Fred Pickering - 1967 to 1969
Last updated : 06 February 2010 By Brian Cartlidge
Between 1958 and 1973 Pickering served five League clubs and netted more than 190 goals in 415 appearances, including 168 in 363 league matches.
Born in Blackburn on 19th January 1941, he went to Ewood Park as a fifteen-year-old and signed professional forms on his 17th birthday in 1958.
He spent six years with Rovers before transferring to Everton in March 1964 for £85,000.
Later that same year he made a sensational England debut, scoring a hat-trick in a 10-0 victory over USA in New York.
He made two more appearances for England but missed out on Everton's 1966 FA Cup triumph.
Pickering signed for Blues in August 1967 for £50,000 and had a superb first season at St. Andrew's, being an ever-present and hitting 15 goals, teaming up brilliantly with Geoff Vowden and Barry Bridges, Blues reached the FA cup semi final.
The following season he and Jimmy Greenhoff formed the Blues' strike force but with Bob Latchford and Trevor Francis ready to make their claims, Pickering left St. Andrew's in June 1969, joining Blackpool for £45,000.
In March 1971 he returned to Ewood Park but left there after disagreements with their then manager Ken Furphy.
Pickering ended his playing career at Brighton, retiring in 1973, and became a fork lift truck driver.
