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Trevor Cherry's one-time defensive partner at Huddersfield, Roy
Ellam was picked up by Leeds to provide some defensive cover for
Jack Charlton in summer 1972. With Charlton's continuing fitness
and form, and the subsequent arrival of Gordon McQueen, Ellam found
his opportunities limited, and returned to Huddersfield after just
two seasons at Elland Road. He had a spell in the NASL as well as
the inevitable non-league sides, one of whom - Gainsborough Trinity
- he briefly managed.
Neil Thompson says: Seem to remember turning out against him in
a five a side tournament in 1983/4 for the pub he ran, The Lord
Nelson somewhere near Thornhill at Dewsbury. Had strange feet that
stuck out at alarming angles. Nice bloke though.
Simon Winstanley says: I played one game with Roy probably back
in 1992/3. He owned the Red Lion pub in Silkstone, Barnsley at the
time. We were short on players, so Roy was asked if he'd don the
strip and play, he did. He played as centre back, I still remember
to this day he never lost the ball, always played short passes. He
must have been in his 50s, but he was top drawer compared to us
Saturday league players. Suffice to say we lost 2-1 but I'll never
forget that game, I can say I played with Roy Ellam, oh and I
scored our only goal. I was a big Leeds fan upto the age of 6 (with
my little yellow LUFC kit, how that itched), until the Euro cup
defeat, sorry. But I could and can rattle off the great Leeds team
(as Clarkey calls then on Real Radio) of the 70s, but Roy was one I
never knew, until he took over the Red Lion. There were pictures of
him with lined up in the old full white tracksuits acknowledging
the Leeds crowd and him tackling Pele when he played in the States.
Nice fella from what I remember of him.
Dave Williams says: Roy Ellam used to live in my village, South
Kirkby, so you never forget a 'big' fish in such a small pond. Our
only local celebrity at that time. Used to own Great Danes as I
remember (I was only 8 when he was playing for Leeds). Always
seemed popular around the place and came to my school occasionally
to do the 'celeb' thing for us. Seemed a decent bloke.
Paul Stollard says: Roy Ellam is my uncle. I saw him for the
first time in years at a family wedding (27/9/03). He has now
retired from the pub game, though says he misses it. In reply to
Dave William's comments; Roy used to own a Great Dane called Cleo,
long since departed, which was enormous but a real softy... A bit
like Roy really.
Bethany Ellam says: Roy Ellam is my Grandad.He is happily
retired and living in South Hiendly.He works part time at his
Daughters Gym and enjoys looking after my 1 year old cousin
Raull.
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