There's a small group of people who have done more for snooker than anyone else, and maybe the game wouldn't even be what it is without them. Virgo is 100% in that group.
Many years ago [in the mid-1970's] I was seconded to the Manchester office of the company I worked for. I was really excited by this and instantly settled in when I turned up for my first day at work. What made it even better was that my new boss who would be mentoring me, was a really nice bloke. Indeed, we immediately struck up a close friendship even though he was nearly 20 years older than me. But imagine how happy I was when I found out that like me, he was a massive snooker fan! From that moment on, practically every night after work we made our way down to the local snooker club to play a few frames. Then one day when I came to work my boss told me that there was a big match being played at Manchester YMCA and asked me if I wanted to go and see it with him. Of course, I said yes and couldn't wait until 5.30pm so we could leave the office to go and watch the snooker. When we got to the YMCA it was absolutely packed. I asked Ken [my boss] why there were so many people there and he explained that they had all come to see this young up-and-coming kid who everyone said was going to be next Alex Higgins. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and there was a loud round of applause as the two players made their way to the table. The older player was introduced as the local champion - but I didn't hear his name as the crowd were so noisy. Then this young thin long-haired kid stood up. I could understand why everyone thought he was the next Alex Higgins as he was very similar in appearance. This time, I heard the referee when he called out his name -Terry Fitzgerald. Terry nervously waved to the audience and returned to his 'corner' as the Champion won the toss and broke off. They then took turns to pot a few balls each before losing position and letting their opponent in. It was only after Terry Fitzgerald missed a relatively easy blue into the middle pocket that would have won him the match, that I noticed the large, curly-haired man was that sat by his side in the corner and appeared to be coaching him. It was John Virgo! John had just burst onto the snooker scene himself at that time - but everyone knew who he was from his appearance on 'Pot Black' and other major tournaments. It was such a surprise to see him at this amateur match supporting the young up-and-comer - Terry Fitzgerald. Sadly, Fitzgerald lost the match and I never heard of him again. Some of the more knowledgeable snooker fans in the audience that night said he didn't have the 'mental strength' as he 'bottled' it on the easy blue. But I am not sure. I have always wanted to meet John Virgo in person after that and ask him - whatever happened to Terry Fitzgerald? But I never did, What I do know is that like you say - John Virgo has given so much to the game. He's a real class act and it's so good to see one of the 'nice guys' in this world make it for a change.
John's really connected to the roots; the smoky snooker clubs and the colourful characters that were the backbone of the professional game. He's a marvellous story teller and humourist. Great player in his day too.
Yet another great episode in this old series! Didn't know much about JV in the earlier years, but he did look a bit tough, for sure...and it's easy to see why SD said what he did about that touchy subject. Now, JV is well suited to his 'silver fox' role...and one of the most recognised and respected 'voices' of Snooker. JV also comes across as 'a particularly troubled Romulan' re his earlier battles with nerves and the game itself; it was fascinating to listen to him open up about it...and, as he said himself, it still plays on his mind to this day. SD does the role of interviewer very well indeed. I could listen to these great players just chat away about the old days...what great stories they have about the life, the personalities, the times, and the behind-the-scenes events... This series, is, in fact, a virtual oral history of Snooker! Thanks for sharing!
Playing snooker since mid 60's, in Toronto, glad to hear insights to the beginings in the UK, pot black, tv coverage, canadians like Thorburn, and Stevens coming over in the late seventies added to the mix.
Yes Dave, I always liked Sir Bob and Nick Luck is a great presenter, I'm surprised he hasn't got a gig presenting other/bigger sports. It might be at my end but are you having sound problems ? Just it seemed a bit too quiet even though I had the volume on full.
14:13 - fair play to Judd Trump for bringing that back into the game. The famous class of 92 were doing what JV is saying here at that time... Mark Williams, I'm looking at you! 🙂
The main reason why Snooker took off is Alex Higgins 2nd colour tv End off !!!! No Higgins ...No White....No O'sulivan.....just boring old farts taking turns to miss ? As someone once said ?
There's a small group of people who have done more for snooker than anyone else, and maybe the game wouldn't even be what it is without them. Virgo is 100% in that group.
Good
Many years ago [in the mid-1970's] I was seconded to the Manchester office of the company I worked for. I was really excited by this and instantly settled in when I turned up for my first day at work.
What made it even better was that my new boss who would be mentoring me, was a really nice bloke. Indeed, we immediately struck up a close friendship even though he was nearly 20 years older than me.
But imagine how happy I was when I found out that like me, he was a massive snooker fan! From that moment on, practically every night after work we made our way down to the local snooker club to play a few frames.
Then one day when I came to work my boss told me that there was a big match being played at Manchester YMCA and asked me if I wanted to go and see it with him. Of course, I said yes and couldn't wait until 5.30pm so we could leave the office to go and watch the snooker.
When we got to the YMCA it was absolutely packed. I asked Ken [my boss] why there were so many people there and he explained that they had all come to see this young up-and-coming kid who everyone said was going to be next Alex Higgins.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed and there was a loud round of applause as the two players made their way to the table. The older player was introduced as the local champion - but I didn't hear his name as the crowd were so noisy.
Then this young thin long-haired kid stood up. I could understand why everyone thought he was the next Alex Higgins as he was very similar in appearance. This time, I heard the referee when he called out his name -Terry Fitzgerald.
Terry nervously waved to the audience and returned to his 'corner' as the Champion won the toss and broke off. They then took turns to pot a few balls each before losing position and letting their opponent in.
It was only after Terry Fitzgerald missed a relatively easy blue into the middle pocket that would have won him the match, that I noticed the large, curly-haired man was that sat by his side in the corner and appeared to be coaching him. It was John Virgo!
John had just burst onto the snooker scene himself at that time - but everyone knew who he was from his appearance on 'Pot Black' and other major tournaments. It was such a surprise to see him at this amateur match supporting the young up-and-comer - Terry Fitzgerald.
Sadly, Fitzgerald lost the match and I never heard of him again. Some of the more knowledgeable snooker fans in the audience that night said he didn't have the 'mental strength' as he 'bottled' it on the easy blue. But I am not sure.
I have always wanted to meet John Virgo in person after that and ask him - whatever happened to Terry Fitzgerald? But I never did, What I do know is that like you say - John Virgo has given so much to the game.
He's a real class act and it's so good to see one of the 'nice guys' in this world make it for a change.
John's really connected to the roots; the smoky snooker clubs and the colourful characters that were the backbone of the professional game. He's a marvellous story teller and humourist. Great player in his day too.
Fantastic, thanks for uploading all these rare clips
You're welcome.
Yet another great episode in this old series! Didn't know much about JV in the earlier years, but he did look a bit tough, for sure...and it's easy to see why SD said what he did about that touchy subject. Now, JV is well suited to his 'silver fox' role...and one of the most recognised and respected 'voices' of Snooker. JV also comes across as 'a particularly troubled Romulan' re his earlier battles with nerves and the game itself; it was fascinating to listen to him open up about it...and, as he said himself, it still plays on his mind to this day. SD does the role of interviewer very well indeed. I could listen to these great players just chat away about the old days...what great stories they have about the life, the personalities, the times, and the behind-the-scenes events... This series, is, in fact, a virtual oral history of Snooker! Thanks for sharing!
That Ray Reardon story is fantastic "From nowhere actually" 😂😂
Thanks for the upload, it was great 👍
You're welcome.
Playing snooker since mid 60's, in Toronto, glad to hear insights to the beginings in the UK, pot black, tv coverage, canadians like Thorburn, and Stevens coming over in the late seventies added to the mix.
Fantastic interview!
I liked the Alex Higgins bit about the press conference.
When you don't want to pay for the James Bond theme
That was the dog's bollocks.
Whatched John at exhibition at pontings great player
Yes Dave, I always liked Sir Bob and Nick Luck is a great presenter, I'm surprised he hasn't got a gig presenting other/bigger sports. It might be at my end but are you having sound problems ? Just it seemed a bit too quiet even though I had the volume on full.
I’d never heard the Virgo’s Rebels story before .
Nor me.
Virgo is the only player ever to come fourth in the World Championship- beaten 7-3 by Charlton in the first (and last) third place play off in 1979.
Virgo thought the title was his to lose once Reardon went out, but he came unstuck against Taylor in the semi-final
Great comments from John. I wish I could let go.
14:13 - fair play to Judd Trump for bringing that back into the game. The famous class of 92 were doing what JV is saying here at that time... Mark Williams, I'm looking at you! 🙂
34:30 - Ha!
Absolutely. I agree completely.
Gan on Virgzza bonny lad!
Wheres the cue ball going
You know? Yes, we know, John.
I rather think they do know
John Virgo M.B.E for services to sport and entertainment.
It slips off the tongue. Get it sorted Charles
😂😂😂
37:53 "I couldn't get a tug if I tried"
Steve's correct... it all went pro for everyone and there was a failure to invest in a sustainable base for the sport.
The brad pitt of snooker.
Vrgo was a bit of a bad loser if i remember rightly. good bloke though
Alex didn’t run round the table
Good point. He was exciting and erratic. But he wasnt as fast a player as people seem to think.
Why not just go home?
Can you play snooker? No
The main reason why Snooker took off is Alex Higgins
2nd colour tv
End off !!!!
No Higgins ...No White....No O'sulivan.....just boring old farts taking turns to miss ? As someone once said ?