Legends - Peter Dolby
The fifth legend to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is Peter Dolby. Peter made over 300 League appearances but will always be remembered at Town for his cup scoring exploits.
Peter Dolby
The fact that Peter Dolby is the latest of the Town Legends for the Hall of Fame to be announced could hardly have happened at a more opportune moment. Peter was mainly employed as a defender by Shrewsbury Town during a career which spanned more than fifteen years. However despite 324 appearances in the Football League it is probably goalscoring exploits in Cup competitions for which he is best remembered.
Having signed from Heanor Town in February 1960 Peter made his debut in the following January at home to Brentford. The shirt could not have fitted as the slim youngster wore the number 10 due to Arthur Rowley being injured. The magic of the day and the shirt obviously conspired to good effect as Peter scored in a 3-0 victory. He returned to the side the following month in place of Malcolm Starkey at Halifax and scored a second half equaliser in a 1-1 draw. The following Wednesday Town were set to play Everton in the inaugural League Cup as usual Peter went to the Sentinel works where he was completing his apprenticeship and as he had retained his place peddled down to the Gay Meadow after work. On the way the plush bus taking moneybags Everton overtook the young cyclist.
That evening is now folklore Everton led but two goals from young Dolby saw the top Division side vanquished. It would set a tone for Peter's career and although he managed only 21 goals in the League his eight Cup strikes well in fact nine were the stuff of Legends. Town have this season made progress in the 52nd League Cup and have drawn Arsenal of course Peter will not play but the only other time Town have travelled to play the Gunners it was due to Peter. In 1968 after overcoming Tow Law Town 6-2 with a Dolby goal we faced the mighty team from London. John Radford had given the visitors the lead but soaring above Ian Ure Peter levelled late on from a corner. True we lost 2-0 at Highbury but again it happened because of Peter.
The discrepancy over Peter's Cup goals revolves around his finest ever strike which set up the Club's most exhilarating game. It happened on a cold Tuesday night in Carlisle. Town had drawn their Fourth round tie at Gay Meadow and travelled North it looked likely to be a rewarding trip as Bobby Ross put Town ahead with eight minutes left. However a right wing cross met by a telescopic leg fired the ball past Alan Boswell for Peter's finest strike sadly in the wrong net but without it the epic second replay at Preston would never have happened.
After retiring from the game Peter sailed through his coaching badges and over the years has fashioned many an embryonic career. He was a newsagent but found a more powerful calling in teaching and still does some voluntary teaching even now. His exploits certainly qualify him for this accolade.
The black tie gala dinner will be held within the Sovereign Lounge and will include an introduction to each legend, a short media clip and an interview where possible. Supporters will be able to enjoy the evening in the company of club historian Mike Jones.