June 30, 1967
Doc pips Shankly for Bury defender Waldron
Tommy Docherty, dynamic Chelsea manager, showed the cut-throat side of Soccer yesterday, when he bought Bury wing-half Colin Waldron for £25,000. The Chelsea chief and his old playing pal Bill Shankly, of Liverpool, were all smiles and handshakes on Wednesday when Docherthy sold Tony Hateley to the Merseyside club for £98,000.
But yesterday they were arch-rivals for the signature of 19-year-old Waldron, one of the most promising young defenders in the country. Shankly thought he had the deal settled on Thursday night, but a 200-mile car dash by Docherty yesterday was enough to change Waldron’s mind.
It was a promise of first-team football that persuaded Waldron to seek his football fortune in London rather than his native Lancashire.
Docherty said: “He is a fine player and certain to settle down at Stamford Bridge. I first took interest in him when I saw him play against Wyn Davies last year and have been impressed ever since.
“When I heard Liverpool had made a move, I telephoned Bury and asked their officials to wait until they had seen me.”
Chelsea fans must wait to see how Docherty intends using Waldron as a first team player. The obvious way would be by moving Marvin Hinton to full back and putting him at centre half.
(Daily Express: July 1, 1967)
