“It’s always tremendous to play such a famous club and attempt to prove that we are well above Fourth Division standing” – Bobby Cram, 1971 Match Programme, before the famous 3-2 FA Cup win against Leeds United.
Former manager Dick Graham has paid tribute to Bobby Cram, the man he called “captain courageous” in the local Evening Gazette, after his ex-defender sadly passed away in Canada, aged 68.
Of Cram, who lead the U’s to a now famous giant-killing victory against Don Revie’s famous Leeds United side in 1971, Graham said: “Bobby was such a great bloke; he did so well for me at Colchester.”
Cram made 116 appearances for United, following his move to the Layer Road side in January 1970, after a spell with Vancouver Royals under then player-manager Sir Bobby Robson. Robson had secured his services from West Bromwich Albion.
Aside from being a member of the famous ‘Graham’s Grandads’ squad that beat Leeds, Cram was also skipper when his Colchester side won the Watney Cup, on penalties, the previous summer.
“He was my captain courageous and a great skipper of the club,” added one-time boss Graham.
“Bobby was a very powerful player and during our heyday with Colchester he would even help Dick by taking training some days.
“He was a great character too. When we were at West Brom I used to room with Bob and Ken Faddo. Ken used to do the shopping, Bobby did the cooking and I did the cleaning up – great days!” – Ex-England, Ipswich and Colchester star, Ray Crawford
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