What makes a legend?

[jeremy]

Lots of comments on here re people's favourite past players, but a point for debate - what makes a legend?

Longevity of service, achievements, influence, trophies won?

A lot of the names mentioned were only with us a season or two. Is that long enough?

Do people take into account what players did elsewhere or just for Stamford?

For example, two relatively recent players David Norris and Andy Tillson. Both played only two seasons for Stamford and showed a lot of potential, but went on to enjoy lengthy and illustrious pro careers. Would you view them as Stamford 'legends', having gone on to 'make it'. What about Tommy Robson, two seasons with the Daniels at the end of an illustrious career in the game? A Posh legend definitely, probably not a Daniels one.

What about managerial legends? I would say Malcolm Hird and Steve Evans definitely yes. What about Norman Rigby, Chris Corby, Billy Jeffrey and Gresh? (Another promotion would probably clinch this status for GD).

Let's hear your views.

[markward]

I think longevity, achievements, influence and honours will all play a part in categorising a player as a legend - or not.

To that end, in my opinion, a season or two would be enough if they ticked one of the above boxes (ideally multiple!). One criteria in my opinion is also the way they left. Did they leave to progress their career, injury, retirement etc all of which are fine. Did they leave under a cloud, following a manager, let the club down at short notice - for me, these reasons would mean the legend status will forever elude them!

Whatever boxes they tick, they must have ticked them whilst playing for Stamford AFC. What they did before or after their spell with SAFC does not count - IMO.

[clipper]

By definition a legend should be someone who, after a certain amount of time has passed (to be defined) is still being talked about for their achievements, behaviour, influence etc. and in this case it must be about when they were a Stamford player, manager etc

Some players may have been involved in legendary incidents, kicking the flag when trying to take a corner at Chatham for example, but that wouldn't make the player involved a legend, in fact it may be part of the reason why they would be in the "anti-legend" category.

If we are to progress with this thread I would suggest that we lay down some rules, particularly around how much time has passed, before someone can be nominated/suggested.

Personally, I would say that if someone is still being talked about after 10 years then they would be eligible to be nominated, that would allow for some sort of mythology to have developed rather than people just nominating their favorite current player who may be forgotten within a season or two. I remember a poll on Radio 1 in the late 80s to find the best song of the past 25 years and something by Bros that had been number one for the past few weeks actually won whereas 25 years or so on nobody would know what that was. You need some sort of historical perspective to attain legendary status.

Thoughts anyone (and I don't mean on Bros!)?

[Gary]

I have found a couple of team photos that I will try and put on see if we recognise anyone

[jeremy]

Come on Gary, get these photos on here, the suspense is killing me!