Brings back memories of meeting him when doing an exhibition match at a Pontins holiday camp when I was a lad which must have been a good 38 or so years ago. He had his demons as, seemingly, did the vast majority of famous sports personalities of his era. He came across as a genuine, nice man which seems to be everyone else's opinion of him too. RIP fella.
On of the 1st things I mentioned,when I heard the news...can’t mem the pontins where I was staying at the mo,but I’m sure I have a photo of me & him...there were a couple of other players that names escape me know tho,but now thinking bout it,sure one was Dennis Taylor & maybe Doug Mountjoy...was about 7-8 so about 41yrs ago for me....anyways yes very sad news RIP Willie
Now old Willy Thorne his hair's all gone And his mates all take the rise His opponent said cover up his head Cos it's shining in my eyes When the light shines down on his bare crown It's a cert he's gonna walk it It's just not fair giving off that glare 'Perhaps I ought to chalk it'
I played at Willie's club in Leicester in 1989 in a competition. Everyone was in the bar watching the world snooker semi, Davis v Hendry. Willie grabbed the remote and switched to Channel 4 racing because he had a bet on.
Comments
A part of the generation of players that made the game a genuine spectator sport
Seemed like a good sport whenever he was on big break too
RIP
Decent sense of humour as well, his underwear brand name brought out the little kid in me.
And his mates all take the rise
His opponent said cover up his head
Cos it's shining in my eyes
When the light shines down on his bare crown
It's a cert he's gonna walk it
It's just not fair giving off that glare
'Perhaps I ought to chalk it'
RIP Willie.
I potted two reds.