Former Pool coach accused in ‘glove’ claims
Peter Fox is being sued for damages by former Stoke City player George Blackstock, 44, over his alleged treatment at the hands of Fox while he was an apprentice at the Potteries club in the 1980s.
Fox, father of former Pool midfielder David Fox, was goalkeeper coach at Blackpool before leaving the Bloomfield Road job in 2010.
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Hide AdMr Blackstock claims that he was twice subjected to what was referred to as “The Glove” during the 1980s, and has also started legal action against Stoke City.
During a hearing at Preston County Court, witness John Washington said he recalled hearing a pre-match interview with the then goalie, some time between 1986 and 1988 on a local radio programme.
Mr Washington said he was “shocked” upon hearing the comment.
Although Mr Washington said he could not remember certain details about the aired show, he recalled Mr Fox being asked by the BBC Radio Stoke interviewer how the younger players were progressing.
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Hide AdHe said: “I can remember Peter saying what he did – ‘If any young lad at Stoke gets too big for their boots we put Deep Heat in a sensitive place’. I’m sure about the Deep Heat.”
He added that following the comment the reporter “moved on quick and changed the subject onto tactics”.
Mr Washington told the hearing that he had become aware of the case firstly in 2013 after reports in the local and national press, and then again last week. He said he came forward with the information “out of duty”.
In cross examination by Mr Joseph Mulderig for Mr Fox, he questioned how Mr Washington was able to have a “vivid recollection” of the radio show but not of more recent newspaper coverage.
Mr Washington said he was not prepared to accept that his recollection was inaccurate or flawed.
(Proceeding)