False dawn 2,294 Posted January 24, 2020 As we're having a bit of a lull in the silly season, I thought I'd relive a few memories. Soldier Boy was Ray Wilson's number one supporter at Blackbird Road Leicester in my memory in the early 70's. Indeed I think he used to follow Ray everywhere including guest appearances for other clubs. He was famous (infamous) and used to stand right by the starting gate at Blackbird Road. He regularly had very vocal exchanges with opposing fans. I have a vague recollection that he switched his support to Ole Olsen at some point in time (Ray Wilson retired or moved to Birmingham?). But I don't remember what became of him (if I ever knew). Any memories? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lastword 200 Posted January 24, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, False dawn said: As we're having a bit of a lull in the silly season, I thought I'd relive a few memories. Soldier Boy was Ray Wilson's number one supporter at Blackbird Road Leicester in my memory in the early 70's. Indeed I think he used to follow Ray everywhere including guest appearances for other clubs. He was famous (infamous) and used to stand right by the starting gate at Blackbird Road. He regularly had very vocal exchanges with opposing fans. I have a vague recollection that he switched his support to Ole Olsen at some point in time (Ray Wilson retired or moved to Birmingham?). But I don't remember what became of him (if I ever knew). Any memories? I certainly remember his appearances at Hyde Road back in the day. Stood by the gate there too. Always good banter with fans. Edited January 24, 2020 by lastword 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racers and royals 8,712 Posted January 24, 2020 Found this from 2012 thread oldace replied to Cockney Rebel's topic in Speedway News and Discussions The last I heard Tony Ganley AKASoldierBoy was living in Ireland so I doubt he sees much speedway these days 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve roberts 9,242 Posted January 24, 2020 (edited) Remember when Garry Middleton invited him onto the centre green at Cowley so as to continue with a "discussion" that had got rather heated! Didn't he end up winning the lottery or something? Last rider I knew who vented his support was Neil Evitts (?) Edited January 24, 2020 by steve roberts 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cityrebel 2,960 Posted January 30, 2020 As a kid i thought he was a right nutter, but looking back now, i reckon he was a just great wind up merchant. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve roberts 9,242 Posted January 30, 2020 Remember at Reading during their Tilehurst days he gatecrashed the 'Tug of War' involving riders at the end of season fun and games in 1972 or 1973. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trotter65 57 Posted February 26, 2020 I remember Soldier Boy at all Hyde Road meetings after I started going in 1978...Ole Olsen was certainly his favourite from what I remember and I can recall Olsen winning the second half at Hyde Road and going to the fence to give Soldier Boy his trophy...Always stood at the tapes and was very vocal.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
