Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

Ray Drinkwater sadly passed away on 24th March 2008, aged 76.

He was the first QPR keeper I ever saw and he made 214 league and cup appearances
for the R’s before moving on to Bath City. Bernard Lambert (Kerrins) sent me his own
memories of Ray which are shown below.

Sadly another of my childhood heroes has departed from this world. Ray Drinkwater
was the steady if unspectacular goalkeeper for the R’s during the 1958-63 era.

He was the stalwart keeper that established himself into the Rangers 1st team after
our young star Ron Springett, was sold to Sheffield Wednesday in March 1958
(a very hard act to follow).

Ray was an integral part of the QPR “nearly men” of the 1960/61 and 1961/62 Seasons
and mostly a safe and reliable custodian between the posts. Yes, without doubt a good
club servant.

I can only ever recall two blots on his form copybook. In a vital end of Season midweek
home fixture against Bradford Park Avenue (April 1962 and lost 2-1), Ray had a rare
nightmare match and was at fault for the Bradford goals. #

The only other lapse I can remember, was in the home defeat by bottom of the League
Chesterfield in March 1961 when he was somehow beaten by a freak long shot from the
Chesterfield inside forward, Brian Frear..two errors in five years! If so, I guess the
majority of goalkeepers would be more than happy to settle for that!

I once had the honour of talking to Ray on the train travelling to an away game at
Portsmouth (January 1962 and lost 4-1)

The train was much delayed due to a mudslide and Ray seemed only too happy to pass
the time having a chat with the supporters.

He mentioned to me that he was pleased that he was going to be made Captain for the
day against his former club and he even took the trouble to explain important tactics
about the integration of forwards and defenders operating as a cohesive unit.

After that pep talk, in my next football match for the Sulgrave Boys Club Juniors, there
was no more standing around on the touchline wing for me when I didn’t have the ball!

Ray Drinkwater eventually left QPR FC in the midst of the ill fated White City Season of 1
962/63 and subsequently moved on to the non-league football arena.

Thank you Ray, in your time you served our club well. It was a pleasure to have met you
in person and witnessed your numerous goalkeeping exploits for the R’s all those years ago.
Gone but not forgotten.

Bernard Lambert

[ESSEXURs]

Yes a no nonsense get on with it player typical of his time when money etc had not
“corrupted” the game.

Unspectacular as you say but Mr Dependable.
Following Ron Springett was a difficult act to follow but he did it without fuss.
To be followed by Peter Springett.
RIP

[Steve Russell]

From Wally Downes on our Facebook group....

Wally Downes
'So good to hear the minutiae of life from fans , the train trip conversation and how
it affected you on the wing at Sulgrave.
Great knowledge and memories.

It was great , but this is so much better reading than always reading about Wembley
visits and 70s team , fabulous as they were!!'

[Kerrins]

Steve I Will reply to Walley Downes on Facebook. Cheers