RIP Dave Shipperley
Former Addick Dave Shipperley passed away on Saturday aged just 64.
One of my early heroes when my Dad first took me to The Valley. Ship, Ship, Shipperley was in his second spell at Charlton then after spending three successful seasons with Gillingham in between his time at Charlton where he came through the youth set up.
He was a no-nonsense big centre half who raised Valley pulses when he used to lumber forward for set plays. He was a giant of a man and I remember him fondly when he would bring the ball out of defence with his feet.
Keith Peacock said he wanted to be a winger in a lovely tribute here.
Shipperley is the father of Neil, and was a policemen locally after he retired from the game in 1981 and played 175 games before finishing his career with Reading. According to the OS he is the club’s record goal scoring centre half, which does not surprise me.
Very sad, RIP Ship.
And, of course, along with Peter Shaw, a goal scorer in our last but one victory away at Millwall (in 1978).
Rest in peace.
Brian Cowan.
I remember a game at Boundary Park (Oldham) mid 70’s. where he and an equally large centre half called Bill Cranston had a coming together challenging for a ball and both ending up in the advertising hoardings. I am sure it registered 5 on the Richter scale. They both just stood up dusted themselves off a nod to each other then on with the game.
Top Man
The game isn’t quite the same anymore is it!