Alan Suddick

Alan Suddick (2 May 1944 – 15 March 2009) was an English professional footballer who played at inside-right for Blackpool, Bury, Newcastle United, Southport and Stoke City.

[4] Suddick made his Blackpool debut on 26 December 1966, in a 4–1 home defeat by West Ham United, and was virtually ever-present from that point on, striking up a partnership with Tommy Hutchison on the left or deep in midfield.

He also played a big part in the Seasiders' FA Cup third round replay victory over Arsenal at Bloomfield Road on 15 January 1970, when Blackpool, 2–0 down at half-time, came back to win 3–2 with Suddick scoring the first goal.

[1][4][6] On 27 October 1971, Charlton Athletic tried to sign Suddick, but the deal was turned down, with Blackpool manager Bob Stokoe refusing to even comment on it.

[6][7] Suddick scored his 100th League goal, a penalty, in Blackpool's 3–0 victory over Preston North End at Bloomfield Road on 23 March 1974.

During his time playing for the club, Seasiders fans adapted two lines from the traditional English Christmas carol, "The First Nowell" to, Suddick!

Toward the end of his time at Blackpool, Suddick established an unofficial keepie uppie world record, completing three laps and 20 yards of the pitch, keeping the ball off the ground at Bloomfield Road in just under 20 minutes.

After spending a time coaching with Blackpool, in August 1978 he moved into non-league football with Barrow who were then in the Northern Premier League, where he played 38 games, scoring three goals.

On 2 November 1979 he joined Northern Premier League club Lancaster City teaming up at Giant Axe with former Blackpool teammate Keith Dyson.

[13] In December 2008 Suddick revealed that he would be undergoing stem cell replacement therapy in his battle against cancer, at Manchester Royal Infirmary in early 2009.