DaveF
1st team Player
Posts: 1,726
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Post by DaveF on Jun 18, 2013 20:38:43 GMT
We were saddened today to learn of the death of Graham Dennis. See the club site for more details.
I didn't go to every away game back in 1972 and instead Dad and I would go to watch the reserves at Sutton. One player stood out, you didn't have to be a coach to pick him out, full of running, blond hair flapping in the wind and a stick of dynamite in his left boot. GD played with a freedom that he carried over into the first team and his "blond bombshell" nickname was so appropriate. I also remember him coming over to our table in the Minehead bar after losing an FA Cup tie there in the 1980/81 season and promising us that the team would make it up to the fans by getting to the Trophy Final.
R.I.P. Graham
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Post by markf2 on Jun 18, 2013 21:05:23 GMT
That is so sad to read. GD was a top player and a top bloke. Whenever he came back to GGL after retiring, he would always look for me for a chat. Truly a great player and likeable fellow.
GD left U's for Dartford after the 75/6 season and later played for Robins before returning to Sutton in a swap deal for Gavin Fraser. That one season return took him to Wembley for the 81 Final as mentioned by Dave, above. He formed a formidable goalscoring partnership with Ricky Kidd in the mid 70's, was one of the few that survived the cull when Ted Powell revamped the side for the 74/5 season and was a great player to watch.
RIP GD.
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Post by markf2 on Jun 18, 2013 21:11:06 GMT
To add, if memory serves me correct, GD was the first recipient of the POY award, given then by the Supporters Club (no club equivalent back then).
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dave1
Youth Team Player
Posts: 223
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Post by dave1 on Jun 19, 2013 6:01:15 GMT
Some of my earliest and fondest memories of watching Sutton as a child involved Graham hitting the back of the net from 30 yds out. Memory isn't was it was, but I seem to recall that one of them was against Bangor in the FA Trophy. Always brought entertainment to games (reminded me a bit of Matt Le Tissier) and I was surprised he never went on to play at a higher level. In my eyes, one of the most talented players Sutton have ever had. I'm sure that the club will pay appropriate tribute to his passing at the Arsenal or Fulham game.
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Post by bornatotter on Jun 19, 2013 6:55:54 GMT
Not much to add to dave1. Some of my earliest memories at GGL are GD lashing shots into the roof of the net from 30 yards and sparking off excitement and expectation whenever he picked up the ball. A true Sutton legend. Really sad news
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Post by garethl on Jun 19, 2013 7:46:06 GMT
Before my time as a Sutton player but did have the pleasure of doing some cricket coaching with him. Nice guy, sad news.
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oohaah
Top Performer
Posts: 3,142
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Post by oohaah on Jun 19, 2013 15:42:35 GMT
Haven't cried for a long time, but just did at this very, very sad news. RIP G.D.
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bh
1st team Player
Come on you Us
Posts: 1,580
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Post by bh on Jun 19, 2013 16:40:57 GMT
Very sad news. Remember him as great player. RIP GD
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tonyd
1st team Player
Posts: 1,496 
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Post by tonyd on Jun 19, 2013 17:38:47 GMT
One of my all time favourites, I always thought of him as a non-league Colin Bell, full of energy, driving runs, cannonball shot.
Deepest sympathies to his family.
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jr
1st team skipper
Posts: 2,199
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Post by jr on Jun 19, 2013 21:39:10 GMT
Great player and a pleasure to watch and talk to. RIP Graham
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oohaah
Top Performer
Posts: 3,142
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Post by oohaah on Jul 4, 2013 9:01:58 GMT
I wasn't able to go myself but trust that the club was well represented?
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Post by markf2 on Jul 4, 2013 20:30:07 GMT
Unfortunately, GD's funeral was the day I went back to work after hols, so could not make it either.
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