Never realised he had to retire so early…
https://www.issawalsall.org/post/mike-cecere-interview
I’d forgotten he was still here in 93-94, if I’d been asked I’d have said he left in the summer of '93.
He’s not kidding about a section of fans getting on his back, it seemed those who didn’t like him REALLY didn’t like him. Over the years I’ve heard a few say he’s one of the worst strikers we’ve ever had, which seems way over the top to me. I can think of plenty who I reckon were a lot worse.
Did you ask him how his name is pronounced? Chech-er-ee, Chech-er-ay, Sess-er-ee, Sess-er-ay…or summat totally different?
Its Chech-er-ay! I didn’t ask him but Paul Marston did in 1990. I thought he supported the likes of Rimmer and Rod Maca very well and a lot worse have appeared in our colours. Always tried his best couldn’t fault him for effort.
I liked him.Formed a decent partnership with Stuart Rimmer. There have been plenty worse than him over the years for sure.
I’ve heard all four pronunciations from different fans, I’ve gone for Chech-er-ee, so I’ll have to get out that habit now.
He made a good partner for Wayne Clarke as well, did the donkey work. I think his late winner against Crewe in April of 93 might be my favourite Bescot moment from the early years there.
A good read that. I remember that time-period vividly and there were plenty of goals spread around with Clarke, McDonald and Cecere up top. I recall a rather distressing story about his personal life (involving an actress from Coronation Street). Injuries ruined a good career but he certainly played his part in some memorable games.
He was a cracking, hard working striker, with a pretty respectable strike rate in some fairly shocking squads.
My favourite was his ‘handball’ goal. Charging down the keepers clearence with both hands raised in the air, ball goes in the net with everyone expecting a free kick, even Mike look back to the ref with shock and amazement that the goal was given
Went out with Jenny Bradley from Corrie, led to a cheeky chant that, if I remember rightly, included Rita Fairclough
Bet he’s glad he never got to meet the father.
Come to think of it, it was Mavis Riley!
Ought to have been Audrey Roberts given that Sue Nicholls comes from Darlaston - and is married to the bloke who played Alan Bradley.
She used to have a farm shop on Mill Lane Shelfield, for a few glorious years it sold maggots which saved the likes of me the bike ride to Brownhills High Street if I wanted some for fishing purposes.
And that farm shop is still there.