B.B.C. Radio Stoke will be interviewing three local players before the game who turned out for both Stoke City and Crewe Alexandra. They can be compared to the Three Musketeers or characters from Last of the Summer Wine. Don Whiston, Johnny King and Don Ratcliffe wore the two clubs' colours with pride during the 50s and 60s. Don Whiston was a genuine all-rounder who began as a centre -forward and ended up as a fullback. He left the Potters for the Railwaymen in the late 50s. His team mates included Johnny McCue, Frank Mountford and Frank Bowyer. Bright lights Coming to the Victoria Ground from Gresty Road in 1953 for £8,000 was Johnny King. He played at inside-left and his partner on the wing at Crewe was Frank Blunstone. When King came to Stoke, Blunstone made his way to the bright lights of London and Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. King was a popular performer for the Potters. His best season was 1954-55 when he notched 20 goals. In his 371 games for Stoke he scored 113 goals and in 1961 he moved to Cardiff City for £12,000 but returned to Crewe in 1962, retiring in 1967. 'Compo' Perhaps the 'Compo' of the trio because of his impish sense of humour is Don Ratcliffe. He was able to play in any forward position but he is remembered for his forays down the left wing at the Victoria Ground. When Don was given the ball, his head went down as he strode forward. His pace increased, usually in a straight line, and he left many fullbacks trailing in his wake. He was in the struggling Second Division side at Stoke that welcomed back Sir Stanley Matthews in 1961. Don had just agreed a new contract and wily Tony Waddington, the manager, had given him a crowd bonus incentive. Bonus Tony knew that at the time he was on a winner. Stoke were attracting 8,000 gates and Don's bonus came into effect a few thousand more than that figure. When Stanley Matthews walked through the door Don couldn't believe his luck. 36,000 turned up at the next home game and Don was in clover! He played in the Second Division Championship side in 1963 before moving on to Middlesbrough and Crewe. Three local players who gave their all to the professional clubs they served and they will be worthy guests at the Britannia Stadium.
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