Trevor Hockey 1965-1971
Last updated : 06 February 2010 By Brian Cartlidge
A Yorkshireman, born in Keighley on 1st May 1943, Hockey played Rugby League, Rugby Union and soccer at school.
In the end he chose soccer and after starring for the West Riding Under 19's and Keighley Central Youth club he joined Bradford City as an amateur in June 1958, turning professional with The Bantams on his 17th Birthday in May 1960.
He left Valley Parade for Nottingham Forest in November 1961 but after just two years at the City Ground Hockey was on the move again, this time to Newcastle United where he collected a Second Division winners medal in 1965.
Now transformed from a winger into a tough tackling central midfielder, Hockey joined Blues in November 1965 in a £25,000 deal.
Hockey spent five years at St Andrew's becoming a big favourite with the Blues fans for his aggressive displays and 100% committment.
Off the pitch however, Hockey was a happy-go-lucky fellow, he sported a beatle-style haircut, owned a pink piano, made a record entitled ' Happy 'Cos I'm Blue' and even appeared on stage at The Birmingham Town Hall.
Hockey went on to make 231 appearances for Blues and scored 13 goals before he was transferred to Sheffield United for £35,000 in January 1971.
Norwich City secured his services in February 1973 but after just six months with The Canaries Hockey was back playing his football in Birmingham, this time at Villa Park.
After just a year at the Villa he was on the move again, this time returning to his first club Bradford City.
In March 1976 Hockey became player-manager at Athlone Town before taking his footballing talents across the pond and a spell with San Diego Jaws in the North American Soccer League.
Hockey returned to England the following year and took on the managers role at non-league Stalybridge Celtic before another spell in the States as coach with both San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Quicksilvers.
In a distinguished career Hockey won 9 international caps for Wales for whom he was one of the first players to qualify playing for, through his ancestry.
Trevor Hockey sadly died of a heart attack shortly after taking part in a five-a-side tournament in Keighley on 2nd April 1987, aged just 43.
