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James Hough - 'The Jewel' - By Graeme Carvell [12 Mar @ 10:35am]
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Many thanks go to our guest columnist Graeme Carvell for this moving tribute to the man they call 'Hough'. The article may be seen in full, with all the relevant pictures by clicking the below attachment. Without further ado.... James Hough - A Tribute... Having joined the club in the heady days of 2003 , James Hough can certainly count himself as one of the very foundations that AFC Bebington Athletic has built itself upon. Peers and local journos would describe “Houghy†as an old fashioned centre forward, a big man with a big heart. His major strengths lie in an uncanny ability to hold the ball and great aerial prowess, however this just scratches the surface of the man’s legendary status. The oldest of three children, James was born in 1979. The son of crazy Eastham legend Phil and his proud wife Jeanette, “Houghy“ was soon joined on this planet by younger brother Lewis, an enigmatic, talkative and flame haired chap who also donned the famous blue and white of Beb Ath from time to time during their famous West Cheshire 3 Championship season. “Houghy†grew up with football. His father Phil, renowned for silky skills, played at a good standard in the local amateur leagues and both Hough brothers would ‘enjoy’ watching him. They would also revel in visiting Goodison Park to cheer on the mighty Everton on a Saturday afternoon. As a youngster, James started his footballing career as a goalkeeper, but this soon changed as he began terrorising defenders in the Eastham Junior League, representing a number of clubs including famous Eastham giants Heygarth United. After successfully passing his eleven plus, James joined Wirral Grammar School, the home of our founding forefathers and at the age of 17 he signed for his first open age club, Manor Athletic. Playing for their third eleven in the Birkenhead league was certainly a “baptism of fire†for the fresh faced Hough but he showed early signs of the great strength that was to become his forte, helping Manor to the league cup final. However, before that final could be played, Hough made the controversial but ultimately correct decision to leave Manor and join AFC Bebington Athletic, despite Athletic being, at the time, nothing short of “pathetic†in terms of footballing ability. After a lager filled three year stretch at Nottingham Trent University, Houghy returned to the fray with a fuller figure and slightly more dishevelled look (if this was possible), but this only enhanced the mans reputation amongst players and fans alike. As Beb Ath soared up the South Wirral League, much of the praise in the local press was going to legendary goal-getter and close friend Ben Jenner who was scoring at a ridiculous rate. However no one must overlook the contribution of Hough. Playing in a “Bergkamp†role just behind Jenner, Hough discovered that for a big man he had a delicate touch and fine vision to pick a pass. This coupled with his physical prowess made him a striker to be feared. He also knew the way to goal in these early days. Hough invented the “near post†role, one which a certain young Earp is now reaping rewards from. He also developed an uncanny ability to scuff the ball in to the net fooling keepers regularly. Hough could often be seen scoring twenty to thirty goals per season as Athletic filled the trophy cabinet season upon season. Hough was described as a 'jewel' by local reporter Vernon Lee, and as the man's reputation soared, it seemed anything was possible for the man from Eastham. However, the 2005/2006 campaign saw one of the low points of Hough’s dazzling career. In the only full season that all three of the holy trinity (Hough/Carvell/Jenner) played together, Athletic looked set for championship glory on the final day, only requiring a point against hated rivals Window Shades to lift the trophy. Fate was to take a cruel twist on Hough. With the scores level at nil nil, he selflessly tracked back in an attempt to regain possession. However, as Hough attempted to crunch rival midfielder Jamie Holmes on the half way line, he inexplicably smacked the ball towards his own goal. As the ball soared through the air, Beb Ath stand in keeper Jimmy Tanner, who was hopelessly out of position, was left clutching the air as the net rippled. Shades players danced a jig of delight as the final whistle blew to signal a one nil defeat for Beb Ath which ripped the title from their grasp. To make matters worse, Hough was then involved in a late night fracas in Liverpool city centre which left team mate Carvell with a badly fractured nose. The perpetrator was never caught but local press reports suggested that Hough may have been the offender. This was a watershed moment for both James and Beb Ath. Hough and Beb Ath recovered from that controversy and the club went from strength to strength, gaining promotion to West Cheshire Three. The 2006/2007 season must go down as the best season in Beb Ath history and Hough played a major role in that famous title winning team. The post Jenner era had begun, with Ben falling foul of horrendous knee injuries on a number of occasions. However, as the press wrote them off, gaffer Wilson was drooling over a blossoming strike partnership between Hough and old comrade Carvell. Once again James played second fiddle to a prolific maestro in Carvell (it's not about you - ed.), but vital goals towards the end of the season against Capenhurst, Bronze and Blacon confirmed Hough’s status as a true Beb Ath legend. As the trophy was held aloft at the end of the season, many fans could see a tear in Hough’s eye. He knew he had finally been accepted as a true footballer and not just some Barney Gumble-esque target man from Bedrock. Hough’s status as a Beb Ath legend runs far deeper than just football. Many who know him will be fully aware of his fondness for a tipple, particularly a Slater's 'quaddy'. He is a Beb Ath night out stalwart and on numerous occasions Hough would arrive for a match in what only can be described as a “horrendous messâ€. Wilson feared that we may have had another George Best on our hands when James arrived for one particular game reeking of cheap vino with his clothes on inside out. It got worse for Hough when he was pictured by The Wirral Globe washing the teams home strip in a stream in Eastham with a tea towel on his head singing “I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hairâ€. Many excellent players will pass through AFC Bebington Athletic but only a few will be remembered as legendary. James Hough is one of these players. A creature of habit, he can still be seen lurking in Liverpool city centre on a Saturday night with the same old comrades in tow. Hough would best be described as a happy go lucky fella whose “gateway tramp†appearance fooled many a centre half in to thinking they had an easy day. Being asked to 'move along' by Merseyside Police for simply sitting on a bench wouldn't usually point towards a prolific striker. 92 goals in 143 games says different. James has since re-located to Liverpool having found true love. However, his commitment to the cause is once again highlighted as he can still be seen plying his trade as a veteran figurehead for Beb Ath Reserves in the Chester and District League Premier Division. The man, the legend, the 'Jewel in the Crown', James Hough, we salute you.
Bebington Athletic Legends [13 Feb @ 12:00am]
Coming soon.... We shall be reviewing the careers of some of our most legendary players, their skills, attributes, and contributions to the current status of the club. Ben Jenner
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