Our Young Player of the Year

[Fulham Broadway 17,045]

1984-5 Season. Robert Isaac was Young Player of the Year

We were away at Millwall. The old Den probably the most dangerous place to visit as an away fan back then. 

Isaac and five friends including Pat Nevin, were at a League Cup game between Millwall and Chelsea at The Den on 9 October 1984, when they realised they were heading towards the home end. To avoid any incidents, they decided to cut through an alleyway, where they were confronted by a group of Millwall fans. According to Isaac, he and his friends were asked to name the Millwall reserve team goalkeeper, which they could not do, due to fear. He was then 'slashed across his back from his armpit to the base of his spine', before charging through the group and fleeing. He was found bleeding by council worker George Bennetts, before being rushed to the Lewisham Hospital, where he required 55 stitches. He reportedly only survived due to the thickness of the leather jacket he was wearing at the time.

Since retiring, he has worked as a chauffeur for the Maktoums, the ruling family of Dubai.

 

[Vesper 29,324]

On 11/03/2025 at 11:54, Fulham Broadway said:

1984-5 Season. Robert Isaac was Young Player of the Year

We were away at Millwall. The old Den probably the most dangerous place to visit as an away fan back then. 

Isaac and five friends including Pat Nevin, were at a League Cup game between Millwall and Chelsea at The Den on 9 October 1984, when they realised they were heading towards the home end. To avoid any incidents, they decided to cut through an alleyway, where they were confronted by a group of Millwall fans. According to Isaac, he and his friends were asked to name the Millwall reserve team goalkeeper, which they could not do, due to fear. He was then 'slashed across his back from his armpit to the base of his spine', before charging through the group and fleeing. He was found bleeding by council worker George Bennetts, before being rushed to the Lewisham Hospital, where he required 55 stitches. He reportedly only survived due to the thickness of the leather jacket he was wearing at the time.

Since retiring, he has worked as a chauffeur for the Maktoums, the ruling family of Dubai.

 

Match detail: Millwall v Chelsea - 09/10/1984

Match detail: Millwall v Chelsea

Match Date: Tuesday, 9th Oct 1984 at 19:30
Competition: League Cup - 2nd Round - 2nd Leg
Opponent: Millwall
Venue: The Den
Attendance: 11,157
Half Time: 1 - 1
Result: Drew 1 - 1
Referee: Alan Seville (Birmingham)

Team:  John Bumstead  Kerry Dixon   Keith Jones   Colin Lee  Joe McLaughlin   Eddie Niedzwiecki (GK)  Colin Pates (C)  Doug Rougvie  Nigel Spackman  David Speedie   Mickey Thomas

Chelsea Goal Scorers: Kerry Dixon (27) Millwall Goal Scorers: Steve Lovell (7)