Trevor Cherry's one-time defensive partner at Huddersfield, Roy
Ellam was picked up by Leeds to provide some defensive cover for Jack
Charlton in summer 1972. With Charlton's continuing fitness and form,
and the subsequent arrival of Gordon McQueen, Ellam found his
opportunities limited, and returned to Huddersfield after just two
seasons at Elland Road. He had a spell in the NASL as well as the
inevitable non-league sides, one of whom - Gainsborough Trinity -
he briefly managed.
Neil Thompson says: Seem to remember turning out against him in a
five a side tournament in 1983/4 for the pub he ran, The Lord Nelson
somewhere near Thornhill at Dewsbury. Had strange feet that stuck out
at alarming angles. Nice bloke though.
Simon Winstanley says: I played one game with Roy probably back in
1992/3. He owned the Red Lion pub in Silkstone, Barnsley at the time.
We were short on players, so Roy was asked if he'd don the strip and
play, he did. He played as centre back, I still remember to this day
he never lost the ball, always played short passes. He must have been
in his 50s, but he was top drawer compared to us Saturday league
players. Suffice to say we lost 2-1 but I'll never forget that game, I
can say I played with Roy Ellam, oh and I scored our only goal. I was
a big Leeds fan upto the age of 6 (with my little yellow LUFC kit, how
that itched), until the Euro cup defeat, sorry. But I could and can
rattle off the great Leeds team (as Clarkey calls then on Real Radio)
of the 70s, but Roy was one I never knew, until he took over the Red
Lion. There were pictures of him with lined up in the old full white
tracksuits acknowledging the Leeds crowd and him tackling Pele when he
played in the States. Nice fella from what I remember of him.
Dave Williams says: Roy Ellam used to live in my village, South
Kirkby, so you never forget a 'big' fish in such a small pond. Our
only local celebrity at that time. Used to own Great Danes as I
remember (I was only 8 when he was playing for Leeds). Always seemed
popular around the place and came to my school occasionally to do the
'celeb' thing for us. Seemed a decent bloke.
Paul Stollard says: Roy Ellam is my uncle. I saw him for the first
time in years at a family wedding (27/9/03). He has now retired from
the pub game, though says he misses it. In reply to Dave William's
comments; Roy used to own a Great Dane called Cleo, long since
departed, which was enormous but a real softy... A bit like Roy
really.
Bethany Ellam says: Roy Ellam is my Grandad.He is happily retired
and living in South Hiendly.He works part time at his Daughters Gym
and enjoys looking after my 1 year old cousin Raull.
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