Ray Kennedy – A true local hero | OneFootball

I have waited a few days to write this tribute, to in my opinion, one of the greatest footballers the North East has ever produced.

Ray Kennedy was truly blessed.

At 19 years old became a hero at Arsenal as Bertie Mee’s side did the double.

Ray scoring the defining goal against Spurs at White Hart Lane.

He started out at New Hartley Juniors and according to my older mates, Ray Kennedy was something else.

It was no wonder that it was Ray who would be the great Bill Shankly’s last signing for his beloved Liverpool.

Ray did the great man proud and was converted into the best left-sided midfielder in the country by .

I had the pleasure of sharing Ray Kennedy’s company in the Melton Constable in Seaton Sluice many years ago….and he confided to me that he would have loved to have pulled our black and white stripes on.

There is a bench when you come out of Holywell village remembering another smashing lad who I met…Rob Hindmarch, the former Sunderland player.

I hope the magic man, with the wand of a left foot, Ray Kennedy, will also never be forgotten by all of the region.

His brave battle with Parkinson’s disease covering almost four full decades, was testament to the kind of man he was.