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Looking back at different decades in football is enjoyable. It is fun to see how previous world class players moved around the globe to find trade. Hong Kong captured many of the players during a period that did see other leagues defunct.
Hong Kong became a place to play for foreign stars. Many decided to move out to what looked very exciting in many ways. A trade centre and lively community that also had a professional football league.
The first player we like to mention is Eddie Loydon. He was a footballer who had prevously played for Blackpool, Chester, Shrewsbury, Barnsley and Tranmere. As a Tranmere player, he is remembered for scoring a special goal at Highbury. This goal defeated Arsenal 1-0 in an EFL Cup game in October 1973. He left Tranmere to join Hong Kong club Caroline Hill in 1974, finishing in 1978. He joined South African club Highlands Park for a short stay a few months earlier.
George Best played in Hong Kong. 5 appearances for Sea Bee helping them to win the 1982 league championship. He also had a short stay at Hong Kong Rangers that same year. Sea Bee recruited a number of British players, having Derek Spence as one of their stars. Spence also played for Hong Kong Rangers. He is best known for his years at Blackpool and Bury. A good traveller in the game also having had spells at Sparta Rotterdam and Olympiacos. Other Sea Bee players to notice were Aston Villa league and European Cup winner, Gary Shaw. Fulhum sharp shooter Dean Coney, Crystal Palace and Blackburn midfielder Tony Finnigan. Raphael Meade, previously with Arsenal and Coventry goalkeeper Perry Suckling were out here. Also to mention Scottish league striker Ian Ballantyne.
World Cup winner Bobby Moore also had a spell in Hong Kong, representing Eastern SC during the 1981 season. He also held the role as first team manager. Alan Ball and Graham Paddon were other professional english footballers to have played for the club.
One other club with a number of stars were Bulova SA. England international and former Norwich, Southampton and Man City forward Phil Boyer was among their players. England international Charlie George known for great performances at Arsenal and Derby also played for Bulova. Scotland World Cup 1974 player Tommy Hutchison also played for Bulova, back in 1981/82. He appeared in english league football all into his mid 40’s, having spells at Blackpool, Coventry, Man City and Swansea. Terry Conroy, ex Stoke, Peter Foley, ex Oxford, Derek Parlane ex Leeds, Man City and Rangers, John Clayton, ex Derby, were all known players in the shirt of Bulova.
The best team during these years in Hong Kong football were Seiko SA. A team owned by the famous watch company. They had the best players and star imports. Dutch World Cup heroes Dick Nanninga, Rene van de Kerkhof, Gerrie Muhren and Arie Haan had spells here. Scottish international defender Gordon McQueen, ex Leeds and Man Utd also joined Seiko SA. England international and Aston Villa league and European Cup winner, Tony Morley also joined.
A new story put together about the heydays of Hong Kong football. Bobby Moore, George Best and Charlie George all played there at the time, but other British imports shined. Derek Currie, Walter Gerrard and Davi Allison were the top names, the full story, https://t.co/IiJdDKHwSO pic.twitter.com/sV5lmMolW6
— IVAR T (@soccervoice) May 30, 2025
Hong Kong Rangers is a club of great tradition. The club was founded in 1958 by a Scottish expatriate from Glasgow named Ian Petrie. He named his club after Rangers. It was the first Asian football club with a modern football club managing system. Jim Forrest is a legendary player who earlier had been a top player for Glasgow Rangers. Forrest was known for his goalscoring.
South China AA also have a proud history. During the years of the late 70’s and early 80’s you found players such as Barry Powell, Chris McGrath, Tommy Langley and Frank McAvennie. South China AA is still one of few of these clubs still in action.
This is a time seen as the heydays of Hong Kong football. An article written by Maria Spackman in 2019 describes this period in perfect sentences. Walter Gerrard and Derek “Jesus” Currie were two players described as pioneers of foreign imports. Gerrard played for Rangers and Seiko, scoring important goals and winning the league and cups on many occasions. Currie played as winger, had been previously played in the Scottish league with Motherwell. Both became great hits having their best years in the game for Rangers and Seiko. Currie also played for Bulova and Eastern. The son of Malcolm Allison, Dave Allison also build a career in Hong Kong.
The list will include more players.
Player List
GoalkeepersPerry Suckling
DefendersGordon McQueen
Dave Allison
Bobby Moore
MidfieldAlan Ball
Graham Paddon
Barry Powell
Arie Haan
Gerrie Muhren
Rene van de Kerkhof
Tommy Hutchison
ForwardsWalter Gerrard
Eddie Loydon
Derek Spence
Tony Morley
George Best
Charlie George
Derek “Jesus” Currie
Gary Shaw
Jim Forrest
Derek Parlane
Dean Coney
Chris McGrath
Frank McAvennie
Tommy Langley
Dieter Schwemmle
Terry Conroy
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