Cult Heroes and Club Icons: The peculiar story of Steve Ogrizovic
theScore's "Cult Heroes and Club Icons" is a weekly feature that examines compelling and engaging stories in the annals of world football.
With a nose like a sundial and the physique of a towering sequoia, English shot-stopper Steve Ogrizovic enjoyed a career that spanned 23 years and more than 600 appearances for Chesterfield, Liverpool, Shrewsbury Town, and Coventry City.
More than just a decorated 'keeper, the angular Ogrizovic was also an accomplished cricketer, reaching the minor counties level of domestic leagues as a medium-fast bowler during a spell with Shropshire.
Unlike the path taken by today's footballers, Mansfield-born Ogrizovic worked as a police officer prior to his top-flight debut with Chesterfield in 1977. He was a hero for the working class, smoked like a chimney and with his unseemly looks, endeared himself to the English people as "one of them."
Even with a lengthy career rife with accolades and plaudits from pundits and supporters alike, part of Ogrizovic's fame stemmed from an urban legend after his playing days were in the rearview.
A career that measured four decades
One of a handful of players alongside Peter Shilton, John Lukic, and Sir Stanley Matthews to play top-flight football in four decades, Ogrizovic's career arc is as noteworthy as his post-playing days.
From the bobby beat to the Chesterfield first team, the man affectionately known as "Oggy" made 16 appearances for the Spireites before moving to Liverpool the following year.
A promising career was at a standstill at Anfield, as Ogrizovic made only four appearances in five seasons. Languishing behind Ray Clemence in Bob Paisley's squad was enough of an obstacle to overcome, only for the club to compound that by signing South African purveyor of eccentrics Bruce Grobbelaar from the Vancouver Whitecaps in 1981. Clemence left the club shortly thereafter.
Ogrizovic made the switch from Merseyside to Shropshire, joining Shrewsbury Town in 1982, where he made 84 appearances for Salop before moving to Coventry City for a fee of £72,500 in 1984.
Between 1984 and 2000, Oggy made 507 appearances for Coventry, lifting the FA Cup in 1987 after a 3-2 win over heavy favourites Tottenham in extra time. One downside of Coventry's victory was the club wasn't eligible for European play as English clubs were banned in the continent on the heels of the Heysel Disaster.
Poetic justice for Ogrizovic, who on the day was the better of the two 'keepers, topping the man, Clemence, that kept him out of the Liverpool squad half a decade earlier.
Generally considered the best shot-stopper during the 1980's and 90's not to earn an England senior cap, his exploits weren't enough to convince Three Lions' gaffers Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor.
When asked what was responsible for a tenure that ran past his 40th birthday, Ogrizovic said, "One good thing is that I don't have to run around like an idiot."
"People say goalkeepers are mad, but I've always thought it was the other way around. At least the ball comes to us, they have to chase it around."
With a jagged nose that would break just as soon as it was mended, the lanky Mansfield product enjoyed a relatively injury-free career.
"I've always been fit and my body is strong. I never want to tempt fate but, apart from a broken leg two years ago, I've also been fortunate with injury."
A most peculiar hoax
Following his retirement in 2000, Ogrizovic assumed several positions at Coventry City, though it's a bizarre incident that bamboozled many which highlights his post-playing days.
With no warning or reason, in 2003, a petition appeared online demanding the release of Ogrizovic by the Kazakhstani government.
"Here is our petition to Tony Blair and the Kazakhstani government demanding the release of footballing legend Steve Ogrizovic and protesting his innocence," began the 'Free Steve Ogrizovic appeal'. "Please sign this petition and help bring forward the release of Steve Ogrizovic."
The petition maintained Ogrizovic was traveling the world on public transport to raise funds for a charity called "Over The Bar," and had unknowingly trespassed onto private military property, prompting his arrest under the suspicion of being a foreign spy.
Over 250 Sky Blues fans pledged their support, posting messages like, "He's obviously innocent and this is no way for a rubbish goalkeeper to have to spend his time" and "Please free Steve as he's a bent-nosed hero to millions."
Concerns for the affable 'keeper in the West Midlands gathered steam with worries for his safety. That is, until Oggy was spotted at Coventry City's Ryton training ground, where he worked as Academy Director.
"This is a complete hoax," Ogrizovic told the Coventry Evening Telegraph in 2003. "I haven't a clue where it has come from."
"I haven't made any trips to Kazakhstan of late - nor am I planning to. I can only assume that with the well-documented break-throughs in science of late, I have obviously been cloned."
Not all who signed the online petition were supportive of Oggy. "Lock him up for life," wrote someone claiming to be the keeper's brother. "I've forever been in the shadows of the big ugly bastard. Cutting off his hands would be ideal because these are the main cause for his success."
Known for his sense of humour and modesty, it would appear Ogrizovic wasn't the only one in the family with a penchant for banter.
Steve Ogrizovic, fan favourite, Coventry legend, one of the best 'keepers of his era and the answer to an unusual trivia question.