Think he only ever missed one pen at main road(Man City Od ground) we played Man U in the charity shield, we being the champs it was played at GP,we had a pen Roston scored and the ref made him take it again, in fact it was retaken 3 times,everyone just inside Gaskill's right post,it said in the Echo the next day that Gaskill gave the ball to Royston after the 2nd attempt,and asked him where he was going to put it ? Royston replied same place. Which he did, he was lightening over the first ten yards,which seemed to give him the edge,great player,and marvellous understanding with The Golde Vision.
My older brother reminded me of Royston Vernon as he got his autograph outside Goodison road on matchday his fingers were covered in nicotine { he was a heavy smoker} - { from HC autobiography} When Catterick found out when signing him he had him in the office , and Vernon lit up - Catterick told him to put his ciggie out , and warned him he would have none of it in the future as the door shut on Vernon leaving He heard a match strike immediately!lol
Roy Vernon - my brother tells me was as thin as wire with a shot like a bullet, and his favourite trick when one on one was to dribble around the keeper and pass in in to the open goal.
On pens in relation to the KM incident - My brother related to me in a FA cup tie at Elland Road v Leeds who were in the old 2nd division were winning 1-0 - we never looked like scoring , and in the closing minutes we were awarded a legitimate pen.
The Captain at that time was fullback Alex Parker grabbed the ball of Vernon , and fluffed it straight at the Leeds Keeper - luckily the Ref spotted encroachment into the box , and ordered it to be retaken - Vernon grabbed the ball back of Parker gave him a mouthful, and slotted it home for a replay.
Another funny tale from the HC autobiography, when Vernon was past his best for us was when Stoke wanted to sign him. He was not at home so they telephoned HC , and he told them which night club he was in and the did the deal in the toilet of the night club!
HC new what a tremendous asset Vernon was to the team he overlooked his strict disciplinary rules with him as he was so good Alex Young, and he were a tremendous combination scoring goals for fun!
He was a massive player for us was Royston Vernon !
