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Who Is Saints Greatest Ever Centre Forward ? Number 1 Charlie Wayman
Who Is Saints Greatest Ever Centre Forward ? Number 1 Charlie Wayman
Thursday, 14th Nov 2013 13:18

Over the years Saints have had some great centre forwards or central strikers as they are now called in the modern game, so who would be classed as the greatest we have ever had, over the next few days we will look at the candidates and then vote for your favourite.

Perhaps the first candidate would be Charlie Wayman, Charlie wasn't big in todays terms standing at only 5ft 8 but he had a big heart and the Dell crowd idolised him, he arrived in October 1947 from Newcastle for a club record fee of £10,000 and he remains the only Saint to date to hit five goals in a league match, in his first season he hit 17 goals in only 27 appearances and although Saints late run almost earned them promotion it was a little to late but big things were expected from the next season.

1948/49 saw the Wayman legend cemented, with cries from the crowd of "Up the middle for Charlie" he wreaked havoc scoring 32 times in the league from 32 games, Saints looked certain for promotion leading the table by 8 points with only 7 games left (only 2 points for a win back then) after winning 1-0 at promotion rivals Spurs, but Charlie had been injured early in the second half and in those pre substitute days gamely carried on and even scored the late winner, but the damage had been done, Charlie missed most of the run in, Saints would lose 4, draw 2 and win only 1 of the last 7 and miss out on promotion by 1 point.

The following season was Charlie's last, 24 goals from 36 games was no mean feat, but a poor start cost Saints and they were one of 3 clubs on 52 points aiming for runners up spot, Saints were gutted to miss out on promotion by goal difference, but Sheffield must have been an interesting place that night, Wednesday pipped United for that second promotion spot with Spurs runaway leaders.

Charlie was by now a legend, a café in town was even named in his honour, but his wife couldn't settle in the South and he moved reluctantly to Preston North End, his legend lived on and up until fairly recently the cry Up The Middle For Charlie could be heard at even St Mary's usually when things were desperate up front and one of our greatest forwards was recalled.

In total he played only 100 league games for the club, scoring an amazing 73 goals, plus another 7 FA Cup games and 4 goals, not a great total and usually not enough for the words all time great be bandied about, buts ask anyone who saw him play and they will tell you he was in their eyes the greatest centre forward Southampton FC has ever had.

Photo: Action Images



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