For the latest in our ongoing series covering those who have achieved legendary status among the support, we feature another former Luton figure who became a fans favourite.
Following on from those already covered – John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read, Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton, Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson, Graham French, Alan West, David Moss, Terry Branston, John Aston, Paul Futcher, John Ryan, Syd Owen, Marvin Johnson, Malcolm MacDonald, Bob Hatton, Steve Buckley,Chris Coyne, Ron Baynham, John Still, Jack Bannister, Ricky Hill, Chris Nicholl, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Don Givens, Gordon Turner, Brian Stein, Jesse Pye, Raddy Antic, Joe Payne, Max Dougan, Alan Slough, Ray Whittaker, Dave Pacey, Milija Aleksic, Ron Davies, Sandy Davie John O’Rourke, Les Sealey, Bob Morton and Wally Shanks
The latest ex-Hatter to be granted status in our legends hall of fame is Gordon Riddick as nominated by Chris Winter.
Riddick, who could play up front or as a midfielder, was a player that made 114 appearances for the Hatters during which he scored on 17 occasions.
Gordon was what is today, a rarity, someone who came through the youth system to play, on a regular basis, for the first team.
Born in a suburb of Watford, Gordon started his Hatters career at just 17-years-of-age in the youth team.
His ability saw him make sufficient progress to make his first team debut, in December 1962, in a 2-1 defeat away to Rotherham.
Despite making in excess of 100 appearances, Gordon received a mixed reception from the Luton Town support, some appreciated his endeavour while others didn’t seem to appreciate what he offered the team.
In 1967, Gordon’s Luton Town career came to an end when he joined Gillingham in 1967, later in his career he was to play for Charlton Athletic, Orient, Northampton Town and Brentford before dropping into non-league football with Wealdstone Town.
Although a more than competent footballer, Gordon had another string to his bow, playing Minor Counties cricket for Hertfordshire.
Sadly, Gordon passed away, aged 74, in 2014.
Gordon Riddick – Mini Fact File
Name – Gordon George Riddick
Date of Birth – 06-November-1943
Place of Birth – Langleybury, England
Position – Midfielder, Defender
Youth Career – Luton Town
Playing Career – Luton Town, Gillingham, Charlton Athletic, Orient, Northampton Town, Brentford, Wealdstone
If you feel able to share any of your thoughts or memories on the Hatters career of Gordon Riddick, please feel free to do so in the comment facility beneath this article.
If you can think of anyone who deserves nominating for coverage in this ongoing series, please drop their name into the comment facility beneath this article.
My thanks go to those who have already nominated faces from the past, they will all be covered, in time.
Next up in the series will be Billy Bingham as suggested by Geoff Eade Winter.
COYH’s
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Luton Town – Popular Player Calls Time On Hatters Career
Gordon Riddick was a brilliant footballer but was mercilessly picked on by a small section of “Hatters fans”.
Good technically and an intelligent passer of the ball he did have a good run in the side in the late 60’s when moved to midfield.Helped to get us promoted from Division 4.
He’d already left before that season.
Sounds similar to people’s expectations of many of today’s players….. all experts aren’t we….
Gordon Riddick was a really gifted player in a rapidly declining team tumbling down the leagues. In a better team he would have really thrived. Always gave 100%