Wolves Football Programmes: http://wolvesprogrammes.weebly.com/198485.html
Ray then joined Wolves, who were then managed by Tommy Doherty in the early part of 1985. Ray's Wolves record: 10 games and 1 goal, (9 Starts, 1 Sub).
His goal came in a 4-1 defeat v Notts County, ending a 7 game run without a goal! For Wolves
Debut v Charlton, coming on as a sub. Wolves' fixtures and results from this period: http://www.statto.com/football/teams/wolverhampton-wanderers/1984-1985/results
Tommy Doherty signed Ray Hankin for Wolves in 1985 but the club were experiencing severe financial problems which eventually led to their demotion to the basement league and Cup exit to Chorley!
Debut v Charlton, coming on as a sub. Wolves' fixtures and results from this period: http://www.statto.com/football/teams/wolverhampton-wanderers/1984-1985/results
Tommy Doherty signed Ray Hankin for Wolves in 1985 but the club were experiencing severe financial problems which eventually led to their demotion to the basement league and Cup exit to Chorley!
23 rd March, 1985: Ray's goal for Wolves!
Below is taken from:http://homepage.ntlworld.com/carousel/ncfc/1984-85.html
Notts County 4
Young 59
Harkouk
Harkouk
Fashanu
Wolverhampton W. 1
Hankin
HT 0-0
Attendance :- 5,561. Notts County:
1. Mick Leonard
2. Pedro Richards
3. Darren Davis
4. Steve Sims
5. Dave Watson
6. Mark Goodwin
7. Rachid Harkouk
8. Justin Fashanu
9. Alan Young
10. David Hunt
11. Tony Daws
Sub not used: Mick Waitt.
Wolves:
1. Tim Flowers
2. John Humphrey
3. Mick Coady *
4. Campbell Chapman
5. Peter Zelem
6. Rikki Herbert
7. Alan Ainscow
8. Ian Cartwright
9. Peter Eastoe
10. Steve Biggins
11. Ray Hankin
Sub: Mark Buckland *
Match report: Central TV recorded the game for a local news report:
Just as we were all about to give up, Notts thrashed both of the other two clubs in the bottom three to move into touching distance of safety. The Magpies gave home debuts to youngsters Darren Davis and Tony Daws v Wolves. All 5 goals were scored in the 2nd half, the Wolves fans went crazy when they scored their goal as it was their first in 8 matches, but Notts were already well in command by then - Alan Young having headed in Rachid Harkouk's corner to set County on their way on 59 minutes, soon to be followed by two individual goals from Harkouk. It was then that Wolves pulled one back to make it 3-1 but Justin Fashanu had the last word with a late header for County's 4th. The victory lifted us to the dizzy heights of 3rd bottom, Notts highest position since September!!!
Bottom six following the win over Wolves, (3 pts for a win):
P GD Points.
17. Wimbledon 30 -9 38
18. Crystal Palace 30 -15 31
19. Middlesbrough 33 -15 29
---------------------------------
20. Notts County 32 -26 27
21. Wolverhampton W. 33 -30 26
22. Cardiff City 32 -30 24
6th April, 1985; Wolves 0, Shrewsbury 1.
Wolves 1 Oxford 2.
"Dons" 1, Wolves 1.
Final league Division two table:
The End!
I don't think Ray had much to prove at this time and definitely would've taken advantage of today's fitness experts who advise every team today! I remember Wolves descending down quicker than the titanic during this time and always felt that the first "Rat"- The Doc's words- to leave was Andy Gray back in '83, i think; At least Ray gave his best as he always did! Thanks again.
This is self explanatory but could Wolves have done so much better if they had decided to stick with Ray Hankin? He certainly would've contributed in front of goal; His heading ability was the best and his game was based around bringing others into the play in-order to benefit the whole team. I don't believe Ray's talent went to waste because he then went on to score goals and helped to bring the best out of all those around him while playing for Whitby. With today's inflated transfer fees, a non league club will forever be deprived of the services of a player with the class of Ray Hankin!
This is self explanatory but could Wolves have done so much better if they had decided to stick with Ray Hankin? He certainly would've contributed in front of goal; His heading ability was the best and his game was based around bringing others into the play in-order to benefit the whole team. I don't believe Ray's talent went to waste because he then went on to score goals and helped to bring the best out of all those around him while playing for Whitby. With today's inflated transfer fees, a non league club will forever be deprived of the services of a player with the class of Ray Hankin!
Ray Hankin joined former team-mate David Harvey, at Whitby Town, for the season '85-'86 and was able to show his class in their F.A. Cup matches.
Please take a look at my facebook page where you will find many more Whitby Town articles and programmes: http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=120443574678443
A Legend's Tribute.
Player's tribute to David Harvey in above testimonial programme.
David Harvey: Team mate at Leeds and Vancouver Whitecaps and a personal friend!
Team sheet for Ray's debut. 4-1, home win.
All Newspaper Pictures Have Been Kindly Provided By Alistair Hartley, From a Scrapbook Dating Back to 1986!
Cabhorse, Don Kirby-Whitby Football Forum: What a lovely presentation of Ray and his contribution to Whitby Town Football, during the team's most successful period.
Steve Balcome is running a very good pub, The Victoria, at Cattal Statio, between York and Harrogate. The grub is excellent
and Steve has kept himself well and makes a wonderful host. We often yarn about the old days and he is well aware that he
never became the darling of the Whitby Town supporters. Some of them are still there, now, slagging off the present day players. Thank you for your hard work. You have made some of us think, that with the right attitude, it is possible to enjoy the ups and the downs
of our great game. WELL DONE.!
Don Kirby: I really enjoyed your publication. I was on the committee during the time that the Leeds lads were part of our set up and despite their obvious advancement, in the game, they became part of a good bunch of players, who still enjoyed the game. To be in their company, with Ted Davis, our chairman and big Bob Scaife our secretary, was a delight.
Mark White: Us older Whitby fans appreciate what Ray did for us........Les Scott down the wing over it goes Hank rises above the centre half....back of the net! happy days!
Steve Balcome is running a very good pub, The Victoria, at Cattal Statio, between York and Harrogate. The grub is excellent
and Steve has kept himself well and makes a wonderful host. We often yarn about the old days and he is well aware that he
never became the darling of the Whitby Town supporters. Some of them are still there, now, slagging off the present day players. Thank you for your hard work. You have made some of us think, that with the right attitude, it is possible to enjoy the ups and the downs
of our great game. WELL DONE.!
Don Kirby: I really enjoyed your publication. I was on the committee during the time that the Leeds lads were part of our set up and despite their obvious advancement, in the game, they became part of a good bunch of players, who still enjoyed the game. To be in their company, with Ted Davis, our chairman and big Bob Scaife our secretary, was a delight.
Mark White: Us older Whitby fans appreciate what Ray did for us........Les Scott down the wing over it goes Hank rises above the centre half....back of the net! happy days!
Ray's first goal for Whitby.
Les Scott's free-kick was headed into the path of Hankin by Angus, who then picked his spot and rifled a full-bloodied volley from twenty yards into the the top left hand corner of the net from the edge of the Peterlee penalty area.
Eddie Gray's Whitby debut.
South Liverpool; Next Round!
Newspaper report of Ray's F.A. Cup winner against South Liverpool. After a tense battle this proved to be the only difference between these two hard working and determined sides!
This was a very close game with very few chances, but when the keeper failed to gather the ball Ray reacted instantly and shot 'The Seasiders' through to the next round.
Ray scored the winner against South Liverpool, in a 1-0 win that allowed them to face York City in the next round but a bit of bad luck, good luck, depending on your view ensured that this would be his last game for Whitby that season! He immediately left for Malta, where he began trials with a league club there and as a non contract player his manager, David Harvey, stated: "It's a blow for us but he goes with our best wishes." "we gave him the chance to impress and he has now found his chance!"
York won this game 3-1, after Whitby had made it 1-1 and even missed a penalty but even with Eddie Gray on the wing they were eventually worn down! York eventually met Liverpool in round 5. After a home 1-1 draw they were beaten 3-1 after extra time at Anfield; Maybe that should've been Whitby and could've been if Ray had played but it wasn't to be and we'll never know!
York won this game 3-1, after Whitby had made it 1-1 and even missed a penalty but even with Eddie Gray on the wing they were eventually worn down! York eventually met Liverpool in round 5. After a home 1-1 draw they were beaten 3-1 after extra time at Anfield; Maybe that should've been Whitby and could've been if Ray had played but it wasn't to be and we'll never know!
BR: Peter Creamer, Manager, M.Sell, T.Smith, L.Scott, W.Baker, S.Bainbridge, P.Bainbridge, J Scott, R.Hankin, J.Smith and P LorainsTeam Assistants. FR: K.March, P Welham, G Mansfield, P Dale, S.McPhee, F.McGee, P.Sharkey, Mascot Andrew Watson.
Lens Meister: I don't have much on Ray. I can tell you he signed for Whitby TOwn in Oct 1985. He debuted against Brandon United on October 12th, 1985 and opened his goalscoring account on October 26th the same year against Peterlee Newtown.
Ray scored nine goals in his 32 appearances, one of them from the bench.
Mr Whitby, comment on their team's forum: Whitby legends:
- Neil Hodgson
- Bobby Veart
- Billy Veart
- Dave Logan
- Scott Nicholson
- Bill Theaker
- Malcolm Poskett
- Kenny Goodrick
- Ray Hankin
- Les Scott
- Steve Balcolme
- Paul Sharkey
- Andy Toman
Picture and comment from Alsithee from the Whitby town forum: remember Ray putting in some good performances for us in the 86-87 season.
He played very well in the FA Cup 1st round against Doncaster Rovers, where a
young Neil Redfearn was marking him.
We drew the home tie 2-2 with a very young Brian Deane coming off the bench
for them to grab a late leveller.
In the replay and trailing 3-2 with 30 seconds it seemed extra time would ensue
when Ray rose above the defence to head goalwards, but the ball fell agonisingly
wide and our brave cup bid was over.
I have some Whitby Gazette and Yorkshire Post match reports from some of his games,
which I have just enjoyed re-reading and also a squad photo from the Gazette with Ray in it.
From a Whitby fan on their forum: Ray played at the time Ted Davis was chairman. He played with Eddie Gray and scored one of Whitby Town's best goals at the Victoria Ground,
Hartlepool, heading home a cross from Eddie, who was wide on the left wing. At that time Hartlepool had a second team, who played in the Northern League. Thank you for reminding some of us, who remember when everyone pulled in the same direction .
Picture contributed by Alistair Hartley, from a scrapbook dating back to 1986! Spennymoor 2 whitby Town 3; The warm up before the F.A. Cup encounter with Doncaster Rovers.
BR: P Lorains, Team Assistant, Hankin, Bainbridge, Pybus, Baker, Scott, P. Bainbridge, Sell, Rose, Brown, Peter Creamer, Team Manager. FR: Gormley, Cooper, Graham, Smith, Mascot: Andrew Watson, Hedley, Welham, Sharkey.
Ray sets up Whitby's second goal and they led 2-1 until late in the game!
Picture contributed by Alistair Hartley, from a scrapbook dating back to 1986! Whitby's first game against Doncaster. Whitby had qualified to this stage of the cup for the third year in succession, meeting Chesterfield, York City and then Doncaster Rovers in each year, but they had to conquer Newcastle Blue Star, first, before facing Rovers in 1986; They did, 2-0 home win with goals from P.Welham and P Graham in front of an attendance of 660!
Vs Newcastle Blue Star.
Baker.W
Scott.L
Pybus.A
Sell.M
Smith.T
Bainbridge.P
Hedley.G
Brown.W
Graham.P
Sharkey.P
Welham.P
Vs Doncaster Rovers.
Baker.W
Scott.L
Pybus.A
Sell.M
Smith.T
Bainbridge.P
Welham.P
Hedley.G
Hankin.R
Sharkey.P
Graham.P
Rose.N (Sub)
V Doncaster (Replay)
As above but no sub used.
Vs Newcastle Blue Star.
Baker.W
Scott.L
Pybus.A
Sell.M
Smith.T
Bainbridge.P
Hedley.G
Brown.W
Graham.P
Sharkey.P
Welham.P
Vs Doncaster Rovers.
Baker.W
Scott.L
Pybus.A
Sell.M
Smith.T
Bainbridge.P
Welham.P
Hedley.G
Hankin.R
Sharkey.P
Graham.P
Rose.N (Sub)
V Doncaster (Replay)
As above but no sub used.
A-Rod12-Whitby Forum:
I remember the home game, we were 2-1 up until a young Brian Deane equalised for them which sparked a battle between Daft Lads Barmy Army and the Donnie Boys over where the refreshment kiosk was adjacent to scratching shed.
If memory serves me correctly that was the same game another Whitby legend, Disho climbed up a floodlight at half-time and refused to come down. I think he spent at least 20 mins of the second half up there before descending into the waiting arms of the boys in blue to spend what wouldn't of been his first night in custody.
Our 80's cup runs were fantastic oh for another.
I remember the home game, we were 2-1 up until a young Brian Deane equalised for them which sparked a battle between Daft Lads Barmy Army and the Donnie Boys over where the refreshment kiosk was adjacent to scratching shed.
If memory serves me correctly that was the same game another Whitby legend, Disho climbed up a floodlight at half-time and refused to come down. I think he spent at least 20 mins of the second half up there before descending into the waiting arms of the boys in blue to spend what wouldn't of been his first night in custody.
Our 80's cup runs were fantastic oh for another.
The Replay:
Picture contributed by Alistair Hartley, from a scrapbook dating back to 1986!
Ray is pictured in the picture below, wearing the number 9 that he wore with distinction at some of his former clubs! P.S. Ray also wore the number 8 shirt!
Ray is pictured in the picture below, wearing the number 9 that he wore with distinction at some of his former clubs! P.S. Ray also wore the number 8 shirt!
Picture contributed by Alistair Hartley, from a scrapbook dating back to 1986! Crook Town 1 Whitby Town 1.
Ray always gave 100% commitment at whatever level he played at and was always capable of the unthinkable!
Ray always gave 100% commitment at whatever level he played at and was always capable of the unthinkable!
Picture contributed by Alistair Hartley, from a scrapbook dating back to 1986! Whitby Town 3, Tow law 1; Attendance 413.
Ray later played for Newcastle Blue Star, between December, 1986, through to June of 1987.
Recalling the time Hankin caused a stir in Parliament!
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9237997.Recalling_the_time_Hankin_caused_a_stir_in_Parliament/
Guisborough Town.
Hankin could head it harder than most players could kick, it as I recall!
Best Town manager. town4eva: For me,it`s got to be Geoff Cane,Ray Hankin and possibly Burton.Cane was unbelievable for this Town and Hankin set the ball rolling to begin with. I just think that for that incredible journey with Cane and Hankin,for bringing the club to the forefront of not only Northern League football but also recognition in the national non-league status. It was very enjoyable to watch and see supporters and players be proud to play for the town.
It was Guisborough Town of the Northern League against fourth division Bury, FA Cup first round at Ayresome Park – Mr Fitzharris subsequently accused in the House of Commons of cheating. Though Bury led after two minutes, Town had been on top until the 37th minute when team captain Ray Hankin was cautioned for allegedly removing his armband. The former Leeds United and Burnley striker, said to have been denied a clear penalty a few minutes earlier, claimed that it had simply fallen by the wayside – and for protesting too much, saw red. The Northern Echo called it a tragedy, which may have been a little over the top.
Ray later joined Guisborough Town and captained this team in their F.A.Cup first round match against Bury, played at Ayresome Park in 1988.
Comment from Craig Gibben, scorer in Guisborough's league cup final win against Tow Law at Spennymoor the year of the FA cup run, 1988: "I had the pleasure in playing in the same team as Ray when we got to the first round proper of the F.A. Cup against Bury playing in front of 10,000 supporters at Ayresome Park".
"Ray was sent of after 25 mins for foul and abusive language towards the ref for not wearing his captains arm band whilst he was receiving treatment from our physio".
"We were very unlucky not to get the draw as I remember Mark Davis (Magget) one on one with the keeper only to put it into row Z when you would normally of put your mortgage on him scoring".
"Great couple of seasons, lots of fond memories". "I'm sure the local card school remember Ray well as they used to take all his wages of him after the game, lol".
This was brought up, inside the commons, in a debate concerning I.D. cards which later were introduced in some football grounds. A Mr Holt was the speaker to the then Minister of State, John Patten: I freely admit that on Saturday, for the first time for a couple of years, I went to a soccer match because Guisborough Town, in my constituency, was playing in the first round proper of the FA cup. The team was cheated by biased refereeing. The referee should have been hounded out of the ground and should not be given an identity card.
Ray Simpson-The Northern echo: Ray phoned me to have a chat earlier this year. Lives in Tynedale now, near Hexham I think.
I can remember the Bury incident well, the ref was a chap called Tom Fitzharris from Bolton.
I can remember the Bury incident well, the ref was a chap called Tom Fitzharris from Bolton.
Ray Hankin then signed and Played for Sherburn Village Wmc, in the Durham and district Sunday league when John Ord was the Manager. Hankin Played in League Games and in a Alan Smith Memorial Cup Final for Sherburn at the Old Ferens Park: 1988, Sherburn Village Wmc versus Trimdon Village Wmc.
Ray then turned his had to management with Northallerton Town, in March 1989. This saw an upturn in the club’s fortunes. Hankin used the remaining games of the 1988-89 season to assess and take stock of the squad.The following season (1989-90) he guided them to promotion to the First Division, after they finished runners-up in the Second Division behind champions Murton. The 1990-91 season saw the club consolidate it's position in Division One, but at the end of that season Ray Hankin resigned and his number two Geoff Cane was appointed Manager.Under Cane the Club enjoyed great success in both the FA Trophy and the FA Cup, reaching the last sixteen in the FA Trophy in 1992-93 before going out to Farnborough of the Vauxhall Conference, and in the same season they reached the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup before narrowly losing away to Accrington Stanley. Their success was a much to do with Ray's contributions during his time there!
Kind words from the Northallerton Town Vice Chairman:
Mark Walker:
I remember when we played Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, there was crowd trouble before kick off, Ray came around to the Northallerton end and offered to fight any supporters, as they were causing trouble. There wasn' t any takers. That was 1993.
Ray returned as assistant Manager to the late Geoff Cane for the 93-94 season. The club went bust in 1994 and they all left.
Darlington Football Club.
Adam Reed, is a former Darlington footballer who was transferred to Blackburn Rovers, for 200,000, in 1995: Major influences on career are Barry Geldart, Ray Hankin and his Dad: http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=219
Ray pictured with the Darlington team for the season 91-92, bottom row and five from the left. He started the season as the youth team coach, but was made caretaker manager from February through to May of 1992.
Up until 2007, Ray had been employed by Newcastle football Club, coaching youngsters in the community. Whatever he decides to do in the future I hope it is to do with football, because, as a player he was a one off and so a LEGEND!
In terms of returning to the game, Hankin would be open to offers, although he feels the game has changed immeasurably over the years and not necessarily for the better.
He said: “I love the game. But you see all the stuff about Dean Windass and the Gary Speed situation, There’s a lot of pressure now on people in the game.
“Unfortunately, many people in the game now aren’t nice people.
“But I’m always open to offers and I’ll go back in the game if I was offered a decent manager’s job or scouting job or whatever.
“At the minute, I’m putting something back into life really with my work, which is what I always wanted to do. I’ve fantastic memories of my football career since I was a kid at Burnley and was involved in football 25 to 30 years. I loved every minute of it, but know I’ve still got a lot to offer.”
John Burn:
I now work with Ray, though I don't know him very well at present. He works as a support worker looking after people with learning disabilities. Not sure if it's true or not, but have heard that he doesn't like talking about his career. My old man said he was a good centre-forward who could 'put himself about'. Wonder why he never ended up at Newcastle, though I know Burnley had a name for poaching youngsters from the North East back then.