Independent Rs Messageboard

[Conor Campbell]

The post re: Ian Gillard brought me back to detail in Francis Peacock's Road to 76
about Mick Leach being an unsung hero who got heavy criticism from the crowd

For those who saw Leach play, what did you think of him and what did you see happening
in terms of crowd criticism?

[Steve Russell]

The abuse he got from a small section of 'fans' was disgraceful
Conor

On my first trip to the Old Den in 1965 I clearly recall his goal in
the 1-2 defeat there.

He scored a number of vital goals for us, including one I can
still see in my minds eye, the late dramatic header at Ipswich
in 1968.

And just after that, not to mention the promotion game at Villa
(bit of a blur!) when he scored the opening goal

He later reverted to a midfield role.

[Kerrins]

When Mick Leach first entered the QPR first team set up circa the 1965 era he played at
centre forward.

At first it has to be said he was not popular with a minority of Rangers supporters
who deemed him on the slow side although the records show he did score a number of goals
from this position.

After the league Cup Final of 1967 which Mike did not participate he featured more often in
the line up.

The master stroke by Gordon Jago about 1973 of converting him to a midfield player worked
wonders and there after Mick Leach really excelled in his new role. He more than held his own
in the top flight up against the best sides in the land.

[Conor Campbell]

Thanks for your insights gents. Fair play to him for sticking to task and coming good
in a changed role.

Must have been tough on any R who didn't feature in the 67 final. To witness the final
comeback in person must have been amazing.

[Kerrins]

Yes the club rightly kept the faith and Mick showed determination to come good.

Yep to witness the League Cup Final comeback of 1967 was amazing is certainly one way
of putting it