Manchester City and gaining international recognition with Northern Ireland. Tommy gained 12 caps in all and featured in the team that progressed to the World Cup Quarter Finals in Sweden in 1958.
Later that year, Portsmouth signed Tommy for £8,500 but within a year the Irishman was on the move again, this time to Bristol City. Casey was at Ashton Gate for four seasons, making 137 appearances and scoring 9 goals, before becoming player/ manager of Gloucester City in the summer of 1963.
Tommy then served Swansea City, Ammanford Town, Distillery, Everton, Coventry City, Grimsby Town, KR Reykjavik and Harstaad in various capacities before turning his back on the game. He settled in Portbury and established a mobile fishmonger business from which he retired in 1997.
