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Byron Stevenson came through the junior ranks and looked set to
be a long-term replacement for Norman Hunter or Jack Charlton in
the middle of the defence, but he never really found himself a
week-in, week-out position, playing at left and right back, in the
centre of defence and also in midfield. He was well-established in
the Welsh national side when he totally lost it in an international
in Turkey and found himself banned from European competitions for 4
years. In 1982, Leeds were desperate for a striker - so desperate
that they were prepared to sign Frank Worthington - and Stevenson
went to Birmingham in exchange.
Martin Cox says: Byron Stevenson lived in the next street to me
when I was a kid - couldn't believe it whan I found out a Peacocks
player was living fifty yards away - met him when we were out trick
or treatin' - he was most generous - 50p each I seem to remember
(there was about eight of us and it was 20 years ago !) - he gave
us all an autograph, even though he was obviously busy with his
young family,he seemed to have plenty of time for us,and we were
dead chuffed to have met a real life footballer ! Seemed like a top
bloke, but shortly after he moved out when Leeds transfered
him.
Neil Spofforth says: He worked at my old school in the early
90's. John Smeaton High School
Stephen Carney says: i lived 3 doors from byron stevenson when
he played for birmingham city.I was about the same age as his son
about 7 he used to play football in the street with us when he came
home from training. He was a top man.He took me and my brother down
the blues vrs albion one year pat van den hauwe also lived on the
same road and we picked him up on the way.
Byron Stevenson says: Byron is now back in his native country
Llanelli where he's been for the last 4 years after leaving the
publican business.
Kim Battersby-Hill (nee Campbell) says: I was on holiday in
Ibiza with a friend back in the late 70's and we were staying at an
hotel in Portinatx and Byron Stephenson was at the same hotel with
his family. It was a big thrill for my friend and I as we were big
Leeds fans at the time. We never plucked up enough courage to speak
to him but we took photos and stared from a distance.
Pete Pattenden says: I used to live with Byron in the 70's when
he was a young Leeds united player. I lost touch with him when I
went overseas to live in the Middle East in 1978. I followed his
career for a year or so but didn't ever hear very much about him.
Good to know that he continued his career for a few more years
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